MORRIS DAY

Biography

Morris Day, born Morris E. Day on December 13, 1957, in Springfield, Illinois, grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he developed his musical talents as a skilled drummer. Attending high school with Prince Rogers Nelson and André Cymone, Day joined their early band Grand Central (later Champagne) in 1974, managed by his mother, laying the foundation for his funk-infused career. Prince later recruited Day as the charismatic lead singer for The Time in 1981, a side project contrasting Prince's style with street-wise R&B and funk, featuring hits like 'Get It Up,' 'Cool,' 'Jungle Love,' and 'The Bird' across albums such as The Time (1981), What Time Is It? (1982), and Ice Cream Castle (1984).[1][2][3][4]

Day's persona as a flamboyant playboy, often accompanied by valet Jerome Benton with his signature mirror routine, exploded with his role as Prince's rival in the 1984 film Purple Rain, cementing his stage bravado and contributing to the Minneapolis sound. After The Time's initial run, Day launched a solo career with albums like The Color of Success (1985), Daydreaming (1987) featuring the hit 'Fishnet,' and Guaranteed (1992), blending funk, new jack swing, and R&B. He reunited with The Time periodically, including in films like Graffiti Bridge (1990) and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (2001), while overcoming personal struggles like drug addiction and depression.[1][2][3][5]

In later years, Day continued touring with The Time's original members, releasing projects like Condensate (2011) and announcing his final solo album Last Call in 2022 ahead of a 2023–2024 retirement tour. His legacy endures through his influence on funk rock and new jack swing, his acting roles, and the timeless appeal of The Time's party anthems, with recent sampling by hip-hop artists reviving interest.[1][3][6]

Fun Facts

• Day was a gifted drummer who played on most tracks of The Time's first two albums, often starting songs with Prince on bass and drums before the full band joined.[5]
• His exaggerated vanity persona, including the catchphrase 'Jerome, bring me my mirror!', was popularized in Purple Rain and became a comic staple on The Time's records.[2]
• Inspired by zoot suit photos of his grandfather, Day developed his iconic flamboyant fashion style from a young age.[3]
• In 2001's Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, Day and The Time served as a running plot device, culminating in a performance of 'Jungle Love' introduced by Jason Mewes.[1][3]

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Prince Rogers Nelson - High school classmate, bandmate in Grand Central, recruited Day as lead singer of The Time (Grand Central/Champagne (1974-1976), The Time albums (1981-1984)) [1974-1980s]

Key Collaborators

• Jerome Benton - Valet, vocalist, and stage partner in The Time (The Time albums, Purple Rain (1984)) [1981-present]
• Jellybean Johnson - Drummer and original Time member (The Time albums, Condensate (2011)) [1981-present]
• Monte Moir - Keyboardist and original Time member (The Time albums) [1981-1980s]
• Jimmy Jam (James Samuel Harris III) - Bassist, producer, original Time member (The Time debut album) [1981]
• Terry Lewis - Bassist, producer, original Time member (The Time debut album) [1981]
• Jesse Johnson - Guitarist suggested by Day for The Time (The Time albums) [1981-1980s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Don't Wait for Me (Color Of Success)
2. Fishnet (Daydreaming)
3. Color of Success (Color Of Success)
4. Jungle Love - Live (It's About Time)
5. Love Sign (Color Of Success)
6. The Oak Tree (Color Of Success)
7. Head Rush (feat. Trinidad Jame$) (Last Call)
8. The Bird - Live (It's About Time)
9. The Character (Color Of Success)
10. Too Much Girl 4 Me (feat. Billy Gibbons) (Too Much Girl 4 Me (feat. Billy Gibbons))

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia