Today, we celebrate the birthday of one of rock’s most innovative, enigmatic, and powerful musicians, Minneapolis, MN native Prince. In the music world, there really isn’t anybody quite like him, and more than likely never will be another. He has stayed true to his own artistic vision throughout the length of his still rocking career, and makes no apologies or excuses for his art and persona.
Voted #27 on Rolling Stones’ 100 Greatest Artists of All-Time, this Grammy Award, Golden Globe, and Academy Award winner was voted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility in 2004. He had the audacity to change his name to a symbol, aka the “Love Symbol” (mainly just to mess with his record label at the time), has recorded over 30+ studio albums, and is still pumping out music like it’s 1999.
Let’s take a listen to some of Prince’s accomplishments over the years, shall we?
“I Wanna Be Your Lover” (Prince 1979):
Prince – I Wanna Be Your Lover (Official Video) by Prince-Official
“Partyup” Live on SNL (originally from 1980’s Dirty Mind):
PARTYUP LIVE ON SNL from VD Party Films on Vimeo.
“Controversy” Live at Capitol Theatre in Passaic, NJ (title track from 1981 album):
“Little Red Corvette” Acoustic. Originally from the 1982 album 1999:
“Cream” (Diamonds and Pearls – 1991):
[courtesy of Hayden Clement]
Prince played some guest guitar work on Stevie Wonder’s 2005 hit “So What The Fuss,” which also featured the four original members of En Vogue:
[courtesy of LOBNA PIPA]
Prince recently shared this piece of gold, a live recording from his Paisley Park residence with his band 3rdEyeGirl. It was a concert in honor of Freddie Gray and other victims that have suffered from social injustices. The show was dubbed a Dance Rally 4 Peace (May 2nd, 2015):
Setlist: Chaos & Disorder, Dreamer, Crimson & Clover, Guitar
Encore: PLECTRUMELECTRUM, The Whole of the Moon (The Waterboys cover, w/ Prince on bass)
[via Soundcloud]