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Wendy and Lisa - The Revolution

Wendy and Lisa - The Revolution: Encyclopedia II - Wendy and Lisa - The Revolution

In 1980, Lisa Coleman replaced Gayle Chapman in Prince's touring band. Coleman was well-liked by Prince and was asked to contribute vocals to several tracks over his next few albums. In 1983, Dez Dickerson left the band due to religious conflicts. Coleman suggested Melvoin as a replacement. Prince accepted Melvoin into the band as they began to record Purple Rain. The film and album were a phenomenon, catapulting himself and the newly named Revolution as superstars. Prince's personal life also became intertwined with Melvoin ...

Wendy and Lisa: Encyclopedia II - Wendy and Lisa - The Revolution

Wendy and Lisa - The Revolution

In 1980, Lisa Coleman replaced Gayle Chapman in Prince's touring band. Coleman was well-liked by Prince and was asked to contribute vocals to several tracks over his next few albums. In 1983, Dez Dickerson left the band due to religious conflicts. Coleman suggested Melvoin as a replacement. Prince accepted Melvoin into the band as they began to record Purple Rain. The film and album were a phenomenon, catapulting himself and the newly named Revolution as superstars. Prince's personal life also became intertwined with Melvoin's when he began dating her twin sister Susannah.

The team of Coleman and Melvoin worked extremely well together. Prince saw this and tapped their talents for the albums following Purple Rain. Their influence was particularly heard on several tracks on the Parade album, the soundtrack to Prince's film Under the Cherry Moon. Despite their growing contributions, the duo felt they were not getting the recognition and credit they deserved. In 1986, Coleman and Melvoin left the band, disrupting the Dream Factory project that was already completed and effectively dissolving The Revolution.

Wendy and Lisa - Contributions

Prince cultivated a number of "proteges", usually female artists for whom the contribution on their part was usually limited to singing, while Prince contributed music, lyrics, and much of their career guidance. Because of their sometimes outlandish onstage appearances, the duo of "Wendy and Lisa" (much like Sheila E.) are often miscategorized as being part of Prince's protege harem.

It is important to note that Melvoin and Coleman were clearly professional musicians in their own right. Regardless of critical assessments of either Wendy and Lisa's or Prince's work, the duo definitely had an influence and impact on Prince's sound. The pop/blue eyed soul/funk hybrid can be heard on Purple Rain, Around The World In A Day and Parade. Prince's music after their departure became significantly more funk-driven, while their funk-pop can be heard clearly on their first few albums.