The Time: The Pioneers of the Minneapolis Sound

The Time is an American funk and R&B band that emerged from Minneapolis, Minnesota, in the early 1980s. They are celebrated as a foundational act of the "Minneapolis sound," achieving significant commercial success with hits like "Jungle Love" and "The Bird."

Early career

The band was formed in 1981 by musician and producer Prince, who assembled the group initially as an outlet for his funkier material. Originally dubbed "The Time," the lineup featured Morris Day on vocals, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis on keyboards and bass respectively, Jesse Johnson on guitar, Jellybean Johnson on drums, and Monte Moir on keyboards.

Breakthrough

The Time's self-titled debut album, released in 1981 on Warner Bros. Records, quickly established their sharp, minimalist funk style. Their breakthrough, however, was solidified with their second album, 1982's "What Time Is It?," which spawned the major hits "777-9311" and the iconic "The Bird," propelling them to national fame and platinum sales.

Key tracks

Get It Up - The opening track from their debut, it immediately defined their synth-driven, percussive funk aesthetic.

The Bird - This 1982 single became a dancefloor anthem and cultural touchstone, featuring Morris Day's charismatic, playful vocal delivery.

Jungle Love - A standout from the "Purple Rain" soundtrack, its success in 1984 further cemented the band's place in pop culture.

777-9311 - A funky, bass-heavy track showcasing the band's tight musicianship and becoming a staple on R&B radio.

Cool - This track epitomizes the band's stylish, nonchalant persona that became their signature.

Internal tensions, particularly around Prince's controlling role, led to the departure of key members Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis in 1983. Despite this, the band, often billed as Morris Day and The Time, continued to record and perform, releasing the album "Ice Cream Castle" in 1984. Their memorable performances in the film "Purple Rain" significantly boosted their profile. The group has reunited in various configurations over the decades, including as The Original 7ven for the 2011 album "Condensate," reminding audiences of their enduring funk legacy.

Fans of The Time's precise, synth-funk sound also enjoy the work of Prince, the visionary who created and initially produced the band. The rhythmic innovations of Gap Band share a similar party-funk energy. For the polished, dance-oriented side of 80s R&B, listen to Kool and the Gang. The later funk revivalism of Brass Construction also channels a comparable groove-centric approach.

The music of The Time remains a fixture on classic funk and R&B radio stations, celebrated for its indelible grooves and showmanship. Listeners can discover the pioneering sound of The Time through dedicated radio streams that highlight the best of 80s funk and the Minneapolis sound.