Typed memo by Jill Willis to Prince, one page, 8.5 x 11, Paisley Park Enterprises letterhead, March 3, 1992, annotated in red felt tip by Prince with his brief responses to a series of questions and requests. Writing "yes" to the first three questions, Prince approves an MTV Europe giveaway of a replica Cloud guitar, the giveaway of a guitar by the radio station Z100 New York, and a VH1 private party to be held at the Apollo Theatre. He then replies concerning the missed review of a Glam Slam show in USA Today because of a reporter's illness—"Not my fault, pay me." Finally, he approves the name of his upcoming European Tour—"Act II"—and reluctantly grants permission for Rolling Stone photographer Kevin Mazur to join the tour, "Fine." In fine condition. A great piece that offers a fascinating insider's view into the considerations, arrangements, and requests that Prince attended to on a regular basis.
Prince's former co-manager Jill Willis recalls: "One of my favorite memos between Prince and I! Kevin Mazur went on to be a trusted photographer for many years and it is fun to have the memo that documents the history and date of when that journey started. I had known and worked with Kevin for a number of years (as any music publicist living in NY had done) and he was known by both the artists and their representatives to be extremely trustworthy with the access and an all around friendly and professional photographer. Introducing anyone new—especially a photographer—was always a risk as he tended to take into consideration who had made the recommendation if the person didn't not rise to his standards. And he had many!
The 'Not my fault, pay me' response was following a bet I had made (at his request) that the music writer for USA Today would be attending the premiere of the show, Glam Slam Ulysses. She had confirmed she would be there. Because she and I had a bit of a friendship and a great working relationship, I knew if she said she would be there, she would be there. Unless of course, there was an illness or emergency. Prince and I were in his office when he asked me if I had spoken to her, and I said yes. 'She will definitely be there.' He said, 'How much do you want to bet?' That was a first! So, I said $5. He rolled his eyes and laughed and said something like, 'you're only that confident?' So, I said, '1000.' I did end up paying him and wrote him a check, which he promptly cashed or deposited."
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From the personal collection of Jill Willis (former Executive Vice-president of Paisley Park).
