Prince (musician)

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Prince (musician)

Prince Rogers Nelson, known mononymously as Prince, was an American singer, songwriter, musician, and record producer. Born on June 7, 1958, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Prince became one of the most influential musicians of his generation, known for his eclectic work, flamboyant stage presence, and wide vocal range. He was a multi-instrumentalist who was proficient in playing guitar, drums, bass, keyboards, and more.

Early Life

Prince was born to John L. Nelson, a jazz musician, and Mattie Della Shaw, a jazz singer. His parents were both African American, and his ancestry also included Louisiana Creole roots. Prince showed an early interest in music, writing his first song at the age of seven. He attended Central High School in Minneapolis, where he was involved in music and sports.

Musical Career

Prince's career began in the late 1970s with the release of his debut album, "For You" (1978). He gained critical acclaim and commercial success with his 1979 self-titled album, which included the hit single "I Wanna Be Your Lover."

Breakthrough and Success

Prince's breakthrough came with the release of "1999" in 1982, which included hits like "Little Red Corvette" and "1999." His next album, "Purple Rain" (1984), was a cultural phenomenon, accompanied by a film of the same name. The album produced hits such as "When Doves Cry" and "Let's Go Crazy," and it won Prince an Academy Award for Best Original Song Score.

Musical Style and Influence

Prince was known for his innovative music that blended rock, funk, R&B, and pop. His style was characterized by his flamboyant fashion, androgynous persona, and sexually explicit lyrics. He was a pioneer in the Minneapolis sound, a hybrid mixture of funk, rock, pop, and new wave.

Later Career

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Prince continued to release music prolifically, often experimenting with different genres and sounds. He was known for his disputes with his record label, Warner Bros., over artistic control and ownership of his music. This led to him changing his name to an unpronounceable symbol, often referred to as "The Love Symbol," and being called "The Artist Formerly Known as Prince."

Personal Life

Prince was known for his reclusive nature and his commitment to maintaining his privacy. He was married twice, first to his backup dancer Mayte Garcia and later to Canadian businesswoman Manuela Testolini. Prince was also a devout Jehovah's Witness, having converted in 2001.

Death

Prince passed away on April 21, 2016, at the age of 57, due to an accidental overdose of fentanyl at his Paisley Park home and recording studio in Chanhassen, Minnesota. His death was widely mourned, and he is remembered as a musical genius 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, and an Academy Award. In 2004, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Also see

• Purple Rain (album)
• Minneapolis sound
• Warner Bros. Records
• Funk music
• Rock and Roll Hall of Fame