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Unique. Provocative. Prodigy. Legend.

 

Born on June 7, 1958 in Minneapolis, Prince Rogers Nelson came from a musical family; his father was the leader of a jazz band in the area, and his mother was the vocalist. A child musical prodigy, by the time he was 14, Prince had taught himself piano, guitar and the drums. Foreshadowing his future musical endeavors, he was also in a band called “Grand Central” as a teenager. At the age of 18, his demo made its way to businessman Owen Husney, who signed Prince with Warner Bros. in 1978.

 

His album, For You, was released in 1978 and came with little acclaim, but the songs were erotic in nature, solidifying Prince’s future trademark. His first album was followed by Prince (1979) and Dirty Mind (1980); although still not commercial successes at the time, they promoted the image of Prince. His range and ability were demonstrated to the public, and his salacious attitude showcased to the world. His following album, Controversy, along with For You and Prince, all eventually went platinum, but it was in 1984 when his career took a turn for the legendary.

 

Purple Rain, a supposedly autobiographical film with striking similarities to Prince’s own Minneapolis childhood, was a major financial success. The soundtrack sold 13 million copies and spent 24 weeks on the top charts. Prince, along with his accompanying band Revelation, won Best Group Rock Vocal for “Purple Rain” at the Grammy’s in 1985, along with R&B Song of the Year for “I Feel For You.” The Academy Award for Best Original Score for Purple Rain was the cherry on top of a successful year for the artist, but his humble and almost shy demeanor at these award shows, a stark difference from his usual hillbilly visage, were tell-tale signs that he had carefully crafted his image for fame. He knew how to get it - and he did.

 

Although nothing else lived up to the legendary Purple Rain, Prince was still regarded as one of the greatest musicians of all time. Not only was it about his musical talent, but it was also his mind. He knew what he wanted, and he got it. In particular, his eccentricities were what made him legendary. The biggest may have been in 1993, when he changed his name to - a symbol? In an unprecedented move, after feeling like his record label was taking his identity, the change to an unpronounceable symbol was a call for an outpour of mockery. Although many called it an act of rebellion, “The Artist Formerly Known as Prince” was adamant that that was what he was to be called.

 

Despite his often strange and somewhat questionable career moves, his trailblazing in the music industry is what made him an influence for so many artists today. One of the pioneers of R&B and Soul, he was passionate about his music, worked hard, and pushed limits. It is said he has a secret library of over 600 unreleased songs in his Paisley Park studio. He would sometimes write for days straight, rehearsed for hours on tours, and put all his energy into making audiences around the world hear his voice and soul. He fought for his music to be heard how he wanted it to be, sometimes suing fans for uploading videos of his performances online. He abruptly cancelled the release of one of the most bootlegged albums in pop history, The Black Album, because he claimed it was “too dark.” He was out of control and completely in control at the same time, and people loved it.

 

He died suddenly on April 21st, 2016 from a fentanyl overdose at his studio in his home state Minnesota. Although the autopsy revealed no signs of struggle, and his death was not concluded to be a suicide, grief and shock came from all over the world over the death of a legend. Only 57, his life was considered too short for the man with the grandiose personality. When he was previously hospitalized, in true Prince fashion, he told fans to “Wait a few days before you waste any prayers.” His fans and collaborators, true to his wishes, celebrated the icon he was, instead of the person he was no more.

His music will live on, with hundreds of more songs to be heard, his performances will be watched countless times, his influence will be legendary. A true man of mystery and intrigue, his death did leave on question: What would “The Artist” have done next?