Prince was one of the most original and influential artists in modern music. Known for his genre-blending style, magnetic performances, and artistic independence, he changed the way pop, funk, and rock were perceived. Over his career, he sold over 100 million records, earned seven Grammy Awards, and redefined what it meant to be a musical innovator.
| Full Name | Prince Rogers Nelson |
|---|---|
| Born | June 7, 1958 – Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Died | April 21, 2016 – Chanhassen, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Genres | Pop, Funk, Rock, R&B, Soul, New Wave |
| Occupations | Singer, Songwriter, Musician, Producer |
| Years Active | 1975–2016 |
| Labels | Warner Bros., NPG, Columbia, Arista, EMI |
| Notable Hits | “Purple Rain”, “When Doves Cry”, “Kiss”, “1999”, “Little Red Corvette” |
Early Life and Musical Start
Prince Rogers Nelson was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on June 7, 1958. His father, a jazz pianist, and his mother, a singer, influenced his love for music early on. He taught himself multiple instruments and wrote his first song at age seven.
In his teens, he joined his cousin’s band, 94 East. Soon after, he started recording solo demos. Most labels turned him down, but manager Owen Husney helped him land a deal with Warner Bros. Records.
His debut album, For You (1978), was modest in sales. However, his follow-up Prince (1979) reached No. 22 on the Billboard 200 and included the hit “I Wanna Be Your Lover.”
Breaking Through in the 1980s
Prince’s third album, Dirty Mind (1980), marked a creative leap. With raw lyrics and a mix of funk, rock, and new wave, it built his reputation as a bold and original artist. He followed it with Controversy (1981), continuing to explore politics, identity, and sexuality through danceable grooves.
In 1982, he released 1999. The album brought him mainstream success with hits like “1999,” “Little Red Corvette,” and “Delirious.” It reached No. 9 on the Billboard 200 and introduced his backing band, The Revolution.
Purple Rain and Global Fame
Prince’s 1984 album Purple Rain made him a superstar. It was the soundtrack to the film of the same name, which also marked his acting debut. The movie was a box office hit, and the album was a phenomenon.
It featured classics like “When Doves Cry” (No. 1), “Let’s Go Crazy” (No. 1), and the title track “Purple Rain” (No. 2). The album sold over 10 million copies in the U.S. alone and won Prince an Academy Award for Best Original Song Score.
Purple Rain stayed at No. 1 for 24 weeks and won two Grammys. It’s widely considered one of the best albums of all time.
Pushing Boundaries with Style
After Purple Rain, Prince rejected pop expectations. He released Around the World in a Day (1985), a psychedelic album that included “Raspberry Beret.” He followed with Parade (1986), which featured the global hit “Kiss” (No. 1).
Though Warner Bros. doubted “Kiss,” Prince insisted on releasing it. Its success proved his instincts right and earned him another Grammy.
In 1987, Prince released Sign o’ the Times. It blended funk, rock, soul, and psychedelia. The title track hit No. 3, and the double album earned critical praise. Many fans consider it his best work.
Challenges in the Late ’80s
Prince planned to release The Black Album in 1987 but pulled it at the last minute, calling it “evil.” Instead, he released Lovesexy (1988), a spiritual counterpoint. However, it struggled commercially.
He bounced back with the Batman soundtrack in 1989. It topped the Billboard 200 and included the hit “Batdance” (No. 1). The album gave Prince a fresh commercial boost at the decade’s end.
New Band, New Name, New Struggles
In the early 1990s, Prince formed the New Power Generation. Their first album together, Diamonds and Pearls (1991), was a success. It included hits like “Cream” and the title track.
By 1993, his relationship with Warner Bros. soured. He changed his name to an unpronounceable symbol, later dubbed “The Love Symbol.” Fans and the media called him “The Artist Formerly Known as Prince.” The move drew ridicule, but he used it to protest his contract.
That year, he released “The Most Beautiful Girl in the World.” Despite being released on an independent label, it became a Top 3 hit in the U.S. and reached No. 1 in the UK.
In 1995, he released The Gold Experience. Though critically acclaimed, it saw limited promotion. A legal battle with Warner ended in 1996.
Independence and Prolific Output
Now free, Prince released Emancipation (1996), a three-disc set showcasing his versatility. He followed with Chaos and Disorder (1996), Crystal Ball (1998), and The Truth (1998).
He continued releasing music independently through his NPG label. Albums like The Vault: Old Friends 4 Sale (1999) and the re-release of 1999 marked the decade’s end.
Comeback and Recognition in the 2000s
Prince returned to mainstream attention in 2004. He opened the Grammy Awards with Beyoncé and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. That year, he released Musicology, which reached No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and earned him two Grammys. His tour was one of the highest-grossing of the year.
In 2006, 3121 debuted at No. 1. Prince also won a Golden Globe for “Song of the Heart,” featured in the film Happy Feet.
His next album, Planet Earth (2007), peaked at No. 3. In 2009, LOtUSFLOW3R debuted at No. 2, continuing his streak of high-charting releases.
Later Albums and Tours
In the 2010s, Prince remained active. He released MPLSound (2009), 20Ten (2010), and in 2014, two albums: Plectrumelectrum (with 3RDEYEGIRL) and Art Official Age. Both were critically well-received.
He released HITnRUN Phase One and Phase Two in 2015. That same year, he began his Piano & A Microphone tour, showcasing his voice and musicianship in intimate settings.
Death and Legacy
On April 21, 2016, Prince was found unresponsive at his Paisley Park estate. He was 57. The cause was an accidental overdose of fentanyl.
His sudden death shocked the world. Fans and artists paid tribute across the globe. That year had already seen the loss of legends like David Bowie and Glenn Frey, making the grief even deeper.
Prince left behind a massive archive of unreleased material, much of which has since been issued by his estate.
Legacy and Influence
Prince’s impact on music is immeasurable. He challenged norms around race, gender, and sexuality. His control over his music inspired future generations to fight for creative freedom.
He won seven Grammy Awards, a Golden Globe, and an Academy Award. Rolling Stone consistently ranks his work among the best of all time.
Artists like Beyoncé, Bruno Mars, The Weeknd, and Janelle Monáe cite him as a major influence. His genre-crossing catalog, electrifying stage presence, and DIY ethos remain unmatched.