Cat Glover, a singer and dancer known for her collaboration with Prince, has died. She was 60.
“It’s with great sadness that we formally announce the passing of Catherine Vernice Glover — AKA ‘Cat.’ Please allow her children, family and friends privacy at this difficult time,” a statement posted on her Facebook page read.
No cause of death was given, but the statement promised more information to follow.
Catherine Vernice Glover was born in Chicago on July 23, 1964 and started dancing at an early age. Performing as “Pat & Cat” with Patrick Allen, she received two perfect four-star scores on “Star Search” in 1986. After their winning streak on the TV talent show, she received offers to tour with David Bowie and Prince, choosing the latter, her hero.
Glover performed with Prince during the late 1980s, becoming a prominent part of his concerts. She featured heavily in the 1987 “Sign O’ the Times” concert film and the music video for “U Got the Look.” She also rapped on the tracks “Alphabet Street” and “Cindy C.”
Glover, along with drummer Sheila E. and vocalist/keyboardist Boni Boyer, made up Prince’s news backing band after the enigmatic artist broke up his “Purple Rain”-era band The Revolution. The new outfit disbanded after the release of “Lovesexy” in 1989. A planned solo record for Glover was never completed as Prince shifted focus to the “Batman” soundtrack.
She went on to work as a dancer and choreographer for years afterward, keeping in touch with Prince until his 2016 death, according to an interview with The Chicago Crusader.
