Prince Rogers Nelson — often simply known as Prince — was one of the most influential, genre-defying, and prolific artists in modern music history. His blend of musical genius, flamboyant style, and creative independence made him a cultural icon.

🎤 Prince Rogers Nelson – At a Glance

• Born: June 7, 1958 – Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Died: April 21, 2016 – Chanhassen, Minnesota (age 57)

• Genres: Funk, rock, R&B, soul, pop, jazz, hip-hop, psychedelia

• Instruments: Virtuoso multi-instrumentalist (guitar, bass, drums, piano, synth, and more)

• Height: 5'2" – Small in stature, giant in influence

• Religious Belief: Jehovah’s Witness (converted in early 2000s)

🌟 Name Origins & Identity:

• Named after his father, John L. Nelson, a jazz pianist who performed under the name Prince Rogers.

• Full birth name: Prince Rogers Nelson.

• At various times, he performed under aliases and symbols, especially during his contractual dispute with Warner Bros. in the 1990s:

  • “The Artist Formerly Known As Prince”

  • “Love Symbol” (Ƭ̵̬̊)

📀 Career Highlights:

• Released over 30 studio albums from 1978 to 2015

• Known for his vault—a literal vault of thousands of unreleased songs

• Sold over 100 million records worldwide

• Signature sound: A fusion of funk grooves, rock guitar, R&B sensuality, pop hooks, and revolutionary production techniques

🎬 Purple Rain Era (1984):

• Released the album and film Purple Rain, which catapulted him to superstardom

• The album sold over 25 million copies

• Won an Academy Award for Best Original Song Score

• Includes hits:

  • "When Doves Cry"

  • "Purple Rain"

  • "Let’s Go Crazy"

🏆 Accolades:

• 7 Grammy Awards

• 1 Academy Award

• 1 Golden Globe

• Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee (2004)

• Cited by Rolling Stone as one of the greatest artists of all time

📚 Legacy & Impact:

• Champion of artistic control and music ownership

• Influenced artists across all genres — from Beyoncé and Alicia Keys to Justin Timberlake and The Weeknd

• Blended gender fluidity, fashion, and rebellion into his music and persona

• Maintained mystery and independence in an era increasingly driven by PR

🏡 Paisley Park:

• Prince’s home, recording studio, and creative sanctuary in Minnesota

• Now a museum and memorial open to the public

⚰️ Death & Tributes:

• Died on April 21, 2016, from an accidental overdose of fentanyl

• The world responded with massive public tributes — buildings lit up in purple, artists covering his songs, and spontaneous fan gatherings

• Vaulted recordings are still being released posthumously