Prince, an iconic American musician, captivated the world in the 1980s with his groundbreaking albums ‘1999’ and ‘Purple Rain.’ The latter not only became a chart-topping success but also served as the soundtrack for the widely acclaimed film of the same name.
Who Was Prince?
Prince’s early career was marked by the release of albums such as “Prince,” “Dirty Mind,” and “Controversy,” which gained attention for their daring blend of religious and sexual themes. He skyrocketed to global stardom with the albums “1999” and “Purple Rain,” producing timeless hits like “When Doves Cry” and “Let’s Go Crazy.” As a seven-time Grammy winner, Prince’s vast musical catalog includes later masterpieces like “Diamonds and Pearls,” “The Gold Experience,” and “Musicology.” Tragically, Prince passed away on April 21, 2016, due to an accidental drug overdose.
Early Life
Prince Rogers Nelson, known worldwide as Prince, was born on June 7, 1958, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. His father, John Nelson, was a musician who performed under the name Prince Rogers, and his mother, Mattie Shaw, was a jazz singer. Prince displayed a deep passion for music from an early age, teaching himself to play the piano, guitar, and drums. After his parents’ separation when he was 10, Prince lived between their homes before eventually moving in with a neighboring family, the Andersons. In high school, Prince formed a band called Grand Central, later renamed Champagne, alongside André Anderson (later André Cymone) and Morris Day.
In 1978, Prince signed with Warner Bros. Records. During a 2009 interview with Tavis Smiley, he revealed that he had struggled with epilepsy as a child and had been bullied in school. He shared, “Early in my career, I tried to compensate by being as flashy and as noisy as I could.”
The ’80s: ‘Purple Rain’ and Beyond
In 1984, Prince, along with his band the Revolution, released the album “Purple Rain,” which also served as the soundtrack for the film of the same name. The movie, featuring Apollonia Kotero and Morris Day, earned an Academy Award for Best Original Song Score and grossed nearly $70 million at the U.S. box office. The album’s title track reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, while “When Doves Cry” and “Let’s Go Crazy” both topped the charts. With its unique blend of electronic and funk elements, “When Doves Cry” became a signature hit, and “Let’s Go Crazy” solidified its place among electrifying rock anthems.
“Purple Rain” also featured other hits like “I Would Die 4 U” and “Take Me With U,” with Prince becoming a visual icon known for his signature curls, flamboyant jackets, and ruffled outfits. However, the song “Darling Nikki” sparked controversy due to its explicit content, prompting Tipper Gore, wife of Senator Al Gore, to advocate for parental advisory labels on albums.
In 1985, Prince released “Around the World in a Day,” featuring the Top 10 tracks “Raspberry Beret” and “Pop Life.” The album continued Prince’s exploration of diverse instruments and themes of self-love, as seen in “Paisley Park,” inspired by the name of his Minneapolis studios.
Prince’s 1986 album “Parade” included the No. 1 pop/R&B single “Kiss” and served as the soundtrack for his second film, “Under the Cherry Moon,” which he directed and starred in.
Career Takes Off: ‘Controversy’ and ‘1999’
Prince’s debut album “For You” was released in 1978, followed by “Prince” in 1979. He played nearly all the instruments on both albums, with the latter featuring his first Top 20 hit, “I Wanna Be Your Lover.” His 1980 album “Dirty Mind” received critical acclaim for its bold exploration of sexuality and fantasy. “Controversy,” released in 1981, continued these themes, with tracks like “Sexuality” and “Do Me Baby” reaching No. 3 on the R&B charts.
In 1982, Prince achieved international fame with the release of “1999,” which included the Top 20 title track, a synth-funk anthem about nuclear apocalypse, along with the Top 10 hits “Little Red Corvette” and “Delirious.”
‘Sign ‘O’ the Times,’ ‘Batman’ Soundtrack
Following the disbandment of the Revolution, Prince consolidated various projects into the double album “Sign ‘O’ the Times” in 1987. The album’s title track reached No. 3 on the pop charts and No. 1 in R&B, known for its stark social commentary. The album also featured the lively duet “U Got the Look” with Sheena Easton, which reached No. 2 on the pop charts. Although critically acclaimed, “Sign” found more success in Europe, where Prince launched a successful tour.
In 1988, Prince released “Lovesexy,” known for its cover art featuring a nude Prince and the Top 5 R&B hit “Alphabet St.”
By 1989, Prince had become one of America’s most commercially successful pop artists. His 11th studio album, the “Batman” soundtrack, produced the No. 1 hit “Batdance” and the Top 5 R&B hit “Partyman.” The “Batdance” video famously showcased Prince in split-effect makeup, symbolizing both Batman and the Joker.
The Early ’90s: The New Power Generation
In the early 1990s, Prince launched the New Power Generation (NPG), a band that blended contemporary R&B, hip-hop, jazz, and soul, featuring vocalist Rosie Gaines. The group first appeared on the soundtrack to “Graffiti Bridge,” a 1990 sequel to “Purple Rain.” While the film didn’t perform well at the box office, it produced the Top 10 hit “Thieves in the Temple.”
With the NPG’s input, Prince released the successful album “Diamonds and Pearls” in 1991, which reached No. 3 on the Billboard 200. The album included hits like the romantic ballad “Diamonds and Pearls,” the industrial track “Gett Off,” the playful “Insatiable,” and the saucy No. 1 single “Cream.”
Prince continued to challenge norms around sexuality, gender, and the body. His 1991 MTV Video Music Awards performance of “Gett Off” featured a provocative onstage display, culminating in the artist revealing seatless pants.
In 1992, Prince signed a record-breaking $100 million deal with Warner Bros., granting him unprecedented artistic freedom and the ability to pursue various projects independently. This deal was the largest recording and music publishing contract in history at the time, surpassing deals held by Michael Jackson and Madonna.
Collaborations
Beyond his solo work, Prince was a sought-after collaborator and songwriter. In the mid-1980s, Chaka Khan’s hit cover of “I Feel For You” and Sinead O’Connor’s “Nothing Compares 2 U” were both penned by Prince. The Art of Noise and Tom Jones reached the U.K. Top 5 with their cover of “Kiss,” and Alicia Keys included a cover of “How Come U Don’t Call Me Anymore” on her debut album in 2001.
Prince also contributed to albums by artists like Madonna, Tevin Campbell, Kate Bush, Patti LaBelle, and Janelle Monáe. He was behind Vanity 6’s No. 1 dance hit “Nasty Girl” and wrote “Manic Monday” for the Bangles, which became a No. 2 hit.
Prince’s impact on the music industry remains unparalleled, with his innovative sound, provocative lyrics, and timeless hits continuing to inspire artists and fans around the world.