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Atlanta Bliss

Matthew "Atlanta Bliss" Blistan (born circa 1952) is a distinguished American jazz trumpeter recognized primarily for his collaboration with the iconic musician Prince from 1985 to 1991. He earned a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for the hit single "Kiss," which was released in 1986.

Hailing from Peters Township, Pennsylvania, Blistan was 33 years old and residing in Atlanta when his college friend Eric Leeds, a fellow Duquesne University alumnus, introduced him to Prince. This introduction led to his joining Prince's band, The Revolution, in 1985. His first notable contribution was to the track "Mountains," featured on the 1986 album *Parade*, which served as the soundtrack for the film *Under the Cherry Moon*. It was during this time that Prince affectionately dubbed him "Atlanta Bliss," inspired by a lively moment in the studio.

Over the next six years, Blistan dedicated countless hours to recording and rehearsing with Prince. He made a notable appearance in the concert film *Sign o' the Times* in 1987 and collaborated with jazz legend Miles Davis on "Sticky Wicked," a track from Chaka Khan's 1988 album *CK*. In 1991, Blistan departed from The Revolution and returned to Pittsburgh, where he continued to collaborate occasionally with Leeds.

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