**Morris Day Opens Up About Prince, “Purple Rain,” and the Origins of the Iconic ‘Bird’ Dance**

Morris Day, frontman of The Time, recently shared fascinating behind-the-scenes stories about his journey with Prince, the making of *Purple Rain*, and the creation of the famous “Bird” dance.

From his early days as a drummer to becoming a lead singer and performer, Day’s reflections highlight his incredible career and his unique relationship with Prince.

**The Journey to Joining Prince’s Band**

Morris Day’s path to stardom began in high school when he stumbled upon a band performance that left him mesmerized. The band, which included a young Prince and André Cymone, was already displaying professional-level talent despite being just teenagers.

After befriending André, Day showcased his drumming skills, which impressed André so much that he invited Day to audition for the band. From that moment, Day became part of the group, cementing the beginning of a long and fruitful collaboration with Prince.

**From Drummer to Frontman**

Day started as a drummer but eventually transitioned to being the lead singer of The Time. This shift wasn’t planned—Prince himself suggested it after struggling to find the right vocalist for the band. Initially hesitant, Day stepped into the role, guided by Prince’s advice to “just be cool.” Day’s natural charisma and swagger became a defining feature of his performances, as seen in the music video for “Cool,” where his right hand famously stayed in his pocket the entire time.

**Making *Purple Rain***

When Prince announced plans to make a movie, Day admits he didn’t take it seriously at first. However, once Warner Bros. executives and production teams began showing up, it became clear that *Purple Rain* was a real project. Day recalls the experience as “an innocent effort,” where he was allowed to improvise and rewrite his lines to reflect his personality. This creative freedom helped him deliver an authentic performance, which contributed to the film’s legendary status. Despite the cast’s inexperience, they unknowingly created a classic that would go on to define a generation.

**The Origins of the ‘Bird’ Dance**

One of The Time’s signature moves, the “Bird” dance, has an interesting backstory. Day revealed that the dance originated from the band’s live performances, where they would experiment with fun, spontaneous moves. However, when Prince saw the early version of the dance, he told them to stop, claiming it was too similar to one of his own moves. Despite Prince’s objections, The Time continued performing the dance during their shows.

Later, during a rehearsal break, Prince surprised the band by presenting them with a song he had written called “The Bird.” Although Prince initially disapproved of the dance, he ultimately embraced it, turning it into a hit song and dance craze. This playful rivalry and collaboration exemplified the dynamic relationship between Prince and The Time.

**Legacy and Recognition**

Reflecting on his career, Day expressed gratitude for receiving the Soul Train Legend Award, calling it a full-circle moment after growing up watching the iconic show. He credited much of his success to his early days with Prince and The Time, where live performances and creativity were at the heart of their craft.

Through his stories, Day paints a vivid picture of his journey, highlighting the fun, spontaneity, and artistic brilliance that defined his time with Prince and The Time. From *Purple Rain* to the “Bird” dance, Morris Day’s legacy continues to inspire fans worldwide.