André Cymone

André Cymone
Birth name	Andre Simon Anderson
Born	Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.
Genres	Funk, New Wave, R&B, urban
Occupations	Musician, songwriter, record producer
Instruments	Bass, guitar
Labels	Columbia
Associated acts	Prince, Jody Watley

André Cymone (born Andre Simon Anderson) is an American bassist, songwriter and record producer. Cymone was a bass guitarist for recording artist Prince's touring band, pre-Revolution. Cymone began a solo career in 1981. His song, "The Dance Electric" (written by Prince), reached number ten on the R&B charts. Cymone later co-wrote and produced songs for other acts, including Jody Watley's "Looking for a New Love", "Still A Thrill", and "Real Love".

Biography

Early years

Cymone was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the son of Fred Anderson, a musician, and Bernadette, a social worker. Cymone was the youngest of six children. The Anderson home soon had an additional member — a young Prince who left his own home due to conflicts with his father. Prince's cousin started a band called Grand Central and invited Prince and Cymone. The band was later renamed Champagne and included Cymone's sister Linda and Morris Day. Cymone's stage name comes from a variation of his middle name, Simon.

Career

In the late 1970s, after Prince released his debut album, For You, Prince recruited Cymone as bassist for his touring band. Cymone stayed with Prince until 1981 when he quit the band over tensions with Prince.

The two later resolved their issues and Cymone went on to release 3 solo albums — Livin' in the New Wave (1982), Survivin' in the 80's (1983), and AC (1985). All are long out of print. His most successful single - a song written by Prince - was "The Dance Electric" from the AC album.

Cymone went on to become a record producer and is better known for producing Jody Watley (to whom he was married and shares a son) than for the music he released as a solo artist. He has produced and written songs for several other artists, including Pebbles, Lalah Hathaway, Jermaine Stewart and Adam Ant.

Cymone is referenced by Brooklyn band, The Hold Steady on their critically received debut album, Almost Killed Me in track two, The Swish. His song "Better Way" was a huge part of the "Beverly Hills Cop 2" soundtrack released in 1987.

Discography

Albums

• Livin' in the New Wave (1982), Columbia
• Survivin' in the 80's (1983), Columbia
• AC (1985), Columbia

Singles

• "Livin' in the New Wave" (1982)
• "Kelly's Eyes" (1982)
• "Survivin' in the 80's" (1983)
• "Make Me Wanna Dance" (1983)
• "The Dance Electric" (1985)
• "Satisfaction" (1985)
• "Lipstick Lover" (1985)