Prince Rogers Nelson–an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer from Minneapolis, Minnesota – was a music genius and pop icon. Known simply as “Prince,” he was a virtuoso who could play over 24 instruments including guitar, drums, bass, keyboards, and variety of brass. His style of music varied from R&B, Funk, Soul, Rock, Jazz, and many other forms.
Prince released his first album “For You” in 1978 and became pop success with the release of forth album “1999.” By 1984, Prince released an album and movie, both titled “Purple Rain,” that turned a mild music star into a music and pop legend. He followed this success with his backup band, which he called The Revolution, with series of major hit albums that included “Around the World in a Day” and “Parade.” Prince then released “Sign o’ the Times” solo after disbanding The Revolution. But afterwards in 1991, he formed a new band called The New Power Generation and recorded with them the soundtrack album for his second film “Graffiti Bridge.”
Prince change his name to an unpronounceable symbol, which became known as the “Love Symbol,” and would release several albums until 2000 when he began identifying himself as Prince again. He would go on to release 16 more albums from 2000. His last album “Hit n Run Phase One” was released into two separate parts on the music site “Tidal” and was his final exploration of dance and R&B music. By the end of his career, Prince released 39 studio albums, 5 soundtrack albums, 4 live albums, 5 compilation albums, 17 video albums, and 12 extended plays.
His personality, hubris, and gravitas became one of his greatest creations. He died an untimely death due to medication that had been prescribed to him to handle chronic pain issues he suffered the last years of his life. His legacy remains immortal through the audacity of music, persona, and creative vision.
While we cannot stream Prince’s music via Spotify, here are places where you can listen to his music: http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7341641/listen-prince-music-online