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Who is Prince?
Who is Prince? by Jennifer Harper
Early Life and Childhood
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Prince Rogers Nelson, globally known as During his childhood, his parents were devout Seven “Prince” expired April 21, 2016 after a long Day Adventist. Religion was formed early in in and fruitful professional career. Prince Prince’s life. Prince childhood name was Skipper. His was born June 7, 1958 in Minneapolis, parents later divorced and Prince struggled with post Minnesota. Both of his parents, John parental divorce issues. Prince was recognized for Rogers, a jazz pianist, stage name “Prince Rogers” and his basketball athletic abilities, while in high school. Mattie Shaw, a jazz singer, were musicians. Inspired He later moved in with friends and launched his by talented parents, Prince became interested in music acclaimed career. at a very tender age and taught himself how to play He has one biological sister and seven half-siblings numerous musical instruments. of which, one half-brother and half-sister have
As a child, Prince sufered from epileptic seizures. expired. When questioned about his upbringing, he It was later revealed that he was bullied by his often responded that he didn’t want to discuss it. classmates. Prince’s spiritual journey started early.
Private Life
Very much like his father, Prince was very private and kept to himself. Prince was shy and an introvert. While he displayed a very public enigmatic persona, those who knew him well, considered Prince, a funny, outgoing and loveable guy. To his local friends, he was also known as “Kid.” As a teenager, Prince enjoyed listening to the likes of Sly Stone, Joni Mitchell, Santana and Fleetwood, all music from the early 1970s.
Prince had a challenging young adulthood. It was riddled with parental changes, his search of himself and musical fulfllment. Despite his environmental surroundings, living from one household to other, he managed to be creative, innovative and very resourceful. He formed a band that propelled his career. Prince rise to stardom was credited to his artistry, discipline, dedication and God given talent.
Others began to recognize his natural aptitude, as a self-taught musician and his phenomenal vocal range. He emerged into mainstream of the musical spectrum in the late 1970s and early 1980s. At that time, Prince was personally involved with the distinguished drummer extraordinaire Sheila E. They collaborated together on several of her albums including Romance 1600, which featured her single “A Love Bizarre.”
Prince built his famed home, Paisley Park compound in 1987. He married Mayte Garcia in 1996 and birthed one son. He expired a week after his birth, from Pfeifer Syndrome. Their marriage was annulled in 1999, and divorced in 2000. Prince married his second wife, Manuela Testolini in 2001. Following the death of his mother, Mattie Shaw (Baker) in 2002, Prince was baptized to Jehovah Witness in 2003. His view of the world began to change. Prince and Testolini divorced in 2006. Subtly augmenting his lifestyle, he became a bachelor and more private with his relationships with women and his music.
Prince was an anonymous philanthropist contributor to many causes and contributed to societal issues. He believed in his Jehovah God’s word. When much is given, much is required. Prince practiced healthy eating habits, later converted to a vegetarian, restrained from alcohol and illegal drugs. Prince enjoyed some normalcy in his life. He spent most of his time, in Paisley Park and in his community for almost 30 years.
His Faith
He was raised a Seventh-day Adventist and attended services in Glendale City. He later changed his faith to Jehovah Witness. Contrary to his past, over the span of ten-twelve years, Prince became a devout Witness. Prince serviced his commitment by going door to door canvassing, and attended assembly meetings.
During his musical career, Prince was known to perforate his music with sensual and sexually precocious behavior that attracted a revolutionizing generation. His lyrics celebrated explicit pleasures, yet sprinkled words from the gospel. One foot in the world, yearning for sexual revolution, and the other, deeply seated in spirituality.
Prince always gave God the praise on his albums, but he preached a mixed message. The power of conviction and God’s love brought the musical seductive genius to become a profound spiritual believer.
Legend, Acoustical Master, Trailblazer of migration of Soul, Rock & Funk genres…Grammy Winner, Musical Interpreter, Genius, Brilliant Entrepreneur with a whimsical missionary message flled with love and passion… Prince.
Infuenced by his father, Prince began his musical curiosity as a youngster. He later embarked on writing songs and self-taught musical instrumentation. From playing in local bands to emerging into the music circuit, cosmic and funky, Prince was signed to Warner Bros at age 18. Starting with For You (1978) Prince (1979) Dirty Mind (1980) Controversy (1981) Rolling Stone named Prince Artist of the Year in 1982. Prince created a classic, Purple Rain (1984) with his band The Revolution, led to the creation of the themed Purple Rain movie and soundtrack. His album Lovesexy (1988) Batman (1989) soundtrack Diamonds and Pearls (1991) and other creative projects extolled Prince into global celebrity status.
In 1993 Prince became embroiled in a legal battle with his former recording label, Warner Bros. This led Prince to rename himself, The Artist Formerly Known As Prince love symbol. His famboyant style, rhinestone draped outfts, and platform shoes, elevated his diminutive size, to a great man of masterful artistic control. By 1999s, Prince created and produced 4 albums that hit Top Ten Emancipation (1996). Prince reclaimed his name in 2000. He later released several albums and performed at 2007 Super Bowl XLI halftime show.
In 2009 Prince selected Misty Copeland (the frst African American woman named principal dancer for the American Ballet Theater) to start in his video. After years of jumping of stages, performing acrobatic splits and high heel shoes, 2010, Prince underwent hip replacement surgery. He recovered and came back to share his gifts with the world. Prince invited Misty Copeland to tour with him in Europe to dance in his America 2 World Tour (2011).
Highly acclaimed, Prince was inducted into Rock and Roll of Fame (2004), TIME magazine’s “100 Most Infuential People in the World” (2010), BET Lifetime Achievement Award (2010), and induc
tion into the Grammy Hall of Fame (2010). Prince received many memoirs for his profound musical accomplishments.
From time to time, Prince took a political position, during his performances. May 2, 2015, Prince held a rally at Paisley Park to pay tribute to Freddie Gray, a 25-year-old African-American who died in police custody after he was arrested in Baltimore.
Through-out his professional career Prince collaborated with many other artists such as; Madonna, Beyonce, and Alicia Keys. His work infuenced musicians across the globe with his funk and sublime lyrics of expression, freedom, love and his spiritual beliefs.
Death
On April 21, 2016, Prince was found dead at his Paisley Park compound in MinnesPrince was found dead at his Paisley Park compound in Minnesota the week after his plane made an emergency landing after performing in Atlanta Georgia, April 14, 2016. Prince was hospitalized briefy for a severe case of the fu. After an autopsy was performed, his remains were cremated and his close family and friends gathered for a small, private funeral on April 23, 2016.
—President Obama
