Prince (1958 – 2016) was an American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist known for his eclectic style and musical innovation. Blending rock, funk, R&B, and pop, he pioneered the Minneapolis Sound and left an indelible mark on popular music.
Signed to Warner Bros. at 18, he gained fame with 1999 (1982) and reached superstardom with Purple Rain (1984), which won an Academy Award for Best Original Song Score. He continued experimenting with sound on Sign o’ the Times (1987) and Diamonds and Pearls (1991). His rebellious spirit led to a public feud with record labels, prompting him to change his name to an unpronounceable symbol in 1993.
Prince released 39 albums and wrote over 1,000 songs, including hits for other artists. He won numerous awards, including seven Grammys and a Golden Globe. His influence spanned genres, and his impact on music, fashion, and artistic independence remains legendary.