Lisa Coleman is an American pianist, keyboardist, and composer best known for her work with Prince as a member of The Revolution, and later as one half of the duo Wendy & Lisa. Born in Los Angeles in 1960, Coleman began playing piano at age four and was performing professionally by twelve, including a stint in the bubblegum pop band Waldorf Salad.
Her breakthrough came in 1980 when she joined Prince’s touring and recording band, contributing keyboards and vocals to albums like Controversy, 1999, and the iconic Purple Rain. Coleman’s lush synth textures and classical sensibility added depth to Prince’s genre-blending sound, helping define the Minneapolis funk aesthetic.
After leaving The Revolution in 1986, Coleman partnered with guitarist Wendy Melvoin to form Wendy & Lisa, releasing several critically acclaimed albums that fused pop, funk, and cinematic composition. The duo also became prolific film and television composers, earning an Emmy for their theme to Nurse Jackie and contributing scores to shows like Heroes and Crossing Jordan.
Coleman’s piano work is marked by emotional nuance, harmonic richness, and a fearless embrace of experimentation. Whether on stage with Prince or scoring scenes for television, she remains one of the most innovative and expressive keyboardists of her generation.
