In Memoriam
Prince
June 7, 1958 – April 21, 2016 · aged 57
Pop · R&B · Funk · Rock
Prince Rogers Nelson was a once-in-a-generation virtuoso who single-handedly created the 'Minneapolis sound,' a dense, synthesizer-driven fusion of funk, rock, R&B, and pop. Born in 1958, Prince was a breathtakingly talented multi-instrumentalist who famously wrote, arranged, produced, and played nearly every instrument on his early albums. With his flamboyant, androgynous style and deeply provocative lyricism, he challenged societal norms regarding sexuality and race. His 1984 magnum opus, 'Purple Rain,' catapulted him to global superstardom, showcasing his incendiary guitar skills that rivaled Jimi Hendrix. Fiercely independent, he famously battled his record label for creative control, temporarily changing his name to an unpronounceable symbol. Tragically, on April 21, 2016, Prince was found dead in an elevator at his Paisley Park recording studio from an accidental fentanyl overdose at the age of 57. The sudden loss of 'The Purple One' sent shockwaves around the globe, silencing a truly peerless musical genius.
Milestones
Purple Rain, When Doves Cry, Kiss, 1999
Chart legacy
- 1985: 1999 / Little Red Corvette (UK #41)
- 1986: Kiss (US #19)
- 1987: U Got the Look (US #38), Sign 'O' the Times (DE #50)
- 1988: U Got the Look (US #31)
- 1989: Batdance (DE #24), Batdance (US #24)
- 1990: Thieves in the Temple (DE #48)
- 1992: Money Don't Matter 2 Night (DE #45)
- 1994: The Most Beautiful Girl in the World (US #19), The Most Beautiful Girl in the World (UK #22)
Also remembered in 2016
- David Bowie (1947–2016)
- George Michael (1963–2016)
- Leonard Cohen (1934–2016)
- Maurice White (1941–2016)