No next-generation artist in recent memory did more to cross genres or sound than Minnesota’s own Prince.
Born to a jazz singer and pianist, Prince was destined for a life in music, composing his first song on his father’s piano at age seven. With help from a local producer and ad agency, Prince secured his first recording contract with Warner Brothers when he was 19. He released his first album, For You, in 1978. Two hits neared the top of the Billboard charts and the album ultimately went platinum. Over the next four decades, he released 39 albums, embarked on 29 tours, released countless singles that withstand the test of time (think “Little Red Corvette,” “1999,” “Purple Rain,” “When Doves Cry,” “Raspberry Beret,” “Kiss,” and “Let’s Go Crazy”), starred in a hit film, won eight Grammy Awards, six American Music Awards, a Golden Globe and an Oscar.
Prince was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004 and ranks in almost any listing of top artists. His untimely death at age 57 at his Paisley Park home in the Minneapolis suburbs ended a career that was still producing hit after hit.
Rather than dwell on the ins and outs — from the Revolution to a solo career to changing his name to a symbol following a contract dispute with Warner Brothers, let’s just honor the legend with some of our favorite hits.
