Prince and Morris Day go back a long time. The two of them went to high school together. So when Prince was able to create his own bands under the Warner Bros. label, he created one for his chum.
So ever since 1981 (with a few hiatuses), Day and the band that Prince created has been going by Morris Day and the Time, and no one had a problem with it. The band was even one of the few selected musicians to play at Prince’s Tribute Show shortly after he died.
Thus, you would think everything would be good between Day and the Prince Estate. It is not. Day claimed on Facebook today the estate sent him a notice telling him he can no longer use The Time as the band’s name.
I’ve given 40 years of my life building up a name and legacy that Prince and I came up with. A name that while he was alive, he had no problem with me using. I Literally put my blood, sweat, and tears into bringing value to that name. In fact, he booked me on several tours, and many jam packed nights at paisley park, under the name Morris Day & The Time. Not once ever saying to me that I couldn’t use that name configuration.. However, now that Prince is no longer with us – suddenly, the people who control his multi million dollar estate, want to rewrite history by taking my name away from me, thus impacting how i feed my family. So as of now, per the Prince Estate, can no longer use Morris Day & The Time in any capacity.
Why now, almost six years after Prince died? I am just guessing here, but his estate was finally settled in January, and distribution was expected to begin last month, according to the Star Tribune. However, lawyers and taxes took a big chunk of it. I am assuming the family would like more money, so they could be looking to sell his catalog to a label for millions, which might include The Time’s tunes. And I am guessing that would mean their name would not be theirs anymore. But I am just spitballing here.
Personally, I think the band should be able to keep their name because, after all of this time, it is their name. How many Motown groups are touring without any of the original lineup and still using the same name as the band whose songs they are singing.
Morris Day and the Time are legendary. They came to San Antonio 3 years ago and were absolutely amazing ! They put on a great show and deserve to keep the name, they are an institution
[ # 1265995 ] Comment from Kristin Crosnoe [March 4, 2022, 8:20 pm]
Morris Day and the Time are legendary. They came to San Antonio 3 years ago and were absolutely amazing ! They put on a great show and deserve to keep the name, they are an institution