Cat Glover, the singer, dancer and choreographer who worked with Prince during his late '80s heyday, has died. She was 60.
Glover's death was announced on her official Facebook page. “It is with great sadness that we formally announce the passing of Catherine Vernice Glover, aka 'Cat.' Please respect the privacy of her children, family and friends during this difficult time,” the short statement read. No cause of death was given.
Glover is inextricably linked to Prince and worked with the late artist on numerous projects, including the albums Sign of the times AND sexylove and related music videos, concert films, and tours. She is also known for providing the rap on Prince's single “Alphabet St.”
Born Catherine Vernice Glover on July 23, 1964 in Chicago, Illinois. One of six children, Glover attended Esmond Elementary and Morgan Park High School. She began dancing at the age of five, and it would soon become a lifelong passion. Prince would also become a passion, and Glover made it her lifelong goal to meet the singer.
“I first heard about Prince after his album, Dirty Mind. I lived alone on the north side of Chicago,” Glover told Chicago Crusader. “The only thing that helped me get over the depression caused by everything was listening to Prince's album, Dirty Mind. I knew I had to meet him. That was me talking to my inner self.”
Hoping to catch Prince's attention, Glover got her big break as a dancer on the talent show Star Searchwhich was hosted by Ed McMahon at the time. Performing as part of a dance duo known as Pat and Cat, with Patrick Allen, Glover won over the audience with his high-octane moves. Pat and Cat won seven out of eight times on Star Searchwith two perfect scores, but lost the final and the $100,000 prize.
His success on Star Search saw Glover's status as a dancer rise, and David Bowie approached her to work with her. But it was also her hero Prince who wanted to collaborate, and she joined his band in December 1986.
Prince and Cat Glover (left) perform on stage at the Lovesexy Tour at the Feijenoord Stadium, De Kuip, Rotterdam, Netherlands, August 17, 1988.
Rob Verhorst/Redferns
With Prince's guidance and help, Glover reached the pinnacle of her dancing career. She choreographed and appeared with Prince in the 1987 concert film Sign of the timesbased on the album of the same name. She participated as a dancer and backing singer in the Lovesexy Tour in 1988 and also provided the rap for the album's hit single “Alphabet St.”
In 1989, he left Prince's band and went on his own. Glover released the EP Catwoman that same year would remain his only published music.
Glover's later years saw her busy as a dancer and choreographer. There was a brief reunion with Prince in 1994. The Black Albumwith Glover rapping on the song “Cindy C.”