The story of The Time began in late 1980, when Prince decided to put together a R&B/funk band. His reasons for doing so still remain a mystery to this day, despite various sources maintaining that the group was put together as a favour to Morris Day. Supposedly Morris had originally written "Partyup," which Prince wanted so much that he offered to get Morris a group together and get them a record contract.
From Flyte Tyme To The Time
Using the remnants of a local group called Flyte Tyme, Prince created a new six-piece band with Morris as the singer. Flyte Tyme, named after a song by jazz artist Donald Byrd, had existed in different incarnations since 1974.
The nucleus of The Time were Flyte Tyme members Terry Lewis (bass), Monte Moir and Jimmy Jam Harris (keyboards), and Jellybean Johnson (drums), all from Minneapolis.
Cynthia Johnson was one of Flyte Tyme's early lead singers until she left to sing with Lipps Inc., who had a huge 1980 hit with "Funkytown."
Sue Ann Carwell did a stint as lead singer before getting a solo contract, and then Alexander O'Neal took over. He was Prince's first choice as singer in the re-formed group, but he declined Prince's offer.
Originally to be the drummer in the group, Morris Day instead became The Time's singer. At the time of the formation, he played in a group called Enterprise.
To complete the group, they needed a guitarist. Morris remembered a young, talented guy who had auditioned for Enterprise, called Jesse Johnson, from Rock Island, Illinois. Prince flew back from the Dirty Mind tour on the strength of Morris' boasts to see Jesse play. He was subsequently drafted to play guitar in the group, and came to Minneapolis in April, and everything looked set.
Prince got The Time a contract with Warner Bros. He had already recorded most of the album on his own, prior to any involvement of the band members, except Morris.
Prince's bass player André Cymone was going to write some songs, but he claims Prince more or less muscled him out of the project.
from right to left:jesse johnson (guitar), monte moir (keys), jellybean (drums), jimmy jam (keys), terry lewis (bass),
front and center:
morris day
