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For the first d / m / s / r podcast of 2018 (!), it was my pleasure to speak with budding educational historian and Prince scholar Kimberly C. Ransom. Kimberly presented at the University of Salford’s interdisciplinary Prince conference last May–those of you who listened to my series of podcasts on that event probably heard her name come up once or twice–and her essay, “A Conceptual Falsetto: Re-Imagining Black Childhood Via One Girl’s Exploration of Prince,” was published last fall in the Journal of African American Studies’ special Prince issue. If any of my listeners haven’t checked out that issue yet, I’m hoping this interview will offer some incentive: Kimberly’s essay in particular brilliantly interweaves her lifelong love for Prince with an incisive critique our often-pathologized discourses of Black childhood. She also has a surprisingly lovely singing voice.
As we embark on a brand new year of dance / music / sex / romance, allow me to direct your attention to our iTunes, Stitcher, and Google Play feeds; if you feel compelled to subscribe, rate, or review us on your service of choice, it will be much appreciated. And of course, if you enjoy the podcast (or blog!), don’t be afraid to spread the word. Lots more exciting things to come!
00:00:00 “Miss You” (1978 Recording)
00:01:35 Kimberly’s First Shoutout on the d / m / s / r Podcast
00:06:02 “Do Me, Baby” (from Controversy, 1981)
00:10:11 One of the People I’ve Talked to about Prince’s Intimacy
00:15:46 “Uptown” (from Dirty Mind, 1980)
00:19:26 “Schoolyard” (1990 Recording)
00:27:14 “The Sacrifice of Victor” (from O(+>, 1992)
00:34:23 “Private Joy” (from Controversy)
00:43:45 “Race” (from The Beautiful Experience, 1994)
00:49:33 “Lovesexy” (from Lovesexy, 1988)
00:57:27 The d / m / s / r Article Kimberly Quoted in Her Essay
01:03:55 “Crazy You” (from For You, 1978)
01:04:40 The Prince from Minneapolis Conference
01:05:20 Read Kimberly’s Article (and the Rest of the JAAS Issue) Here
One reply on “Podcast: The Crazy Things You Do – A Conversation with Kimberly C. Ransom”
Thanks for the thought provoking conversation! For his time, if you look closely, Prince really was a study in the African American experience in American. Misunderstood by many, he still had the courage, initiative, and intelligence to overcome the odds stacked against him and move forward to break down some of the racial and sexual barriers of the time… to follow his path and tell his story through the music constantly flowing through his mind. Props to the man for opening the mind of the culture in addition to the incredible music. No easy task! Peace and love!