Publication: New York Daily News [US]
Date: January 6, 1997
Section:
Page Number(s):
Length:
Title: "A Rhapsody In Purple"
Written By: David Bianculli

Even with Muhammad Ali among the guests showing up to honor Bryant Gumbel on Friday, the NBC anchor said afterward that his favorite moment was when the Artist Formerly Known As Prince showed up, dressed in conservative coat and tie, to play old songs for an old friend.

"If you'd have told me that [he] was going to come in here and do a live concert, number one; play some of his old stuff, number two; and dress as he did, number three," Gumbel said, smiling broadly, "I'd have bet you every money I've got in any account you can imagine."

The inside joke referred to the musician's previous "Today" visit, during which he poked fun at Gumbel's very businesslike blazer, shoes and khaki pants.

Even hearing the music during the morning rehearsal didn't tip off Gumbel. "I thought, 'Oh, that's cute: and they're rehearsing some old Prince stuff.' Because he doesn't DO his old stuff, see, so I never assumed it was him."