Protecting a Prince: The Unsung Heroes Behind the Purple Curtain

About the Role

As a member of Prince’s elite security team, you played a crucial role in ensuring his safety, privacy, and creative freedom. This position required more than physical protection—it demanded a deep understanding of Prince’s needs, habits, and artistic process. Bodyguards operated in the shadows, balancing invisibility with constant vigilance to handle everything from crowd control at concerts to managing overzealous fans and addressing serious threats, including death threats from opponents of Prince’s provocative image and lyrics.

The role involved long hours, extensive travel, and time away from personal life, but it also offered a front-row seat to musical history and the opportunity to work with one of the greatest artists of all time. The team was diverse, with members ranging from those with no prior protection experience to seasoned veterans and former law enforcement, creating a well-rounded group capable of adapting to any situation.

Responsibilities

• Provide physical security for Prince during public appearances, concerts, and private moments.
• Manage crowd control and handle overzealous fans to ensure Prince’s safety and privacy.
• Remain alert and ready to act while maintaining an invisible presence when necessary.
• Address and mitigate serious threats, including death threats and other security risks.
• Support Prince’s creative process by understanding his habits and needs.
• Travel extensively and work long hours, often away from personal family commitments.
• Act as confidants and trusted allies, fostering a protective environment that allowed Prince to focus on his art.

Notable Team Members

The security team included a diverse group of individuals, some of whom took on additional roles in Prince’s life and career:

• Ross “Rosie” Licata – Prince’s first bodyguard, who protected him in the early days of his career.
• Charles “Big Chick” Huntsberry – A longtime mentor and one of Prince’s most recognizable protectors.
• Gilbert Davison – Later became Prince’s manager and president of Paisley Park.
• Duane Nelson – Prince’s half-brother, who served as a protector for many years.
• Kirk Johnson – A longtime friend who also served as Prince’s drummer and estate manager.
• Wally Safford, Gilbert Davison, Aaron Liepins, C.G. Chilton, and others – Formed a tight-knit, dedicated group committed to Prince’s safety and success.

Full List of Prince’s Bodyguards

• Ross (Rosie) Licata
• Charles (Big Chick) Huntsberry
• Wally Safford
• Harlan (Hucky) Austin
• Gilbert Davison
• William (Bill) Snouffer
• Duane Nelson
• Derrick Henry
• Joey Guzman
• Donald Cartwright
• Tracy Jacobs
• C.G. Chilton
• Aaron Freeman
• Aaron Liepins
• Andre Augustine
• Earl Gabbidon
• Trevor Allen
• Raul Sandoval
• Zachery (Scott) March
• Nasser Mercalfe
• Chris (Romeo) Gaither
• Julius Yancey
• Kirk Johnson