Prince
R&B Singer
Prince Rogers Nelson, more commonly known mononymously as Prince, was an American singer-songwriter, musician, and record producer. The recipient of numerous awards and nominations, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest musicians of his generation.
About
Prince Rogers Nelson was born June 7, 1958 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was the son of John L. Nelson and Mattie Shaw, both members of the jazz band The Prince Rogers Trio. Prince's first instrument was the piano, learning by ear at the age of seven. He quickly developed skills on guitar, drums, and bass guitar. At 10 years old, he wrote his first song with his father as a co-writer.
Prince attended Central High School in Minneapolis and during that time he joined a band called Grand Central with some friends from school. They played at parties and local clubs but had no major success outside of their small circle. After graduating high school in 1976, Prince recorded a demo tape and sent it to several labels in the hopes of securing a record deal. In April 1977, Warner Bros Records signed him to a contract which began his professional music career.
Throughout the late 1970s and 80s Prince released a string of popular albums including "Dirty Mind," "Controversy," "1999," "Purple Rain," and more. His songs were known for being experimental while still remaining catchy pop hits such as "When Doves Cry" and "Kiss." He also wrote numerous songs for other artists like Sheila E., Chaka Khan, Martika, The Bangles, and many others.
Prince won seven Grammy Awards throughout his career as well as an Academy Award for his soundtrack for Purple Rain (1984). He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 2004 and has sold over 100 million records worldwide making him one of the best-selling artists ever. On April 21st 2016, Prince passed away due to an accidental drug overdose at his home in Chanhassen Minnesota- leaving behind an incredible legacy that will live on forever.
Life Timeline
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1958</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Prince is Born</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">On June 7, 1958, Prince Rogers Nelson was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1978</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Debut Album For You is Released</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Prince releases his debut album, For You, on April 7, 1978.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1982</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Signs with Warner Bros. Records</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Prince signs a contract with Warner Bros. Records and releases his fifth studio album, 1999.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1984</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Releases Purple Rain</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Prince releases the iconic album Purple Rain, which spawns the hit single "When Doves Cry."</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1993</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Changes Stage Name to an Unpronounceable Symbol</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Prince changes his name to an unpronounceable symbol as a form of protest against his record label.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">2004</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Inducted into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame </h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Prince is inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame at the 19th annual induction ceremony.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">2016</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Prince Passes Away </h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">On April 21, 2016, Prince passes away from an accidental overdose at his home in Chanhassen, Minnesota.</p></div>
Why We Love Them
<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">A.</span> He's an Innovator</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Prince was a musical innovator who continually pushed the boundaries of music and challenged people to think differently. He was always pushing the envelope with his creative style and sound, creating music that was ahead of its time.</p></div>
<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">B.</span> He's a Great Performer</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Prince was known for his incredible live performances. His stage presence and energy were electric, and he would often leave audiences in awe with his signature moves and electric guitar solos.</p></div>
<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">C.</span> He's Talented</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Prince was a multi-talented musician who could play multiple instruments, sing, write songs, produce music, and more. He was also an amazing dancer and had some of the most iconic music videos of all time.</p></div>
Interesting Facts
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">1.</span> Changed His Name to an Unpronounceable Symbol</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Prince, born Prince Rogers Nelson, changed his name to an unpronounceable symbol in 1993. He referred to it as "The Love Symbol".</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">2.</span> Attended Music School at Age 7</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Prince attended music school at the age of seven and could play several instruments by the time he was a teenager.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">3.</span> Self-Released an Album Online</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">In 2004, Prince self-released an album titled "Musicology" exclusively online, making him the first major artist to ever do so.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">4.</span> He Owned the Masters for His Entire Catalog</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Unlike many other artists, Prince owned the masters for his entire catalog. He famously refused to give them up to record labels.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">5.</span> Produced and Wrote Songs for Other Artists</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Prince wrote and produced songs for many other artists, including Madonna, Chaka Khan, Cyndi Lauper and Sinead O'Connor.</p></div>
FAQs
