Prince Rogers Nelson is an American Singer and Songwriter that was one of the most successful artists in music during much of the 1980′s.
The singer got his start in the 1970′s in his hometown of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
During much of the 1980′s, three male artists dominated the Billboard Charts…. Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen, and Prince.
Prince released his first album in 1978.
He has gone on to release 29 Albums in the course of his career.
30 of his singles have charted on the Billboard Top-40 Charts.
His many hits include:
I Wanna Be Your Lover
1999
Little Red Corvette
Let’s Go Crazy
Purple Rain
When Doves Cry
Delirious
I Would Die 4 U
Take Me With U
Rasberry Beret
Pop Life
Batdance
Mountains
Kiss
Sign O The Times
U Got the Look
Cream
Diamonds and Pearls
The Most Beautiful Girl in the World
and many others…
Along with Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, he was one of the first Black Artists to have their videos frequently played on MTV.
Five of his singles have reached #1 on the Billboard Top-40 Charts.
He has won 7 Grammy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, and an Academy Award.
His 1984 Album “Purple Rain” is considered one of the greatest albums in Music History. The film “Purple Rain” which starred Prince, was a semi-autobiographical look at his life. He won Two Grammy Awards for Purple Rain and the title song won an Academy Award for Best Song.
“When Doves Cry” and “Let’s Go Crazy” would both reach #1 on the Billboard Charts. “Purple Rain” reached #2 on the charts.
From 1993-2000, Prince changed his name to an unpronounceable symbol and was often referred to as “The Artist formerly known as Prince“.
Prince was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.
Rolling Stone Magazine ranked him as the #27 Greatest Artist of All-Time.
He continues to record new material with his most recent album being released in 2010.
You either loved him or hated him….
Me, I totally loved the Purple Rain album….and thought the rest of his stuff got a little “weird”….
During our recent baseball road trip, my son and I got a chance to visit the downtown Minneapolis club featured in the film “Purple Rain”.
