Although Dr. Takuya Futaesaku has an impressive resume, including Music Tour Doctor to musicians like Jeff Beck, George Clinton, & The P-Funk Allstars, as well as martial arts pioneer via Fightology, he is humble, kind, loves Prince, and lets us call him "Takki." :)
In April 2018, Takki released his book, Words Of Prince, in the US, which was dedicated to Prince and John Blackwell, Jr. That book is what I call PhaseOne of this project, and includes great Q&A's with some of our favorite PRN Alumni like Mr. Morris Hayes, Tony M, Steve Parke, & Nik West. The book also includes amazing artwork by PrinceFriends and Fam. Everything about Words Of Prince is Love & Respect for Prince, and also honors Takki’s special friendship with John Blackwell, Jr. and his wife, Yaritza. Takki was with him during some of his treatment, and prayed for him at his bedside, along with Nik West.
Takki has welcomed countless musicians and entertainers to Japan over the years (I love that he set up a bass clinic there for my favorite, Ms. Rhonda Smith) and has helped create a home away from home environment for all he encountered. With the new book he welcomes more PRN Alumni like Adrian Crutchfield and Gayle Chapman, as well as Purple Fam/True Funk Soldiers, like myself, from all over the world, to the discussion and celebration of The One who inspires us all, and helps create a true sense of family and belonging.
The new book gives us additional insight into the worldwide Influence of Prince via conversations with more people who worked directly with him, and poses 7 questions to Fam from all over the world. I had a lot of fun answering the questions myself, because, there's nothing in the world I love more than talking about Prince, now that seeing him & the band again live is no longer an option. Sigh.
I truly enjoyed reading all the Q&A sessions and getting a deeper understanding of what he means to others. I can honestly say that I have met almost everyone included in this book in person at least once, at one Purple Function or another. Those included within are about real love and positivity, and I know that I will likely one day meet them all.
What I love about this project is the feeling that we are all part of something important. Who he was, what he stood for, his music, his achievements, the lives he changed, must be remembered and shared for generations. Takki has taken on the task of bringing Purple Fam together from all walks of life, locations, & levels of connection to the Purple One for just that purpose. This book is evidence of his willingness to do The Work.
Though Our Beloved has transcended to the next plane, and the loss is deeply felt by so many, we remain here together to get through this Thing Called Life...After, by educating, commemorating, and celebrating The One & Only...PRINCE. Parts 1, 2, & 3 are a great way to keep this thing going.
Violet
@violetesq
@violetbinteractive
Always on Our Minds ~ Forever in Our Hearts
Words Of Prince (2018)