Prince (entertainer)

Prince (entertainer), born in 1958, popular American singer and songwriter. Prince emerged as one of the most prolific and successful musical artists of the 1980s and an innovator in the blending of rock and funk musical styles (see Rock Music; Rhythm-and-Blues Music). He also gained attention for his flamboyant performances and for the controversial sexual themes of his song lyrics. Through his songwriting and record production, Prince has directly influenced the careers of several pop-music artists and groups, including Sheila E., Vanity, Sheena Easton, the Bangles, and the Time.

Born Prince Rogers Nelson in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Prince and a friend formed the soul-rock group Grand Central while in junior high school. A musical prodigy, Prince taught himself the piano, guitar, and drum set and also began writing music. In 1976 a local studio owner made his facilities available, allowing Prince to record demos (sample recordings for record companies and radio stations) and to experiment with various musical styles. In 1978 Warner Records issued Prince’s first album, For You, on which he performed all of the instrumental parts.

Prince’s 1984 soundtrack album Purple Rain was one of the biggest hits of the decade and went on to earn three Grammy Awards in 1985. From 1982 to 1986 he toured with his band, the Revolution. He later formed an eight-piece band, The New Power Generation, for his 1991 album Diamonds and Pearls. Other Prince albums include Around the World in a Day (1985), Sign o' the Times (1987), Controversy (1990), The Gold Experience (1995), New Power Soul (1998), and Musicology (2004). In 2006 Prince enjoyed his greatest success since Purple Rain when 3121 jumped to the top of Billboard’s album chart as soon as it was released.

Prince has written songs for many films and released a soundtrack album for the 1989 motion picture Batman. He also starred in the successful movie Purple Rain (1984) and directed and starred in Under the Cherry Moon (1986), the concert film Sign o' the Times (1987), and Graffiti Bridge (1990).

In 1993 Prince changed his name to , an unpronounceable symbol, because of a contract dispute with his record label, which had trademarked the name Prince. From then until the contract expired in the year 2000, he was called The Artist Formerly Known as Prince, or simply The Artist. He then changed his name back to Prince.

Prince has received many awards, including an Academy Award for the best original song for Purple Rain in 1984. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.