'He Needed Someone Real': Prince'S Longtime Hair Stylist Shares Memories
- Posted on 19 April, 2017
- Hair Styling
- By Anonymous
Kim Berry was a close friend of the music icon for nearly 30 years, Molly Rosenblatt reports (2:10). WCCO 4 News At 5 – April 19, 2017
The GOVERNOR DECLARED FRIDAY PRINCE DAY IN MINNESOTA TO NARC THE FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF HIS DEATH.. Today WE SAT DOWN WITH HIS LONG TIME, HAIR, STYLIST AND FRIEND. SAME WAY. He DID HIS MUSICALLY COLLABORATED WITH HIS HAIR AS WELL. Reporter FOR 30 YEARS KIM BERRY WAS ALONG FOR THE RIDE.. I OUT LIVED EVERYBODY., NO ONE OTHER THAN KIRK AND MORRIS HAYES WAS ON THE TEAM.. I OUT LIVED ACCOUNTANTS AND LAWYERS AND SINGERS AND MUSICIANS. Reporter. Why DOES SHE THINK PRINCE KEPT HER AROUND SO LONG.? He NEEDED SOMEONE REAL. WITH ALL THE YES MEN AND ALL THE PEOPLE. That WOULD TELL HIM YES, WHEN IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN NO EDID N'T DO THAT., I KEPT IT REAL. HE NEED HAD THE. Reporter. Prince WAS KNOWN FOR HIS ICONIC STYLES AND BEING AHEAD OF HIS TIME.. It IS SAFE TO SAY THERE WAS NEVER A DULL MOMENT WHEN IT CAME FROM STYLING HIS HAIR.. We WENT FROM FINGER WAVES TO PONY TAILS TO THE BRAIDS. Reporter ONE OF HER FAVORITE STYLES, WHEN HE LET IT GROW OUT FOR THE 1999 TOUR.. He DID THE GUITAR SOLO, WHERE HIS HAIR WAS SWINGING EVERYWHERE. THE NEXT DAY HE SAID, CUT IT OFF.. I THOUGHT WHY CUT IT OFF? We GREW IT BEAUTIFUL HAIR.. He SAID I WANT IT BECAUSE IT LOOKED GOOD PLAYING THE GUITAR.. We CUT IT OFF THE NEXT DAY.. I CRIED AS THE HAIR FELL TO THE FLOOR. Reporter. As WE APPROACH THE ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF HIS DEATH., SHE MISSES HOW LOVING AND GIVING THE LARGER THAN LIFE STAR WAS. HIS FOUNDATION, LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER.. He LIVE HAD THE STORY., THAT'S WHAT I LOVED ABOUT HIM. BEFORE -- BERRY, ALONG WITH A GROUP OF PRINCE'S CLOSEST FRIENDS AND EMPLOYEES, ARE GATHERING TONIGHT TO SHARE MUSIC MEMORIES AND MEMBER -- MEMBER BILL YEAH.. They CAN SEEK COMFORT WITH EACH OTHER.
Comments
Cathi Phoenix: She was a real friend. A real person who was truly his family. Thank you Kim for keeping it real. Praying for her
Vanessa Lowe: May God bring her comfort. Prince was special.
Onlythetruth247: I loved Prince's hair and was always curious who was responsible for it's fabulousness! Lucky (and talented) woman!
Pebbles Isinglish: She's right. She was there before and after nearly all those people (ie., PA's, girlfriends, wives, accountants, lawyers, clothing designers, photographers, maids). Kim was also there before and after my cousin who was one of Prince's' many Sound Engineer's for 9 years in the 90's.
Peace N Love: What an amazing relationship and journey! You were very fortunate to share so many years with Prince. You both worked beautifully together and created looks that made his fans love him even more. Such a devastating loss, I MISS HIM SO MUCH! The most beautiful man in the world.
reenie rae: Thank you Kim Berry for his iconic looks! You put the I in his FINE!
Brenda Berry: Kim was very real. I feel her pain from here.
MississippiSoulchic: I love her!!!! I'm happy she was in his life
MR: Kim - The hair styles you created with Prince were pretty darned spectacular! Inconic. Prince was blessed to be introduced to you and have you on his team. While I love all the looks (give me sparkle dust in hair anytime!) it was nice to see him return to a natural afro style. Peace and happiness to you.
Jay Rod: I would love for her to do a 'tabletop book' featuring all of Prince's hairstyles, and the other celebrities that she had as clients. She made Prince look even more gorgeous; she's a talented artist, for sure. Beautiful work.
Rose Petal: Loyalty is so important! She really loved him!! I can't believe it's been a year already since Prince's death!! Unreal!!!
Scarlet Harris: I wish there were more " real " people like Kim Berry , in this world !!! Genuine , kindhearted souls !!! My heart truly aches for the people that were closest to Prince !!! ✌️✌️
dianne bryant: Still can't believe he's not here on earth with us anymore, still mourning this lost. Will never be another like this brother. Miss you Prince.
Kimberley Pipkin: Ty Kim for being real, a true friend, and a damn fine hairstylist.
TheLeslieMichelle: When he was alive, Prince was going through alot. I guess that's why he needed someone like Kim Berry in his life. All he ever wanted to do was make music for us to enjoy, and it's funny how he had to fight with people to even do that. I will say this though, I miss him like crazy, and this world feels empty without him in it.
Prince's Sugar: Doesn't matter how strong is some women in Prince's situation, the only one is own self could have had change bad circumstances for better by strong will. Kim definitely was a friend a nice person and a long time worker for Prince. Thank you for that! I truly miss Prince too and always will be loved!
valrie jackson: Kim Thank you so much for being a real friend to him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have felt your pain for almost 1 year!!!!
Vickie Lynn: Kim was being real,I felt it. May God bless her and keep her from harm. As to Prince,rest in peace honey.
Wynter: "She's always in my hair, my hairrrrr."
Dawn Manuel: When she had that tear, then started to break down, I started to cry also!! He was an amazing singer, self taught, she was right he needed her to keep it real!! Can tell how much she misses her friend! RIP Prince! Your music and you are missed!
patricia wise: I appreciate Kim , thank U girl you did him well!!!!
Dyna: ... brought tears to my eyes. Kim was a true friend, and Prince knew the deal ... nobody ever gets rid of a great hairstylist.
Es Gee: Wow, 25 years is a really long time. I can't imagine how much she loves and misses him; like a brother. God Bless her pain.
yoda purple: I so appreciate the Staight up beautiful Person Kim Berry is..
Sunny B: God bless you ,Kim we will miss Prince too!
Skygazer: Prince had so many young pretty women around when infact, he needed a strong woman who would keep him grounded and put her foot down. Someone like the lovely Kim Berry.
Spicy Hot: Kim Berry is right ..Prince did need someone real around him and not yes men..
herFLYness79: My heart is still broken. Still so hard to believe he's not here
van chi: We all need someone REAL around us!!
Gabrielle 2 Dream: Awww.....bless her ❤ heart....she held it together well, while being interviewed. What a blessing they were to each other
ANGELA FALSETTA: I Thank God and I thank you that Prince had YOU, KIM!! LOVE YOU, KIM!!!! I am so sorry for your pain and your loss!!! We are in this together!! If there is anything we can do for you, Kim?? We are here for you!! You just name it...and it will be done!
Billy Joe Riley: dag she outlived the wives too lol. Pretty much the closest thing to a marriage he had. Pretty much trusting someone with your hair is almost like trusting them with your life.
Jacqueline Perry: She truly loved prince and that's why he kept her around so long.he felt her love.yes and he needed no people she so right.men especially will bare off the wrong path if there isn't someone to tell them no and no means no.he needed that type of woman in his life as well he was married to women were he was calling all the shots were he needed the type of wife they would say no to him and they meant it.before he could figure it all out it was to late for him but he tried.and like he said,this thing called life...we mis and love prince always.
ToonieMama: What a beautiful story and beautiful friend she was to Prince. I loved Prince with his long hair; he looked so incredibly sexy and I know that was hard for Kim to cut all that beautiful hair! My deepest condolences to Kim; you can tell that Prince really loved her and trusted her and she loved him just as deeply.
George Stoudamire: She had to have been one of his closest friends,as you can see the pain in her heart. God bless her and God bless Prince.
Princs 68: Prince needed you around more often. I realize you had clients all over. He need a REAL STRONG black women. That would step up to him. Put your foot down. None of that yes sir mess. That's really a friend and love. I wish you were with him. He may still be alive. Thank you for caring for Prince. And his beautiful long hair. The world grieves with you. XoXo
Anissha Blackwell: Well done, Kim for keeping our "Prince's" hairstyles so flawless. I feel I personally know you.
08CARIB: She is one of the few people that have come forward that I feel is genuine, God bless her.
Doreen Patterson: His true fans have been saying that for years. He needed and to be fair, he's not the only one. We use to joke that he needed to marry a librarian who wasn't going to bow and scrape. Unfortunately it's not easy to meet one of those if you are in the studio 26 hours a day!
Ceylon: I definitely understand where Kim coming from. I am a stylist too. When a client wants to cut off all that beautiful hair, I be reavting the same way Kim just did.
Harlem139Convent1: I remember seeing her when i worked venue security at one of Prince's concerts, damn that was 20+ years ago, he must of really loved her!!
Cody Green's Mom's Broken Vibrator: What a lovely lady. Thanks for sharing, Kim.
Laurie Wolfe: Hard finding genuine people that'll keep it real with you and Prince seemed to give what he expected to receive from you...realness. He found that in you. So sorry for your lost.
Kela Bell: Thanks Kim for being real with him if he had married someone with your personality he might still be here
Bryce Valdez: She's the real definition of a strong black woman. someone to keep it real at all times but down to earth with you.
Kimberly Stull: Kim ty for loving and caring for Prince you kept it real and very honest I feel your pain ty so much for being true to him God Bless you made me cry watching this
josephb7: A beautiful tribute from a genuine friend to Prince that was not star struck.
Carol Whitaker: Thank you my Sistah for keeping it real with him!!! I'm just a fan...but all he had to do was call...I would've made a way to give h love and support...the same way he have me his music to help me through my hard times!!! much luv
C A: So sad he never found someone "real"when he was alive! RIP sweet Prince
Joan Milton: I just want to hug her... <3
Nita L Daisy Vaughn: Ms. Kim, you were the one behind all those fabulous creations. Thank you my dear! i miss him dearly even now. He needed you. gave him back that sugar fro after 30 years. Love to you and your family!!!
Sol Inspired: He loved real strong Black women! I miss him!
Tisha: Prince's hair was everything!
Shenyae T: See now that’s what I respect about Kim. She told him what she needed to her instead of telling him what he wanted to hear. That shows how much of a good friend she truly was. I see why he respected her and kept her in his life until the day he passed
Patricia Saenz Mendoza: I miss him so much. N l wish that he was still alive. The music n entertainment industry has lost a lot of losses. We have lost a lot of beautiful talents. They had graced the world with there presence n music n song's n movies and stuff. N l just hope that we don't have to suffer anymore tragedies like that again.
breezy Ocean blue: Crying watching Kim cry
SARISS80: RIP Prince. I cried with her. I have been a fan of prince since I was 5 its hard to let go.
Ann Cannon: Kim was a true friend. Those type of friends are few and far between. You are truly BLESSED if you have any. I thank GOD I can say I have been BLESSED in that way. It's similar to LOVE, once you have experienced it you know what true LOVE is.
Logan Sanders: i love her so much.
Phyllis S.: Aww, we miss him too Kim...
SING: rip prince,hope your showering in the purple rain☔☔☔
Elisabeta Dinaca: I cried..RIP for genious PRINCE
missbliss4life: thank you for your memory of him!
MISSCOOKIE41: OMG. Thank You, For Sharing Her Beautiful Memories With PRINCE* Miss. Molly Rosenblatt I'm So Sorry For Your Loss, I've Always Admired Prince's Amazing Hair Looks. It's Nice To See & Hear The GENIUS Hair Designer. God Bless You.
KL: Thank you, Kim!
*SUPERSTAR LEGEND TRIBUTES*: a real proper caring person sitting here crying with her omggggggggg what a sweet heart wish she could have saved him
TheEmpressSheba: Kim Berry I love You!
Eagle Eye Gordon: ...she can always do my hair lol.
Twisted Mystic: Got me in tears. Miss you Prince. Love you Kim.
Jacqueline Perry: He seemed more concerned with more of what people would think and he wanted a trophy wife.,don't worry about what people think a good partner has more than looks.wNt someone in good or bad there be right there.someone that has a heart.
Debra Gainey: THAT'S WHY YOU GOT THE JOB KIM. PRINCE KNEW U WERE REAL . YOUR LOOKS, YOUR FIRM VOJCE, AND BEING THERE WHEN HE NEEDED YOU. I LOVED EVERY HAIRDO U GAVE PRINCE. GIRL YOU ARE OUTSTANDING IN YOUR CRAFT. GOD BLESS U KIM FOR KEEPING IT REAL. AND MAY PRINCE GET TO THOSE PEARLY GATES. WHEN WE SEE AN ALL PURPLE RAINBOW, INSTEAD OF A MULTI COLORED ONE. WE WILL KNOW. LOVE, PEACE, AND HAIR GREASE
Franky Coco: I don't buy into all the conspiracy shit I believe it was simply a case of a brilliant artist who had Fame and adulation and was surrounded by people who only told him what he wanted to hear which led to his early death
Jacqueline Perry: Yes he was a special guy but he needed real love.he needed a lot of hugs and kisses on the jaws.he had earned it,its hard to find a good woman when you become so famous and wealthy.he was a good man just needed a little help.he controlled both his marriages and men are controlling at times it's some women out there that can control that and he really needed that.he needed a good woman to console with when taking those prescriptions or non prescriptions someone that would have fought with him to straighten up.men bare off sometimes not knowing there screwing up.he did as best he could under his circumstances but I'm sad he died in an elevator and not loved ones.make me think he felt he had no loved ones.he sure had fans whom loved him.i recall him crying at one show the love from his fans really touched him.i cried to cause I felt his love.
Daniella Mantia: OMG he was a beautiful person God bless him
Wahid Khaliq: We’ve all lost such a great man ...she obviously saw him as her own brother so sad love from England
Keka Caddis: She loved him........ she was the only that cried!
wisdom seeker: She was along for the ride alright. She was so *real* , she went on to write a book and basically threw Princes mother under the bus. With a friend like her, who needs enemies, right? What a low class woman she is. Im surprised she didnt keep his hair all of these years. and sell it.
ceceoo3: God bless his soul and God bless you too mam.
Evelyn Williams: Thanks for being a great friend
Alison Nickens: Aww Kim u know he loved you girl.i know its hurt to talk about him just remember the good times u had together.
SING: rip prince hope your showering in the purple rain
ramona2400 ricky: May God Bless you Kim = Prince I am sure adored you
Blaine Bailey: You got to appreciate Real nothing above it
Son of Prince: Love this Video!!!
Frida Flower: Princes philanthropy was never really talked about, I think he kept it private. I miss him every day.
B D: He was a icon
wendileona: Ha! Kept it real! Somebody should of looked at Prince hairstyle during the Emancipation and NPS, Rainbow Children/ONA era and said NOOO!!!! And 30 years??? Didn't Berry enter Prince's hair styling days sometime in 1995? Was she the one to do the several different versions of the Typhoon? Prince's hairstylist in 1987 was Earl Jones who was a GENIUS and Prince's very best hair stylist. Earl Jones was the uncle of Jill Jones, I believe Earl came in around the same time Jill Jones entered the Prince camp in the around 1982 and Earl Jones worked with Prince, heck, collaborated, through about 1989. Then it was another guy that did Prince's blow out in 1990 and maybe did the Typhoon style. So, 30 years? Unless she was an assistant but I've followed Prince's career and can write a thesis on his outfits and hair styles and what it all meant and I NEVER heard of her until she entered doing T-Boz shaved spot hairstyle for Prince in the 1995 Gold Experience era. Hmmm. .::Modernaire
Detroit Skidrow: Missing Prince Daily ♥️
Meka Boyd: The real never got there. You are right he needed The one God chose. Joyce
Shenyae T: Prince was soo fine
Alison Nickens: I must say u kept his hair looking good .
Howard Davis: I feel for this lady and prince hair Care was very important too him I’m sure and you don’t want a lot off people messing around with your hair but if she truly loved him like a friend she do one good interview and leave it at that she know prince would not approve off all this bs from these people it’s about the $ people let s keep it real and let’s face .it he is getting done like Elvis for years too come we can expect people too be coming out with these prince stories I’m waiting on someone too come forward with the prince lived with me 3 years after he died storie she has already wrote a book that’s not very good and it’s some butt head on you tube with a page saying he faked his death come on people it’s time too let him Rest In Peace...✌
lovejoy birdie: He...all we have is.
NewWorldRob: she heard prince talk sooo much shyt thru out the years. i know he kept her tripping laughing
Kim Gomes: This is for Prince's hairstyle Kim Berry,frist I want to say,sorry for your lost ,I always love Prince wanted to meet him, I'm afraid.of plans Anyway , I Listen to all his song's lyrics are so inspiring to me, I was so sad when they said he passed it was like loosen a sibling , my heart hurt so Bad,It sad that he was alone when he passed ,I seen your interview ,I seen your eyes I know you had a life time love for him 30 year's is a long time with someone, you was a good sister and probably the only one he ever trust, Well take care stay real.
Eric Williams: There was long ago rumors he wanted to get to meet me. I am honest by nature and very strong with strong personality
Crystal Hopkins: I knew he had a black hairstylist his hair was always fly!
ROCKNROLLFAN: God's gift to music.
Alina Flowers: I wondered who was laying Prince's hair out kim you always had his hair on Fleek girlfriend. Stay strong and hang and there i can tell that you are a real friend i know you are going to miss him dearly. R.I.PPRINCEROGERNELSON.
New Horizons For Fifty: Have mercy, to look in his eyes at :50 is to see God.