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FriJun 7

Prince

Prince could play it all — rock ‘n roll, R&B, funk, psychedelic rock, and we’re celebrating his artistic contributions on June 7. He was a prolific songwriter and penned some of our most popular contemporary hits, including “Purple Rain,” “1999,” and “Little Red Corvette.” Prince was born in Minneapolis in 1958 and lived there throughout his career. He also wrote, starred in, and created the soundtrack for the hit movie “Purple Rain,” released in 1984. Prince passed away in 2016 due to an accidental overdose of prescription drugs.

Fast Facts

Birth date:

June 7, 1958

Age:

65

Zodiac Sign:

Gemini

Background

Famed American singer-songwriter Prince achieved global fame in the 1980s with his albums “Purple Rain” and “1999.” He was born Prince Rogers Nelson to jazz musician John Nelson and jazz singer Mattie Shaw in Minneapolis, Minnesota on June 7, 1958. From a very young age, Prince was intrigued by music and taught himself how to play the guitar, piano, and drums. Following his parents’ separation, Prince moved in with the Anderson family, his neighbors. He formed his band, named Grand Central, in high school with members Andre Anderson and Morris Day. Prince got his first deal with Warner Bros. Records in 1978.

The superhit album “Purple Rain” was released in 1984, which was also the soundtrack of the film of the same name. The movie was bestowed with an Academy Award for Best Original Song Score. “Around The World In A Day” was released in 1985, featuring the popular tracks ‘Pop Life,’ and ‘Raspberry Beret.’ Prince released his eighth studio album, “Parade” in 1986, featuring the sensational single ‘Kiss,’ which reigned as number one on the music charts.

Following his music group’s disbanding, Prince went solo with his albums “For You” in 1978, and “Prince” in 1979. The albums were remarkable due to the fact that Prince played practically all the instruments on all the songs himself. The sophomore release contained his first top 20 pop hit, the easygoing ‘I Wanna Be Your Lover.’

Due to growing tensions with his record label, Warner Bros., Prince’s career was mired in ups and downs. As a rebellious act against his label, Prince changed his name to the unpronounceable glyph O(+> in 1993, a fusion of female and male astrological symbols, which he used until 2000.

On April 21, 2016, Prince died at the age of 57 due to an accidental fentanyl overdose at his home and recording studio, Paisley Park, in Chanhassen, Minnesota.

Career timeline

March 31, 1987
Critical success

The double album Sign o' the Times is released, to much critical acclaim. The Village Voice names it the top recording of the year.

1991
Feel the power

Prince assembles a new band, the New Power Generation, and releases Diamonds and Pearls, which reaches number three on the Billboard charts.

March, 2004
Minneapolis to Cleveland

Prince is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Alicia Keys and the members of Outkast present the award.

February 4, 2007
Super Bowl performance

Prince plays the 2007 Super Bowl halftime show. Viewership peaks at 140 million.

April 21, 2016
Rest in peace

Prince fans worldwide mourn the musician's death from an overdose of prescription drugs.

Why we love Prince

  1. He was prolific

    Prince recorded nearly 40 studio albums and wrote 12 songs that went either gold or platinum. His mega album "Purple Rain" sold more than 20 million copies worldwide.

  2. He wrote for others

    Remember Sinead O'Connor's "Nothing Compares 2 U?" How about "Manic Monday" by the Bangles? "How Come You Don't Call Me Anymore" by Alicia Keys? Yep, Prince wrote them.

  3. He was a secret philanthropist

    Prince was a bona fide philanthropist, but you never knew it. He made anonymous donations to numerous causes, supporting the development of green jobs and technology education for underserved, urban youths. And he did it all without fanfare.

Songs You Didn't Know Prince Wrote

  1. Mondays are manic

    Prince wrote the hit, "Manic Monday," which was recorded by all-female rockers The Bangles.

  2. Sinead's big hit

    Prince wrote Sinead O'Connor's breakout hit, "Nothing Compares 2 U."

  3. Stand back, Stevie

    Stevie Nicks turned Prince's "Stand Back" into a huge hit.

  4. All the glamour

    Sheila E's funky "The Glamorous Life" was a Prince creation.

  5. Just pick up the phone

    Prince penned "How Come U Don't Call Me Anymore?" for Alicia Keys.

Prince FAQs

How old is Prince now?

Prince would have celebrated his 63rd birthday in 2021.

 

What nationality is Prince?

Prince’s nationality is American. He was born in Minnesota.

 

What is Prince's real name?

Prince’s real name was Prince Rogers Nelson.

Prince’s birthday dates

YearDateDay
2024June 7Friday
2025June 7Saturday
2026June 7Sunday
2027June 7Monday
2028June 7Wednesday

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