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{{short description|American rhythm and blues band}}
{{short description|American rhythm and blues band}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2019}}
{{For|the Prince song|New Power Generation (song)}}
{{For|the Prince song|New Power Generation (song)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2019}}
{{More citations needed|date=January 2013}}
{{More citations needed|date=January 2013}}
{{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject_Musicians -->
{{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject_Musicians -->
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| years_active = 1990–2013, 2015, 2017
| years_active = 1990–2013, 2015, 2017
| label =
| label =
| associated_acts = [[Madhouse (band)|Madhouse]], [[The Revolution (band)|The Revolution]]
| website =
| website =
| current_members = Morris Hayes<br />[[Tommy Barbarella]]<br />Damon Dickson<br />[[Levi Seacer, Jr.]]<br />[[Tony M.]]<br />[[Michael Bland]]<br />Kirk Johnson<br />[[Sonny T.]]
| current_members = Morris Hayes<br />[[Tommy Barbarella]]<br />Damon Dickson<br />[[Levi Seacer, Jr.]]<br />[[Tony M.]]<br />[[Michael Bland]]<br />Kirk Johnson<br />[[Sonny T.]]<br />[[Andy Allo]]
| past_members = [[Liv Warfield]]<br/ > Josh Dunham<br />[[John Blackwell (musician)|John Blackwell]] (deceased)<br />Cora Coleman Dunham<br />[[Rosie Gaines]]<br />[[Elisa Fiorillo]]<br /> [[Mayte Garcia]]<br />[[Rhonda Smith]]<br />Kat Dyson<br />Mike Scott<br />Renato Neto<br />[[Frederic Yonnet]]<br />[[Shelby J.]]<br />[[Ida Kristine Nielsen|Ida Nielsen]]<br />[[Donna Grantis]]<br />[[Cassandra O'Neal]]<br />[[Prince (musician)|Prince]] (deceased)
| past_members = Chance Howard<br/ > [[Liv Warfield]]<br/ > Josh Dunham<br />[[John Blackwell (musician)|John Blackwell]]<br /> Cora Coleman Dunham<br />[[Rosie Gaines]]<br/>[[Elisa Fiorillo]]<br /> [[Mayte Garcia]]<br />[[Rhonda Smith]]<br />Kat Dyson<br />Mike Scott<br />Renato Neto<br />[[Frederic Yonnet]]<br />[[Shelby J.]]<br />[[Ida Kristine Nielsen|Ida Nielsen]]<br />[[Donna Grantis]]<br />[[Cassandra O'Neal]]<br />[[Prince (musician)|Prince]]<br />[[Andrew Gouche]]
}}
}}


The '''New Power Generation''', also known as The '''NPG''', was the backing band of musician [[Prince (musician)|Prince]] from 1990 to 2013. They were replaced by [[3rdeyegirl]] as his backing band in 2013. In 2015, the New Power Generation reunited as Prince's backing band for his final studio album before his death, ''[[Hit n Run Phase Two]]''. They reunited once again in 2017 for a US and European tour.
The '''New Power Generation''', also known as the '''NPG''', was the backing band of musician [[Prince (musician)|Prince]] from 1990 to 2013. They were replaced by [[3rdeyegirl]] as his backing band in 2013. In 2015, the New Power Generation reunited as Prince's backing band for his final studio album before his death, ''[[Hit n Run Phase Two]]''. They reunited once again in 2017 for a US and European tour.


==History==
==History==
The phrase "Welcome to the New Power Generation" was mentioned on the opening track of 1988's ''[[Lovesexy]]''. New Power Generation was used for the first time as a band name in the 1990 film ''[[Graffiti Bridge (film)|Graffiti Bridge]]'', and a song entitled "[[New Power Generation (song)|New Power Generation]]" appeared on the [[Graffiti Bridge (album)|accompanying soundtrack album]].
The phrase "Welcome to the New Power Generation" was mentioned on the opening track of 1988's ''[[Lovesexy]]''. New Power Generation was used for the first time as a band name in the 1990 film ''[[Graffiti Bridge (film)|Graffiti Bridge]]'', and a song entitled "[[New Power Generation (song)|New Power Generation]]" appeared on the [[Graffiti Bridge (album)|accompanying soundtrack album]].<ref name="AllMusic">{{cite web |last1=Kellman |first1=Andy |title=Prince & the New Power Generation Biography |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/prince-the-new-power-generation-mn0000305080/biography |publisher=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=17 December 2022}}</ref>


The New Power Generation debuted live during the [[Nude Tour]] in 1990 and on record on the 1991 album ''[[Diamonds and Pearls]]''. The band consisted of holdovers from the Nude Tour: [[Michael Bland]] (drums), [[Levi Seacer, Jr.]] (guitar), [[Rosie Gaines]] (keyboards and backing vocals), [[Tony M.]] (lead raps and dancing), Kirk Johnson (percussion and dancing) and Damon Dickson (dancing), along with two new members [[Tommy Barbarella]] (keyboards) and [[Sonny T.]] (bass). Rosie Gaines left the band after the [[Diamonds and Pearls Tour]] and was replaced by keyboardist Morris Hayes.
The New Power Generation debuted live during the [[Nude Tour]] in 1990 and on record on the 1991 album ''[[Diamonds and Pearls]]''. The band consisted of holdovers from the Nude Tour: [[Michael Bland]] (drums), [[Levi Seacer, Jr.]] (guitar), [[Rosie Gaines]] (keyboards and backing vocals), [[Tony M.]] (lead raps and dancing), Kirk Johnson (percussion and dancing), and Damon Dickson (dancing), along with two new members [[Tommy Barbarella]] (keyboards) and [[Sonny T.]] (bass). Rosie Gaines left the band after the [[Diamonds and Pearls Tour]] and was replaced by keyboardist Morris Hayes.


When Prince began his formal dispute with [[Warner Bros.]] and changed his [[stage name]] to an unpronounceable symbol in 1993, the NPG became a side-project for Prince, allowing him to release music outside of his contract. The NPG was intended to appeal to a more [[Urban contemporary|urban]] audience than Prince's mainstream material.{{Citation needed|date=January 2009}}
When Prince began his formal dispute with [[Warner Bros.]] and changed his [[stage name]] to an unpronounceable symbol in 1993, the NPG became a side-project for Prince, allowing him to release music outside of his contract.


The NPG's debut album, ''[[Goldnigga]]'', featured [[Tony M.]] as lead vocalist/[[Rapping|rapper]]. The album relied heavily on rap, while the music itself was reminiscent of the 1970s [[funk]]. Prince participated heavily in writing and performing the music, while Tony wrote and performed raps. Prince provided co-lead vocals on two songs, "Black M.F. in the House" and "Johnny", and the two were often performed by him in his own concerts and after shows.
The NPG's debut album, ''[[Goldnigga]]'', featured [[Tony M.]] as lead vocalist/[[Rapping|rapper]].<ref name="AllMusic"/> The album relied heavily on rap, while the music itself was reminiscent of the 1970s [[funk]]. Prince participated heavily in writing and performing the music, while Tony wrote and performed raps. Prince provided co-lead vocals on two songs, "Black M.F. in the House" and "Johnny", and the two were often performed by him in his own concerts and after shows.


A reduced NPG returned to the Prince fold when he began performing under the symbolic moniker in early 1994, backing him on ''[[The Gold Experience]]''. The rappers and dancers were let go, and Levi Seacer left the band as well. Given an expanded role in the band was dancer [[Mayte Garcia]] who provided backing and Spanish vocals. This incarnation released ''[[Exodus (The New Power Generation album)|Exodus]]'' in 1995. Prince again took a role behind the scenes, adopting the guise of the masked "Tora Tora" and performing lead vocals on several tracks, sometimes with an altered voice. His participation in this version of the NPG was much more apparent. Although several raps were recorded for the album, they were left out of the final release, and the focus was more on funk.
A reduced NPG returned to the Prince fold when he began performing under the symbolic moniker in early 1994, backing him on ''[[The Gold Experience]]''. The rappers and dancers were let go, and Levi Seacer left the band as well. Given an expanded role in the band was dancer [[Mayte Garcia]] who provided backing and Spanish vocals. This incarnation released ''[[Exodus (New Power Generation album)|Exodus]]'' in 1995. Prince again took a role behind the scenes, adopting the guise of the masked "Tora Tora" and performing lead vocals on several tracks, sometimes with an altered voice. His participation in this version of the NPG was much more apparent. Although several raps were recorded for the album, they were left out of the final release, and the focus was more on funk.


In 1996, longstanding members Michael Bland, Tommy Barbarella and Sonny T. were fired and a new band was formed for touring. Guitarists Kat Dyson and Mike Scott, along with bassist Rhonda Smith joined Morris Hayes and Kirk Johnson, who re-joined the band to play drums.
In 1996, longstanding members Michael Bland, Tommy Barbarella, and Sonny T. were fired and a new band was formed for touring. Guitarists Kat Dyson and Mike Scott, along with bassist Rhonda Smith joined Morris Hayes and Kirk Johnson, who re-joined the band to play drums.


In 1998, another NPG album was released titled ''[[Newpower Soul]]'' (modifying a song title from ''Exodus''). In fact, a spoken outtake from ''Exodus'' mentions the upcoming album, indicating its planning stages. Prince features prominently on the cover and liner notes and provides lead vocals on all songs. Unlike the two previous releases, the album relies heavily on drum programming by Kirk Johnson and features input from [[Larry Graham]] and [[Doug E. Fresh]].
In 1998, another NPG album was released titled ''[[Newpower Soul]]'' (modifying a song title from ''Exodus''). In fact, a spoken outtake from ''Exodus'' mentions the upcoming album, indicating its planning stages. Prince features prominently on the cover and liner notes and provides lead vocals on all songs. Unlike the two previous releases, the album relies heavily on drum programming by Kirk Johnson and features input from [[Larry Graham]] and [[Doug E. Fresh]].
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The band since has been a "revolving door" of musicians, who usually stay for a couple years before being replaced. It is often nebulous as to who is actually an 'official' member.
The band since has been a "revolving door" of musicians, who usually stay for a couple years before being replaced. It is often nebulous as to who is actually an 'official' member.


In 2010, three former members of the original New Power Generation, drummer [[Michael Bland]], keyboardist [[Tommy Barbarella]] and bass player [[Sonny T.]], became members of [[Nick Jonas and the Administration]] (a side project of [[Nick Jonas]] of the [[Jonas Brothers]]).<ref>[http://www.oceanup.com/2009/11/17/nick-jonas-on-the-administration-album Oceanup.com]</ref>
In 2010, three former members of the original New Power Generation, drummer [[Michael Bland]], keyboardist [[Tommy Barbarella]] and bass player [[Sonny T.]], became members of [[Nick Jonas and the Administration]] (a side project of [[Nick Jonas]] of the [[Jonas Brothers]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oceanup.com/2009/11/17/nick-jonas-on-the-administration-album|website=Oceanup.com|title=Nick Jonas On The Administration ALBUM|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091120140428/http://www.oceanup.com/2009/11/17/nick-jonas-on-the-administration-album|archive-date=November 20, 2009}}</ref>


In 2013, NPG singer [[Elisa Fiorillo]] (Dease) formed a duo with Nashville-based guitarist Tyler Reese, called The Dease & Reese Project, and in 2014 released the album ''Life in 20'' (REMU Records). Fiorillo continued to perform with Prince.
In 2013, NPG singer [[Elisa Fiorillo]] (Dease) formed a duo with Nashville-based guitarist Tyler Reese, called the Dease & Reese Project, and in 2014 released the album ''Life in 20'' (REMU Records). Fiorillo continued to perform with Prince.


The NPG collaborated with Prince once more in 2015 on what would be his last studio album, ''[[Hit n Run Phase Two]]''.
The NPG collaborated with Prince once more in 2015 on what would be his last studio album, ''[[Hit n Run Phase Two]]''.


After Prince's untimely death in 2016, the band reunited in 2017 for a US and European Prince tribute tour.<ref>https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7727868/new-power-generation-reunion-2017-tour-prince-handwritten-letter</ref>
After Prince's untimely death in 2016, the band reunited in 2017 and 2019 for a US and European Prince tribute tour.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7727868/new-power-generation-reunion-2017-tour-prince-handwritten-letter|title = Prince's New Power Generation Reunites for 2017 Tour, Singer's Handwritten Note Praising NPG Released: Exclusive|magazine = [[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Pingitore |first=Silvia |date=2019-11-26 |title=Interview with Prince's musical director Morris Hayes |url=https://the-shortlisted.co.uk/interview-morris-hayes-prince-new-power-generation/ |access-date=2021-11-21 |website=the-shortlisted.co.uk |language=en-GB}}</ref>


==Discography==
==Discography==
This is the discography of The New Power Generation, credited as a separate entity from Prince.
This is the discography of the New Power Generation, credited as a separate entity from Prince.


===Albums credited to Prince and The New Power Generation===
===Albums credited to Prince and the New Power Generation===
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!align="center" width="30"|Year
!align="center" width="150"|Album
! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Year
! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Album
!align="center" width="30"|[[Billboard 200|US]]
! scope="col" colspan="2"| Peak chart positions
!align="center" width="30"|[[UK Albums Chart|UK]]<ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums"/><ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums 2">{{cite book | first= David | last= Roberts | year= 2006 | title= British Hit Singles & Albums | edition= 19th | publisher= Guinness World Records Limited | location= London | isbn= 1-904994-10-5 | page= 439}}</ref>
! scope="col" rowspan="2"| [[Music recording sales certification|Certifications]]
!align="center" width="50"|Worldwide sales (when available)
|-
!align="center" width="40"|[[Billboard 200|US]]<br><ref name="B200">{{cite magazine | url =https://www.billboard.com/artist/prince/chart-history/tlp/ | title = Prince Chart History: Billboard 200| magazine = [[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] | access-date = December 17, 2022}}</ref>
!align="center" width="40"|[[UK Albums Chart|UK]]<br><ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums"/><ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums 2">{{cite book | first= David | last= Roberts | year= 2006 | title= British Hit Singles & Albums | edition= 19th | publisher= Guinness World Records Limited | location= London | isbn= 1-904994-10-5 | page= 439}}</ref>
|-
|-
|align="left"|1991
|align="left"|1991
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|align="center"|3
|align="center"|3
|align="center"|2
|align="center"|2
|align="center"|7.0 million
|align="center"|
* [[British Phonographic Industry|BPI]]: 2× Platinum<ref>{{cite web |title=Prince & the New Power Generation - Diamonds and Pearls |url=https://www.bpi.co.uk/award/1788-2130-2 |website=bpi.co.uk |access-date=17 December 2022}}</ref>
|-
|-
|align="left"|1992
|align="left"|1992
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|align="center"|5
|align="center"|5
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|3.5 million
|align="center"|
|-
|-
|align="left"|2002
|align="left"|2002
|align="left"|''[[One Nite Alone... Live!]]''
|align="left"|''[[One Nite Alone... Live!]]''
|align="center"|
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|
|align="center"|
|-
|-
|align="left"|2003
|align="left"|2003
|align="left"|''[[C-Note (album)|C-Note]]''
|align="left"|''[[C-Note (album)|C-Note]]''
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|
|align="center"|
|-
|align="left"|2007
|align="left"|''[[Planet Earth (Prince album)|Planet Earth]]''
|align="center"|3
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|
|align="center"|
|-
|align="center"|
| colspan="5" style="text-align:center; font-size:9pt;"| "—" denotes releases that did not chart.
|}
|}


===Albums credited to The New Power Generation===
===Albums credited to the New Power Generation===
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!align="center" width="30"|Year
!align="center" width="150"|Album
! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Year
! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Album
!align="center" width="30"|[[Billboard 200|US]]
! scope="col" colspan="2"| Peak chart positions
!align="center" width="30"|[[UK Albums Chart|UK]]<ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums"/><ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums 2"/>
! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Additional information
!align="center" width="50"|Worldwide sales (when available)
|-
!align="center" width="250"|Additional information
!align="center" width="40"|[[Billboard 200|US]]<br><ref name="B200"/>
!align="center" width="40"|[[UK Albums Chart|UK]]<br><ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums"/><ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums 2"/>
|-
|-
|align="left"|1993
|align="left"|1993
|align="left"|''[[Goldnigga]]''
|align="left"|''[[Gold Nigga]]''
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|-
|align="left"|Tony M. performs lead vocals.
|align="left"|Tony M. performs lead vocals.
|-
|-
|align="left"|1995
|align="left"|1995
|align="left"|''[[Exodus (The New Power Generation album)|Exodus]]''
|align="left"|''[[Exodus (New Power Generation album)|Exodus]]''
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|11
|align="center"|11
|align="center"|-
|align="left"|Sonny T. performs lead vocals.
|align="left"|Sonny T. performs lead vocals.
|-
|-
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|align="center"|22
|align="center"|22
|align="center"|38
|align="center"|38
|align="center"|500,000
|align="left"|Prince performs lead vocals. Prince's symbol (stylized) and portrait is on the front cover.
|align="left"|Prince performs lead vocals. Prince's symbol (stylized) and portrait is on the front cover.
|}
|}


===Albums with contributions by The New Power Generation===
==Albums credited to the NPG Orchestra==
Band Members:
*Prince
*The NPG
*[[Clare Fischer]] Orchestra<ref>{{cite web | url=https://princevault.com/index.php?title=The_NPG_Orchestra | title=The NPG Orchestra - Prince Vault }}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!align="center" width="30"|Year
!align="center" width="150"|Album
! style="width:33px;"| Year
! style="width:700px;"| Album details
!align="center" width="30"|[[Billboard 200|US]]
|-
!align="center" width="30"|[[UK Albums Chart|UK]]<ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums"/><ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums 2"/>
| style="text-align:center;"|1997
!align="center" width="50"|Worldwide sales (when available)
|align="left"|''[[Crystal Ball (box set)#Kamasutra|Kamasutra]]''
!align="center" width="250"|Additional information
*Released: February 14, 1997 <small>(limited edition cassette)</small><ref>Uptown, 2004, p. 203</ref>
*Label: NPG
|}

===Albums with contributions by the New Power Generation===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Year
! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Album
! scope="col" colspan="2"| Peak chart positions
! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Additional information
|-
!align="center" width="40"|[[Billboard 200|US]]<br><ref name="B200"/>
!align="center" width="40"|[[UK Albums Chart|UK]]<br><ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums"/><ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums 2"/>
|-
|-
|align="left"|1990
|align="left"|1990
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|align="center"|6
|align="center"|6
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|2.0 million
|align="left"|Unnamed New Power Generation members provided backing vocals on the song "New Power Generation".
|align="left"|Unnamed New Power Generation members provided backing vocals on the song "New Power Generation".
|-
|-
|align="left" rowspan="2"|1994
|align="left" rowspan="1"|1994
|align="left"|''[[Blankman]]''
|align="left"|''[[Blankman]]''
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="left"|Includes "Super Hero", credited to the New Power Generation and the Steeles.
|align="center"|-
|align="left"|Includes "Super Hero", credited to The New Power Generation and The Steeles.
|-
|-
|align="left"|''[[Prêt-à-Porter (film)|Prêt-à-Porter]]''
|align="left" rowspan="1"|1995
|align="center"|-
|align="left"|''[[The Gold Experience]]''
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="left"|Includes an alternate version of "[[Get Wild]]", credited to The New Power Generation, with Sonny T. on lead vocals.
|align="left"|Produced, arranged, composed and performed by Prince with the New Power Generation.
|-
|-
|align="left"|1996
|align="left"|1996
|align="left"|''[[Girl 6 (album)|Girl 6]]''
|align="left"|''[[Girl 6 (album)|Girl 6]]''
|align="center"|75
|align="center"|75
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="left"|Includes "Count the Days", from ''Exodus'' and title track is credited to the New Power Generation, with Prince on lead vox.
|align="center"|-
|align="left"|Includes "Count the Days", from ''Exodus'' and title track is credited to The New Power Generation, with Prince on lead vox.
|-
|-
|align="left" rowspan="2"|2004
|align="left" rowspan="2"|2004
|align="left"|''[[The Chocolate Invasion]]''
|align="left"|''[[The Chocolate Invasion]]''
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|-
|align="left"|The New Power Generation is credited for the track "Gamillah".
|align="left"|The New Power Generation is credited for the track "Gamillah".
|-
|-
|align="left"|''[[The Slaughterhouse]]''
|align="left"|''[[The Slaughterhouse]]''
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|-
|align="left"|The New Power Generation is credited for the tracks "Peace", "2045: Radical Man", and "The Daisy Chain".
|align="left"|The New Power Generation is credited for the tracks "Peace", "2045: Radical Man", and "The Daisy Chain".
|-
|-
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|align="center"|1
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|9
|align="center"|9
|align="center"|1.38 million
|align="left"|The New Power Generation is credited for "shouts" on the song "Lolita".
|align="left"|The New Power Generation is credited for "shouts" on the song "Lolita".
|}
|}


===Singles credited to Prince and The New Power Generation===
===Singles credited to Prince and the New Power Generation===
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!align="center"|Year
!align="center" width="300"|Song
! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Year
! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Title
!align="center" width="40"|[[Billboard Hot 100|US]]
! scope="col" colspan="4"| Peak chart positions
!align="center" width="40"|[[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs|US R&B]]
! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Album
!align="center" width="40"|[[Hot Dance Club Songs|US Dance]]
|-
!align="center" width="40"|[[UK Singles Chart|UK]]<ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums">{{cite book | first= David | last= Roberts | year= 2006 | title= British Hit Singles & Albums | edition= 19th | publisher= Guinness World Records Limited | location= London | isbn= 1-904994-10-5 | page= 392}}</ref><ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums 2"/>
!align="center" width="40"|[[Billboard Hot 100|US]]<br><ref name="US Hot 100">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/prince/chart-history/hsi/ |title=Prince Chart History: Hot 100 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=October 17, 2022}}</ref>
!align="center"|Album
!align="center" width="40"|[[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs|US R&B]]<br><ref name="US R&B/HH">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/prince/chart-history/bsi/ |title=Prince Chart History: Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=October 17, 2022}}</ref>
!align="center" width="40"|[[Hot Dance Club Songs|US Dance]]<br><ref name="DCS">{{cite magazine | url =https://www.billboard.com/artist/prince/chart-history/dsi/ | title = Prince Chart History: Dance Club Songs| magazine = [[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] | access-date = December 17, 2022}}</ref>
!align="center" width="40"|[[UK Singles Chart|UK]]<br><ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums">{{cite book | first= David | last= Roberts | year= 2006 | title= British Hit Singles & Albums | edition= 19th | publisher= Guinness World Records Limited | location= London | isbn= 1-904994-10-5 | page= 392}}</ref><ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums 2"/>
|-
|-
|align="center" rowspan="3"|1991
|align="center" rowspan="3"|1991
Line 192: Line 217:
|align="left"|"[[Cream (Prince song)|Cream]]"
|align="left"|"[[Cream (Prince song)|Cream]]"
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|15
|align="center"|15
|-
|-
Line 199: Line 224:
|align="center"|3
|align="center"|3
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|25
|align="center"|25
|-
|-
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|align="center"|23
|align="center"|23
|align="center"|14
|align="center"|14
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|19
|align="center"|19
|-
|-
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|align="center"|77
|align="center"|77
|align="center"|3
|align="center"|3
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|-
|-
|align="left"|"[[Thunder (Prince song)|Thunder]]"
|align="left"|"[[Thunder (Prince song)|Thunder]]"
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|28
|align="center"|28
|-
|-
Line 224: Line 249:
|align="center"|66
|align="center"|66
|align="center"|76
|align="center"|76
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|4
|align="center"|4
|align="left"|''Love Symbol Album''/''Diamonds and Pearls''
|align="left"|''Love Symbol Album''/''Diamonds and Pearls''
Line 236: Line 261:
|-
|-
|align="left"|"My Name Is Prince" ([[remix]]es) <br>
|align="left"|"My Name Is Prince" ([[remix]]es) <br>
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|51
|align="center"|51
|align="left"|''-''
|align="left"|N/A
|-
|-
|align="left"|"[[7 (Prince song)|7]]"
|align="left"|"[[7 (Prince song)|7]]"
|align="center"|7
|align="center"|7
|align="center"|61
|align="center"|61
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|27
|align="center"|27
|align="left" rowspan="3"|''Love Symbol Album''
|align="left" rowspan="3"|''Love Symbol Album''
Line 252: Line 277:
|align="center"|44
|align="center"|44
|align="center"|68
|align="center"|68
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|52
|align="center"|52
|-
|-
|align="left"|"[[Damn U]]"
|align="left"|"[[Damn U]]"
|align="center"|108
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|32
|align="center"|32
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|-
|-
|align="center"|1993
|align="center"|1993
|align="left"|"[[Nothing Compares 2 U]]"
|align="left"|"[[Nothing Compares 2 U]]"
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|62
|align="center"|62
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="left"|''The Hits/The B-Sides''; B-side to "Peach"
|align="left"|''The Hits/The B-Sides''; B-side to "Peach"
|-
|-
|align="center"|2002
|align="center"|2002
|align="left"|"[[Days of Wild]]"
|align="left"|"[[Days of Wild]]"
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="left"|-
|align="left" rowspan=2|N/A
|-
|-
|align="center"|2004
|align="center"|2004
|align="left"|"[[Controversy (song)#Live in Hawaii|Controversy (Live in Hawaii)]]"
|align="left"|"[[Controversy (song)#Live in Hawaii|Controversy (Live in Hawaii)]]"
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|-
|align="left"|-
| colspan="7" style="text-align:center; font-size:9pt;"| "—" denotes releases that did not chart.
|}
|}


===Singles credited to The New Power Generation===
==Singles credited to the New Power Generation==
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!align="center"|Year
!align="center" width="300"|Song
! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Year
! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Title
!align="center" width="40"|[[Billboard Hot 100|US]]
! scope="col" colspan="3"| Peak chart positions
!align="center" width="40"|[[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs|US R&B]]
! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Album
!align="center" width="40"|[[Hot Dance Club Songs|US Dance]]
|-
!align="center" width="40"|[[UK Singles Chart|UK]]<ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums"/><ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums 2"/>
!align="center" width="40"|[[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs|US R&B]]<br><ref name="US R&B/HH"/>
!align="center"|Album
!align="center" width="40"|[[ARIA Charts|AUS]]<br><ref>{{cite web|title=New Power Generation - The Good Life - Australian Charts|url=https://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=The+New+Power+Generation&titel=The+Good+Life&cat=s|website=Australiancharts.com|access-date=September 5, 2022}}</ref>
!align="center" width="40"|[[UK Singles Chart|UK]]<br><ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums"/><ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums 2"/>
|-
|-
|align="center"|1993
|align="center"|1993
|align="left"|"[[2gether (The New Power Generation song)|2gether]]"
|align="left"|"2gether"
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|-
|align="left"|''Gold Nigga''
|align="left"|''Goldnigga''
|-
|-
|align="center" rowspan="3"|1994
|align="center" rowspan="3"|1994
|align="left"|"[[Get Wild]]"
|align="left"|"[[Get Wild]]"
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|19
|align="center"|19
|align="left" rowspan="2"|''Exodus''
|align="left" rowspan="2"|''Exodus''
|-
|-
|align="left"|"Count the Days"
|align="left"|"Count the Days"
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|-
|-
|-
|align="left"|"Super Hero" ''featuring The Steeles''
|align="left"|"Super Hero" ''featuring the Steeles''
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|-
|align="left"|''[[Blankman]]: Music from the Motion Picture''
|align="left"|''[[Blankman]]: Music from the Motion Picture''
|-
|-
|align="center"|1995
|align="center"|1995
|align="left"|"The Good Life"
|align="left"|"The Good Life"
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|32
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|29
|align="center"|29
|align="left"|''Exodus''
|align="left"|''Exodus''
|-
|-
|align="center"|1996
|align="center"|1996
|align="left"|"[[Girl 6 (song)|Girl 6]]"
|align="left"|"Girl 6"
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|78
|align="center"|78
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="left"|''Girl 6''
|align="left"|''Girl 6''
|-
|-
|align="center"|1997
|align="center"|1997
|align="left"|"The Good Life" ''(re-issue)''
|align="left"|"The Good Life" ''(re-issue)''
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|15
|align="center"|15
|align="left"|''Exodus''
|align="left"|''Exodus''
Line 351: Line 372:
|align="center" rowspan="3"|1998
|align="center" rowspan="3"|1998
|align="left"|"[[The War (The New Power Generation song)|The War]]"
|align="left"|"[[The War (The New Power Generation song)|The War]]"
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|-
|align="left"|N/A
|align="left"|-
|-
|-
|align="left"|"The One"
|align="left"|"The One"
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|44
|align="center"|44
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="left" rowspan="2"|''Newpower Soul''
|align="left" rowspan="2"|''Newpower Soul''
|-
|-
|align="left"|"[[Come On (The New Power Generation song)|Come On]]"
|align="left"|"[[Come On (The New Power Generation song)|Come On]]"
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|65
|align="center"|65
|-
|-
|align="center" rowspan="2"|2001
|align="center" rowspan="2"|2001
|align="left"|"Peace"/"2045: Radical Man"
|align="left"|"Peace"/"2045: Radical Man"
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|-
|align="left"|''The Slaughterhouse''
|align="left"|''The Slaughterhouse''
|-
|-
|align="left"|"The Daisy Chain"/"Gamillah"
|align="left"|"The Daisy Chain"/"Gamillah"
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|-
|align="left"|''The Slaughterhouse''/''The Chocolate Invasion''
|align="left"|''The Slaughterhouse''/''The Chocolate Invasion''
|-
| colspan="6" style="text-align:center; font-size:9pt;"| "—" denotes releases that did not chart.
|}
|}


===Singles with contributions by The New Power Generation===
===Singles with contributions by the New Power Generation===
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!align="center"|Year
!align="center" width="300"|Song
! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Year
! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Title
!align="center" width="40"|[[Billboard Hot 100|US]]
! scope="col" colspan="3"| Peak chart positions
!align="center" width="40"|[[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs|US R&B]]
! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Album
!align="center" width="40"|[[Hot Dance Club Songs|US Dance]]
! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Additional information
!align="center" width="40"|[[UK Singles Chart|UK]]<ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums"/><ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums 2"/>
|-
!align="center"|Album
!align="center" width="250"|Additional information
!align="center" width="40"|[[Billboard Hot 100|US]]<br><ref name="US Hot 100"/>
!align="center" width="40"|[[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs|US R&B]]<br><ref name="US R&B/HH"/>
!align="center" width="40"|[[UK Singles Chart|UK]]<br><ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums"/><ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums 2"/>
|-
|-
|align="center"|1990
|align="center"|1990
Line 401: Line 421:
|align="center"|64
|align="center"|64
|align="center"|27
|align="center"|27
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|26
|align="center"|26
|align="left"|''Graffiti Bridge''
|align="left"|''Graffiti Bridge''
Line 410: Line 429:
|align="center"|84
|align="center"|84
|align="center"|74
|align="center"|74
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|33
|align="center"|33
|align="left"|''-''
|align="left"|N/A
|align="left"|''The New Power Generation contributes additional music''
|align="left"|''The New Power Generation contributes additional music''
|}
|}
Line 428: Line 446:


{{DEFAULTSORT:New Power Generation, The}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:New Power Generation, The}}
[[Category:The New Power Generation| ]]
[[Category:New Power Generation| ]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1990]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1990]]
[[Category:Musical groups disestablished in 2013]]
[[Category:Musical groups disestablished in 2013]]

Latest revision as of 10:13, 19 January 2024

For the Prince song, see New Power Generation (song).

New Power Generation
OriginMinneapolis, Minnesota, United States
Genres
Years active1990–2013, 2015, 2017
MembersMorris Hayes
Tommy Barbarella
Damon Dickson
Levi Seacer, Jr.
Tony M.
Michael Bland
Kirk Johnson
Sonny T.
Andy Allo
Past membersChance Howard
Liv Warfield
Josh Dunham
John Blackwell
Cora Coleman Dunham
Rosie Gaines
Elisa Fiorillo
Mayte Garcia
Rhonda Smith
Kat Dyson
Mike Scott
Renato Neto
Frederic Yonnet
Shelby J.
Ida Nielsen
Donna Grantis
Cassandra O'Neal
Prince
Andrew Gouche

The New Power Generation, also known as the NPG, was the backing band of musician Prince from 1990 to 2013. They were replaced by 3rdeyegirl as his backing band in 2013. In 2015, the New Power Generation reunited as Prince's backing band for his final studio album before his death, Hit n Run Phase Two. They reunited once again in 2017 for a US and European tour.

History

[edit]

The phrase "Welcome to the New Power Generation" was mentioned on the opening track of 1988's Lovesexy. New Power Generation was used for the first time as a band name in the 1990 film Graffiti Bridge, and a song entitled "New Power Generation" appeared on the accompanying soundtrack album.[1]

The New Power Generation debuted live during the Nude Tour in 1990 and on record on the 1991 album Diamonds and Pearls. The band consisted of holdovers from the Nude Tour: Michael Bland (drums), Levi Seacer, Jr. (guitar), Rosie Gaines (keyboards and backing vocals), Tony M. (lead raps and dancing), Kirk Johnson (percussion and dancing), and Damon Dickson (dancing), along with two new members Tommy Barbarella (keyboards) and Sonny T. (bass). Rosie Gaines left the band after the Diamonds and Pearls Tour and was replaced by keyboardist Morris Hayes.

When Prince began his formal dispute with Warner Bros. and changed his stage name to an unpronounceable symbol in 1993, the NPG became a side-project for Prince, allowing him to release music outside of his contract.

The NPG's debut album, Goldnigga, featured Tony M. as lead vocalist/rapper.[1] The album relied heavily on rap, while the music itself was reminiscent of the 1970s funk. Prince participated heavily in writing and performing the music, while Tony wrote and performed raps. Prince provided co-lead vocals on two songs, "Black M.F. in the House" and "Johnny", and the two were often performed by him in his own concerts and after shows.

A reduced NPG returned to the Prince fold when he began performing under the symbolic moniker in early 1994, backing him on The Gold Experience. The rappers and dancers were let go, and Levi Seacer left the band as well. Given an expanded role in the band was dancer Mayte Garcia who provided backing and Spanish vocals. This incarnation released Exodus in 1995. Prince again took a role behind the scenes, adopting the guise of the masked "Tora Tora" and performing lead vocals on several tracks, sometimes with an altered voice. His participation in this version of the NPG was much more apparent. Although several raps were recorded for the album, they were left out of the final release, and the focus was more on funk.

In 1996, longstanding members Michael Bland, Tommy Barbarella, and Sonny T. were fired and a new band was formed for touring. Guitarists Kat Dyson and Mike Scott, along with bassist Rhonda Smith joined Morris Hayes and Kirk Johnson, who re-joined the band to play drums.

In 1998, another NPG album was released titled Newpower Soul (modifying a song title from Exodus). In fact, a spoken outtake from Exodus mentions the upcoming album, indicating its planning stages. Prince features prominently on the cover and liner notes and provides lead vocals on all songs. Unlike the two previous releases, the album relies heavily on drum programming by Kirk Johnson and features input from Larry Graham and Doug E. Fresh.

A fourth album, Peace, due to be released in 2001, never materialized and although a few songs have been made public through limited-release singles at concerts ("Peace" / "2045: Radical Man" and "The Daisy Chain" / "Gamillah") and through Prince's former official website, NPG Music Club. The songs were later included on the Prince albums The Slaughterhouse and The Chocolate Invasion.

The band since has been a "revolving door" of musicians, who usually stay for a couple years before being replaced. It is often nebulous as to who is actually an 'official' member.

In 2010, three former members of the original New Power Generation, drummer Michael Bland, keyboardist Tommy Barbarella and bass player Sonny T., became members of Nick Jonas and the Administration (a side project of Nick Jonas of the Jonas Brothers).[2]

In 2013, NPG singer Elisa Fiorillo (Dease) formed a duo with Nashville-based guitarist Tyler Reese, called the Dease & Reese Project, and in 2014 released the album Life in 20 (REMU Records). Fiorillo continued to perform with Prince.

The NPG collaborated with Prince once more in 2015 on what would be his last studio album, Hit n Run Phase Two.

After Prince's untimely death in 2016, the band reunited in 2017 and 2019 for a US and European Prince tribute tour.[3][4]

Discography

[edit]

This is the discography of the New Power Generation, credited as a separate entity from Prince.

Albums credited to Prince and the New Power Generation

[edit]
Year Album Peak chart positions Certifications
US
[5] 		UK
[6][7]
1991 Diamonds and Pearls 3 2
1992 Love Symbol Album 5 1
2002 One Nite Alone... Live! — —
2003 C-Note — —
2007 Planet Earth 3 —
"—" denotes releases that did not chart.

Albums credited to the New Power Generation

[edit]
Year Album Peak chart positions Additional information
US
[5] 		UK
[6][7]
1993 Gold Nigga — — Tony M. performs lead vocals.
1995 Exodus — 11 Sonny T. performs lead vocals.
1998 Newpower Soul 22 38 Prince performs lead vocals. Prince's symbol (stylized) and portrait is on the front cover.

Albums credited to the NPG Orchestra

[edit]

Band Members:

Year Album details
1997 Kamasutra
  • Released: February 14, 1997 (limited edition cassette)[10]
  • Label: NPG

Albums with contributions by the New Power Generation

[edit]
Year Album Peak chart positions Additional information
US
[5] 		UK
[6][7]
1990 Graffiti Bridge 6 1 Unnamed New Power Generation members provided backing vocals on the song "New Power Generation".
1994 Blankman — — Includes "Super Hero", credited to the New Power Generation and the Steeles.
1995 The Gold Experience — — Produced, arranged, composed and performed by Prince with the New Power Generation.
1996 Girl 6 75 — Includes "Count the Days", from Exodus and title track is credited to the New Power Generation, with Prince on lead vox.
2004 The Chocolate Invasion — — The New Power Generation is credited for the track "Gamillah".
The Slaughterhouse — — The New Power Generation is credited for the tracks "Peace", "2045: Radical Man", and "The Daisy Chain".
2006 3121 1 9 The New Power Generation is credited for "shouts" on the song "Lolita".

Singles credited to Prince and the New Power Generation

[edit]
Year Title Peak chart positions Album
US
[11] 		US R&B
[12] 		US Dance
[13] 		UK
[6][7]
1991 "Gett Off" 21 6 1 4 Diamonds and Pearls
"Cream" 1 — — 15
"Diamonds and Pearls"
3 1 — 25
1992 "Money Don't Matter 2 Night"
23 14 — 19
"Insatiable" 77 3 — —
"Thunder" — — — 28
"Sexy MF"/"Strollin'" 66 76 — 4 Love Symbol Album/Diamonds and Pearls
"My Name Is Prince"
36 25 9 7 Love Symbol Album
"My Name Is Prince" (remixes)
— — — 51 N/A
"7" 7 61 — 27 Love Symbol Album
"The Morning Papers"
44 68 — 52
"Damn U" — 32 — —
1993 "Nothing Compares 2 U" — 62 — — The Hits/The B-Sides; B-side to "Peach"
2002 "Days of Wild" — — — — N/A
2004 "Controversy (Live in Hawaii)" — — — —
"—" denotes releases that did not chart.

Singles credited to the New Power Generation

[edit]
Year Title Peak chart positions Album
US R&B
[12] 		AUS
[14] 		UK
[6][7]
1993 "2gether" — — — Gold Nigga
1994 "Get Wild" — — 19 Exodus
"Count the Days" — — —
"Super Hero" featuring the Steeles — — — Blankman: Music from the Motion Picture
1995 "The Good Life" — 32 29 Exodus
1996 "Girl 6" 78 — — Girl 6
1997 "The Good Life" (re-issue) — — 15 Exodus
1998 "The War" — — — N/A
"The One" 44 — — Newpower Soul
"Come On" — — 65
2001 "Peace"/"2045: Radical Man" — — — The Slaughterhouse
"The Daisy Chain"/"Gamillah" — — — The Slaughterhouse/The Chocolate Invasion
"—" denotes releases that did not chart.

Singles with contributions by the New Power Generation

[edit]
Year Title Peak chart positions Album Additional information
US
[11] 		US R&B
[12] 		UK
[6][7]
1990 "New Power Generation" 64 27 26 Graffiti Bridge The New Power Generation provides backing vox
1995 "Purple Medley" 84 74 33 N/A The New Power Generation contributes additional music

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Kellman, Andy. "Prince & the New Power Generation Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved December 17, 2022.
  2. ^ "Nick Jonas On The Administration ALBUM". Oceanup.com. Archived from the original on November 20, 2009.
  3. ^ "Prince's New Power Generation Reunites for 2017 Tour, Singer's Handwritten Note Praising NPG Released: Exclusive". Billboard.
  4. ^ Pingitore, Silvia (November 26, 2019). "Interview with Prince's musical director Morris Hayes". the-shortlisted.co.uk. Retrieved November 21, 2021.
  5. ^ a b c "Prince Chart History: Billboard 200". Billboard. Retrieved December 17, 2022.
  6. ^ a b c d e f Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 392. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
  7. ^ a b c d e f Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 439. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
  8. ^ "Prince & the New Power Generation - Diamonds and Pearls". bpi.co.uk. Retrieved December 17, 2022.
  9. ^ "The NPG Orchestra - Prince Vault".
  10. ^ Uptown, 2004, p. 203
  11. ^ a b "Prince Chart History: Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved October 17, 2022.
  12. ^ a b c "Prince Chart History: Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs". Billboard. Retrieved October 17, 2022.
  13. ^ "Prince Chart History: Dance Club Songs". Billboard. Retrieved December 17, 2022.
  14. ^ "New Power Generation - The Good Life - Australian Charts". Australiancharts.com. Retrieved September 5, 2022.
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