Remembering Prince

By Brooke Vega
Music Journalist

On this day, fifty-nine years ago, Prince Rogers Nelson was born. Though it has already been a little over a year, the Purple One was taken way too soon on April 21, 2016. It was a shock to the universe that this funkmaster had suddenly passed, the man was supposed to live forever. With my parent’s heavy influence on 80s music in my life, I grew up listening to artists ranging from Def Leppard, Michael Jackson, The Police, Madonna, Hall & Oates and well of course, Prince. With Prince being one of greatest artists ever, I wanted to dedicate something for his day of birth since he touched so many lives over the years, including my family and me.

How do I even begin? Prince was completely a legend in so many ways. Not only was he a singer-songwriter, producer, he played 27 instruments, acted in several films, contributed time and money to charities and he had the best dance moves. After Prince joined the music scene in 1976, he began continuously popping out successful album after album. Over the years, Prince had associated himself in side-projects and different bands; more popularly, he was a part of The Time, The Revolution (they took part in the hit album and film Purple Rain) and The New Power Generation. Two of the more well-known films Prince acted in were Purple Rain and one he actually directed himself, Under The Cherry Moon.

Prince is known as one of the greatest guitarists. Though he was nominated for many awards, he also won a list full as well. For example, he won American Music Awards, BET Awards, Brit Awards, Grammy Awards, Grammy Hall of Fame awards, MTV Video Music Awards and many more. As stated by Billboard, in 2016 Prince had sold more albums than any other artist. With hit albums like Prince, Purple Rain, 1999, Around The World in a Day and others, they are still selling to this day. Just imagine, not only albums but he sold songs too, hundreds and millions of them.

Some fans may or may not know that the Purple One produced hits for other artists. With all the creativity Prince had, it’s amazing to think that not only was he successful with his career, but his talent also helped many more artists. A few hits he made for other artists include Stevie Nicks “Stand Back,” The Time “Jungle Love,” Chaka Khan “I Feel for You,” Sheila E. “A Love Bizarre” and The Bangles “Manic Monday.” Shiela E. and two other artists were able to record under Prince’s very own record label Paisley Park Records in his Paisley Park Studios. His studio located Chanhassen, Minnesota, is now open as a museum to the public.

My favorite record by Prince would have to be 1999. Right off the bat the album starts off with two hits, “1999” and “Little Red Corvette.” I have many favorites by Prince, it’s hard to pick just a few but here’s my top five: “The Most Beautiful Girl In The World,” “She’s Always In My Hair,” “Dirty Mind,” “Little Red Corvette” and of course “Purple Rain.” Also, for all the Mac Demarco lovers out there, be sure to check out Mac’s cover of Prince’s “It’s Gonna Be Lonely. Who knew a legend’s song could be topped off by another legend oh so good? I can say this a billion times, but they really don’t make them like Prince anymore.

Featured image by Brooke Vega.