Prince

Prince Rogers Nelson is an American singer, songwriter, musician, dancer, actor and filmmaker from Minneapolis, United States. Born in 1958 and active until his death in 2016, he is closely associated with the development of the Minneapolis sound, which combines funk, rock, pop, R&B and new wave. He is also known for working under the name “The Artist Formerly Known as…” during part of his career.

Early life and beginnings

Prince grows up in Minneapolis in a musical family. His father, John Lewis Nelson, is a pianist and songwriter, and his mother, Mattie Della Shaw, is a jazz singer. He begins writing music young and writes his first song, “Funk Machine”, at the age of seven. After his parents’ divorce, he lives with different relatives and friends, and develops a close friendship with André Cymone, who later becomes a collaborator. He attends Bryant Junior High School and Central High School in Minneapolis, where he plays sports and studies dance through the Minnesota Dance Theatre. As a teenager, he records demos that attract industry attention.

Recording career

In 1977, Prince signs a recording contract with Warner Bros. Records that gives him significant creative control and ownership of his publishing rights. His debut album, For You (1978), is written, arranged, produced and largely performed by him. His second album, Prince (1979), brings greater commercial success and includes “I Wanna Be Your Lover” and “Why You Wanna Treat Me So Bad?”.

During the early 1980s he releases Dirty Mind (1980), Controversy (1981) and 1999 (1982). These records establish his approach to mixing styles and addressing sexuality, politics and social issues. 1999 produces the singles “1999”, “Little Red Corvette” and “Delirious” and expands his international audience.

Purple Rain and the Revolution

Prince reaches major commercial success in 1984 with the film Purple Rain and its soundtrack album. The soundtrack includes “When Doves Cry”, “Let’s Go Crazy” and “Purple Rain”, and he becomes the first recording artist to have the number-one film, album and single in the United States at the same time. The album receives the Academy Award for Best Original Song Score and becomes one of the most successful albums of the decade.

His backing band during much of this period is the Revolution. With the group he releases Around the World in a Day (1985) and Parade (1986), which includes the number-one single “Kiss”. After the Parade Tour, the Revolution disbands.

Late 1980s and 1990s

In 1987, Prince releases the double album Sign o’ the Times, which draws on material from several unreleased projects. It receives critical acclaim and includes “Sign o’ the Times”, “If I Was Your Girlfriend”, “U Got the Look” and “I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man”. He follows it with Lovesexy (1988) after shelving The Black Album, which is later issued officially in 1994.

He contributes music to the 1989 film Batman, releasing a soundtrack that includes the number-one single “Batdance”. Other albums from this period include Graffiti Bridge (1990), Diamonds and Pearls (1991) and Love Symbol (1992). During this time, the New Power Generation becomes his primary backing band.

The Love Symbol period and independent releases

In 1993, amid disputes with Warner Bros. Records over the pace and ownership of his releases, Prince adopts the unpronounceable Love Symbol as his stage name. He is widely referred to as “The Artist Formerly Known as Prince” or simply “The Artist”, and he appears publicly with the word “slave” written on his face as part of his protest.

After fulfilling his contract with Warner Bros., he releases music through his own NPG Records label and other partnerships. Notable releases from this period include Emancipation (1996), Crystal Ball (1998) and Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic (1999). In 2000, after key contracts expire, he resumes using the name Prince.

2000s and later work

In the 2000s, Prince increasingly experiments with online distribution and fan subscription services. Albums from this period include The Rainbow Children (2001), Musicology (2004) and 3121 (2006). Musicology is a commercial and critical success and helps re-establish him as a major touring artist.

In 2004, he is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and performs in a tribute rendition of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”. His halftime performance at Super Bowl XLI in 2007 attracts wide attention. That same year he releases Planet Earth and holds a residency at London’s O2 Arena. Later releases include Lotusflow3r, MPLSoUND, 20Ten, Hit n Run Phase One and Hit n Run Phase Two. His final tour, Piano & A Microphone, features stripped-down performances centred on him and a piano.

Work, influence and recognition

Prince is known for his multi-instrumental ability and often performs most or all of the instruments on his recordings. He also writes and produces music for other artists, including the Time, Sheila E. and the Bangles. Over his career he releases 39 studio albums and sells more than 100 million records worldwide. He receives multiple Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, the Grammy President’s Merit Award, the American Music Award of Merit and the Billboard Icon Award. He is also inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame, the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame.

His work influences musicians across a wide range of genres, and his recordings, performances and focus on artistic independence remain subjects of critical and scholarly attention.