Sankirtana Devi Dasi: It was sometime in the very early 80’s, and I was distributing books in the New Orleans airport. I often checked out the video game machine area, as it was often filled with friendly young people. On this particular day I noticed a group of young guys hunched over one of the game machines. I approached them with my usual lines and they all seemed friendly. They each listened attentively, gave generous donations and I passed out books and BTGs to each of them.
I noticed one member of the group had a gold guitar pinned to the lapel if his velvet jacket. I asked “Oh, are you a musician?”
They all laughed, and he said “Yes, I am as a matter of fact” I said “Oh, what’s your name, maybe I’ve heard of you?”
He said “Prince” I said “Oh, no, I haven’t, but that’s a catchy name, it oughta catch on!”
He laughed and said, (pretty humbly) “Yeah, I’m doing pretty good, I have a few albums out.”
(At that time, my knowledge of music and/or musicians was all pre 1976. I was truly out of the music loop! I had no idea who he was!) Then he said, “actually I’m doing a concert tonight, here in New Orleans, you should come. I’ll give you a backstage pass.”
All the guys were agreeing. I said, “Thanks, but I’ve got a little one at home, and I have to get up really early tomorrow, so maybe next time!” (I know, I know! I should have gone and brought prasadam etc etc…I know…I just had no idea!)
I thanked them, and started to walk away, and then, as though we had been invisible to anyone else up to that point, people began to notice him and I heard PRINCE, ITS PRINCE!!, and then people began going up to him. Immediately Prince and the guys zipped away. It seemed mystical that no one seemed to see him until our exchange ended.
So we know Prince did get at least a BTG and a variety of small books from me that day. I hope he read them!
To this day I can’t really imagine why they were hanging around the airport and that video game, except to get those books!
PS I did go into a music store the next chance I got, to look for his albums and see his picture. It was definitely him!