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Prince: A 60-Second Biography
Prince Rogers Nelson, known simply as Prince, was an American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer. He was a musical icon who achieved worldwide fame for his flamboyant stage presence, innovative music, and androgynous appearance.
Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1958, Prince began playing music at a young age. He signed with Warner Bros. Records in 1977 and released his debut album, For You, the following year.
His breakthrough came in 1982 with the album 1999, which featured the hit singles “Little Red Corvette” and “1999.” He followed this success with a string of critically acclaimed albums, including Purple Rain (1984), Sign o’ the Times (1987), and Diamonds and Pearls (1991).
Prince was known for his musical versatility, incorporating elements of funk, rock, pop, soul, and jazz into his music. He was a skilled guitarist, pianist, and drummer, and he wrote, arranged, and produced most of his own music.
Beyond his music, Prince was also a successful film actor, appearing in the 1984 film Purple Rain, which was based on his life. He won an Academy Award for Best Original Song Score for the film.
In the 1990s, Prince became increasingly outspoken about his dissatisfaction with his record label, Warner Bros. He changed his name to an unpronounceable symbol and engaged in a public battle with the label over his artistic control.
Prince continued to release music throughout the 2000s and 2010s, and he remained a popular live performer. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.
Prince died unexpectedly in 2016 at the age of 57. His death was a shock to the music world, and he is still mourned by millions of fans around the globe.
Prince’s legacy as a musical innovator and icon remains strong. His music continues to influence artists today, and he is remembered as one of the most talented and unique musicians of all time.