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Once Upon A Time (formerly known as Bobbi Jo and later 26) is the eleventh and final track on Eric Leeds’ first album Times Squared (on the CD release, tenth track on other formats).
A solo piano version of the track (as Bobbi Jo) was recorded by Prince in December 1987 (most likely at Paisley Park Studios in Chanhassen, Minnesota) as a gift for Ingrid Chavez, with whom he was working at the time (the inspiration for the name is unknown). He re-recorded the track on 4 January 1988 at Paisley Park Studios (during sessions for the Lovesexy album).
In August and September 1989, Prince asked Eric Leeds to compile tracks from the vault for a third Madhouse album. This track was one of ten selected and, in keeping with previous Madhouse releases, tracks were given tentative numerical titles of 17 to 26 (the album would be titled 26) - this track was given the title of 26 as the tenth and final track on the album at the time. When Leeds reworked and developped the piece, he asked Prince to play a piano part. Prince refused and suggested that he contact Ricky Peterson instead.
When Prince suggested the album should be released as a solo album by Eric Leeds, Leeds came up with titles for each track, in Spring 1990 (and recorded a new track, Lines, which became the new opening track); this track became known as Once Upon A Time and the album became known as Times Squared.
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