Biography
Prince Rogers Nelson, born on June 7, 1958, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, emerged as one of the most innovative and influential artists in modern music. Raised in a musical family—his father, John Nelson, was a jazz pianist and his mother, Mattie Shaw, a jazz singer—Prince began playing piano at age 7 and quickly mastered guitar and drums, forming his first band at 14. Despite a turbulent childhood marked by his parents’ separation and frequent moves, Prince found stability and creative partnership with André Cymone, with whom he formed the band Grand Central during high school.
Prince signed with Warner Bros. Records at 18, releasing his debut album 'For You' in 1978, followed by a string of groundbreaking records that fused funk, rock, pop, and R&B. His provocative blend of sexual and religious themes, virtuosic musicianship, and flamboyant stage presence set him apart. The 1984 album 'Purple Rain' and its accompanying film catapulted Prince to global superstardom, earning him an Academy Award and multiple Grammys. Over his career, Prince released dozens of albums, including '1999,' 'Sign o' the Times,' and 'Diamonds and Pearls,' and was known for his prodigious output, genre-defying style, and fiercely independent approach to the music industry.
Prince’s legacy is defined by his relentless creativity, advocacy for artistic freedom, and profound impact on popular music. He pioneered the 'Minneapolis sound,' mentored and collaborated with countless artists, and inspired generations with his boundary-pushing artistry. Prince died on April 21, 2016, from an accidental drug overdose, leaving behind a vast catalog and an enduring influence on music and culture.
Fun Facts
- Prince was a self-taught musician who played nearly every instrument on his debut album.
- He famously changed his name to an unpronounceable symbol in 1993 during a dispute with Warner Bros. Records.
- Prince wrote hit songs for other artists, including 'Manic Monday' for The Bangles and 'Nothing Compares 2 U' for Sinéad O'Connor.
- He was known for his prodigious output, releasing over 30 studio albums and vaulting hundreds of unreleased songs.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- John L. Nelson - Prince's father, a jazz pianist, introduced him to music and performance (Shared writing credits on several songs) [Childhood through early career]
- Pepé Willie - Early mentor and leader of the band 94 East, helped Prince gain studio experience (94 East recordings) [Mid-1970s]
Key Collaborators
- André Cymone - Childhood friend and bandmate in Grand Central and early solo work (Grand Central, early Prince albums) [1970s-early 1980s]
- Morris Day - Bandmate in Grand Central and lead singer of The Time, a Prince-associated act (The Time albums) [1980s]
- Sheila E. - Percussionist and frequent collaborator, both live and in studio (Albums such as 'Sign o' the Times', Sheila E.'s solo work) [1980s-1990s]
- Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis - Minneapolis musicians whose careers Prince helped launch (Associated with The Time) [1980s]
Artists Influenced
- Beyoncé - Cited Prince as a major influence on her artistry and live performance (Live performances, musical style) [2000s-present]
- Janelle Monáe - Inspired by Prince’s genre-blending and visual style (Albums such as 'Dirty Computer') [2010s-present]
- The Weeknd - Musical style and vocal approach influenced by Prince (Albums such as 'Starboy') [2010s-present]
- Bruno Mars - Performance style and funk influences trace back to Prince (Live shows, '24K Magic') [2010s-present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Purple Rain | 1984-06-25 | Album |
| Parade - Music from the Motion Picture Under the Cherry Moon | 1986-03-31 | Album |
| Around the World in a Day | 1985-04-22 | Album |
| Around The World In A Day | 1985-04-22 | Album |
| Purple Rain (Deluxe Expanded Edition) | 2017-06-23 | Album |
| 1999 | 1982-10-27 | Album |
| 1999 | 1982-10-27 | Album |
| Prince | 1979-10-19 | Album |
| The Gold Experience | 1995-09-26 | Album |
| Diamonds and Pearls | 1991-10-01 | Album |
| Prince | 1979-10-19 | Album |
| Sign "O" the Times | 1987-03-30 | Album |
| Sign O' The Times | 1987-03-31 | Album |
| The Electric Lady | 2013-09-06 | Album |
| Diamonds and Pearls | 1991-10-01 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Purple Rain (Purple Rain)
- Kiss (Parade - Music from the Motion Picture Under the Cherry Moon)
- When Doves Cry (Purple Rain)
- Let's Go Crazy (Purple Rain)
- Raspberry Beret (Around the World in a Day)
- Raspberry Beret (Around The World In A Day)
- I Wanna Be Your Lover (Prince)
- I Would Die 4 U (Purple Rain)
- 1999 (1999)
- The Most Beautiful Girl In the World (The Gold Experience)
External Links
Tags: #contemporary-r&b, #dance-pop, #film-soundtrack
References
Heard on WWOZ
Prince has been played 25 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.