Levi Seacer Jr.
Bassist, guitarist, and songwriter in Prince's post-Revolution touring band and the New Power Generation.
Levi Seacer Jr. (born April 30, 1960) is an American musician. He was an early associate of Sheila E. when he was tapped by Prince to form a new touring band after the demise of the Revolution in 1986. Seacer became the band's bassist, as well as a backing vocalist. Later, he began collaborating with Prince as a songwriter on several projects.
- Role
- Bassist, Guitarist, Backing Vocalist, Songwriter, Producer
- Affiliation
- Prince's post-Revolution touring band, New Power Generation, Madhouse
- First Major Appearance
- 1986 (with Prince's new touring band)
- Signature Instrument
- Bass, Guitar
- Status
- Alive
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Levi Seacer Jr. first connected with Prince through Sheila E., becoming part of a new touring band assembled after the Revolution disbanded in 1986. He started as the band's bassist and backing vocalist, then moved into songwriting collaborations with Prince. In 1991, Seacer became a founding member of Prince's New Power Generation, primarily playing bass (though he also played guitar on some recordings and live performances). He stayed with the band until 1993, also participating in the later version of Madhouse. After leaving Prince's camp in 1993, Seacer worked as a producer and session musician, most notably with the gospel ensemble Sounds of Blackness. In 1990, he contributed to *Right Rhythm*, a Motown-issued album by The Pointer Sisters, but was not the primary producer. In 1991, he performed various instruments on Terri Nunn's album *Moment of Truth*.
In Their Own Story
In October 1998, Seacer and Tony M. filed a lawsuit against Prince, claiming that Prince hadn't shared royalties they were owed for songs they had co-written for Prince's NPG Publishing, including 'Sexy MF' and 'My Name Is Prince.' The lawsuit sought $800,000, but in the end, Mosley and Seacer settled for approximately $40,000 each—apparently not even enough to cover their legal expenses.
Reader's Guide
Levi Seacer Jr. played a key role in Prince's musical evolution after the Revolution. He was the bassist and a backing vocalist in the touring band formed in 1986, then became a founding member of the New Power Generation in 1991, switching to guitarist. He remained with the NPG until 1993 and also participated in the later version of Madhouse. After leaving Prince, Seacer produced the majority of The Pointer Sisters' 1990 album *Right Rhythm* and performed on Terri Nunn's 1991 album *Moment of Truth*. He later worked as a producer and session musician, notably with Sounds of Blackness.
Did You Know?
- Levi Seacer Jr. was born on April 30, 1960.
- He was an early associate of Sheila E. before being tapped by Prince.
- Seacer primarily played bass as a founding member of the New Power Generation in 1991, though he also played guitar on some recordings and live performances.
- He co-wrote 'My Name Is Prince' alongside Prince and Tony M. on the album *[Love Symbol]*.
- In 1998, Seacer and Tony M. sued Prince for $800,000 in unpaid royalties but settled for about $40,000 each.