Prince Rogers Nelson
- Born:
- June 7, 1958, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Died:
- April 21, 2016, Chanhassen, Minnesota, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Musician, Songwriter, Record Producer, Actor
Early Life and Education
- Born to John L. Nelson, a jazz pianist and composer, and Mattie Della Shaw, a jazz singer.
- Showed musical aptitude from a young age, teaching himself to play piano, guitar, and drums.
- Formed his first band, Grand Central, while in high school.
Career and Major Achievements
- Signed with Warner Bros. Records at the age of 19.
- Released his debut album, For You, in 1978.
- Achieved breakthrough success with the albums 1999 (1982) and Purple Rain (1984).
- Purple Rain soundtrack won the Academy Award for Best Original Song Score.
- Known for his flamboyant stage presence, virtuosic musicianship, and prolific songwriting.
- Sold over 100 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
- Won seven Grammy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, and an Academy Award.
- Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.
Notable Works
Discography (Selected Albums)
| Year | Title |
|---|---|
| 1978 | For You |
| 1979 | Prince |
| 1982 | 1999 |
| 1984 | Purple Rain |
| 1987 | Sign o' the Times |
| 1991 | Diamonds and Pearls |
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Purple Rain | The Kid |
| 1986 | Under the Cherry Moon | Christopher Tracy |
| 1990 | Graffiti Bridge | Prince |
Legacy and Impact
Prince's impact on music, fashion, and popular culture is undeniable. As a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and performer, he redefined the boundaries of genre, blending funk, rock, R&B, and pop into a unique and influential sound. The biography singer prince's influence is seen in countless artists and his legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians.