Prince

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Lore & Background

Prince's artistic world was defined by the Minneapolis sound, a fusion of funk, new wave, R&B, and pop. He operated out of Paisley Park, his home and recording studio in Chanhassen, Minnesota, where he died on April 21, 2016. This environment allowed him to experiment freely across instruments; on his debut album *For You*, he wrote, produced, arranged, composed, and played all 27 instruments. In 1993, amidst a contractual dispute with Warner Bros., he changed his stage name to the unpronounceable "Love Symbol," becoming known as the Artist Formerly Known as Prince (TAFKAP). He reverted to his original name in 2000, releasing *The Rainbow Children* (2001) on his own label. In 2004, he signed a distribution deal with Arista Records. His legacy includes a vast array of unreleased material, discovered after his passing, which continues to surprise fans. He sold more than 100 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time.

In Their Own Story

Prince wrote his first song, titled "Funk Machine," on his father's piano when he was seven years old. His parents divorced when he was ten. After a brief period of living with his father, who bought him his first guitar, Prince moved into the basement of his neighbors, the Anderson family, after his father threw him out. He befriended the Andersons' son, André Cymone, who would later work with Prince. In 1975, Pepe Willie formed the band 94 East, hiring André Cymone and Prince to record tracks. In 1976, Prince created a demo tape with producer Chris Moon. Unable to secure a recording contract, Moon brought the tape to Owen Husney, who signed Prince, then aged 19, to a management contract. With Husney's help, Prince signed a recording contract with Warner Bros. Records in 1977, agreeing to give Prince creative control for three albums.

Reader's Guide

Morris Day led the energetic funk of The Time and later The Revolution, anchoring the mid-eighties sound until his departure in 1984. He brought a charismatic frontman presence that balanced Prince's introspection. Sheila E. became a vital percussionist and vocalist, touring extensively while developing her own solo catalog under Prince's guidance for over twenty years. Other key figures included guitarist Dez Dickerson and bassist Brown Mark during the early years before their exits. Each band member contributed specific instrumental skills that allowed Prince to layer his complex compositions live without relying on sequencers exclusively. Their tenures marked distinct eras of production style and visual presentation on stage, evolving from tight funk to broader rock influences. Many collaborators maintained professional relationships or released solo work following their time in his orbit, keeping his musical philosophy alive for new audiences.

Did You Know?

• Prince was named after his father's most popular stage name, Prince Rogers, which he used while performing with Della in a jazz group named the Prince Rogers Trio.
• Prince said he was 'born epileptic' and had seizures when he was young, and told his mother an angel told him he would not be sick anymore.
• Prince was trained in classical ballet at the Minnesota Dance Theatre through the Urban Arts Program of Minneapolis Public Schools.
• Prince became the first solo performer to simultaneously have a number-one film, album and single in the United States in 1984, with *Purple Rain*, its soundtrack, and 'When Doves Cry'.
• Prince died at his Paisley Park home and recording studio in Chanhassen, Minnesota, after accidentally overdosing on counterfeit hydrocodone/paracetamol pills which were laced with fentanyl.

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