Prince

Background

Famed American singer-songwriter Prince achieved global fame in the 1980s with his albums “Purple Rain” and “1999.” He was born Prince Rogers Nelson to jazz musician John Nelson and jazz singer Mattie Shaw in Minneapolis, Minnesota on June 7, 1958. From a very young age, Prince was intrigued by music and taught himself how to play the guitar, piano, and drums. Following his parents’ separation, Prince moved in with the Anderson family, his neighbors. He formed his band, named Grand Central, in high school with members Andre Anderson and Morris Day. Prince got his first deal with Warner Bros. Records in 1978.

The superhit album “Purple Rain” was released in 1984, which was also the soundtrack of the film of the same name. The movie was bestowed with an Academy Award for Best Original Song Score. “Around The World In A Day” was released in 1985, featuring the popular tracks ‘Pop Life,’ and ‘Raspberry Beret.’ Prince released his eighth studio album, “Parade” in 1986, featuring the sensational single ‘Kiss,’ which reigned as number one on the music charts.

Following his music group’s disbanding, Prince went solo with his albums “For You” in 1978, and “Prince” in 1979. The albums were remarkable due to the fact that Prince played practically all the instruments on all the songs himself. The sophomore release contained his first top 20 pop hit, the easygoing ‘I Wanna Be Your Lover.’

Due to growing tensions with his record label, Warner Bros., Prince’s career was mired in ups and downs. As a rebellious act against his label, Prince changed his name to the unpronounceable glyph O(+> in 1993, a fusion of female and male astrological symbols, which he used until 2000.

On April 21, 2016, Prince died at the age of 57 due to an accidental fentanyl overdose at his home and recording studio, Paisley Park, in Chanhassen, Minnesota.