Prince (musician)

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Prince
Prince performing in 2008 Prince performing in 2008
Background information
Birth name	Prince Rogers Nelson
Born	(1958-06-07)June 7, 1958 Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.
Died	April 21, 2016(2016-04-21) (aged 57) Chanhassen, Minnesota, U.S.
Genres	Funk, rock, R&B, pop, soul, psychedelia
Occupation(s)	Singer, songwriter, musician, record producer, dancer, actor, filmmaker
Years active	1975–2016
Labels	Warner Bros., Paisley Park, NPG, EMI, Columbia, Arista, Universal

Prince Rogers Nelson (June 7, 1958 – April 21, 2016), known mononymously as Prince, was an American singer, songwriter, musician, and record producer. He was known for his eclectic work, flamboyant stage presence, extravagant fashion sense, and wide vocal range. Prince's innovative music integrated a wide variety of styles, including funk, rock, R&B, pop, soul, and psychedelia. He is regarded as one of the greatest musicians of his generation.

Early Life

Prince was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to John L. Nelson and Mattie Della Shaw. His father was a pianist and songwriter, and his mother was a jazz singer. Prince developed an interest in music at an early age and taught himself to play several instruments, including the piano, guitar, and drums.

Career

1970s

Prince signed his first recording contract with Warner Bros. Records at the age of 19. His debut album, For You, was released in 1978. He played all 27 instruments on the album and produced it himself. His second album, Prince, released in 1979, contained his first major hit, "I Wanna Be Your Lover".

1980s

The 1980s were a highly productive and successful period for Prince. His 1982 album 1999 was a major breakthrough, featuring hits like "Little Red Corvette" and the title track "1999". In 1984, he released Purple Rain, which served as the soundtrack to his film debut of the same name. The album and film were both critical and commercial successes, with the album producing hits like "When Doves Cry" and "Let's Go Crazy".

1990s

In the 1990s, Prince changed his stage name to an unpronounceable symbol, often referred to as the "Love Symbol". During this period, he was often referred to as "The Artist Formerly Known as Prince" or simply "The Artist". He released several albums under this symbol, including The Gold Experience and Emancipation.

2000s and Later

Prince continued to release music prolifically into the 2000s and 2010s. Notable albums from this period include Musicology, 3121, and Art Official Age. He also became known for his live performances and continued to tour extensively.

Death

Prince died on April 21, 2016, at his Paisley Park estate in Chanhassen, Minnesota, from an accidental overdose of fentanyl. His death was widely mourned, and he is remembered as a musical innovator and cultural icon.

Legacy

Prince's influence on music and culture is profound. He has sold over 150 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time. He won numerous awards, including seven Grammy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, and an Academy Award. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.

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• Warner Bros. Records
• Paisley Park Records
• NPG Records
• EMI Records
• Columbia Records
• Arista Records
• Universal Music Group