Not many are privileged to witness the life and career of a creative genius and even less frequently are artists of such mastery born into this world.
Throughout history the work of creators such as Leonardo da Vinci, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, William Shakespeare, Walt Disney and Frida Kahlo have come and shifted the world’s creative paradigm through their individuality, creative force, and pure talent. Not often is a name added to the list of hollowed figures who have left their mark not only in their own field but on humanity as a whole; Prince Rogers Nelson however, has earned his spot and then some.
Prince did for music what most couldn’t have conceived to accomplish. His original composition helped to re-imagine pop music’s sound as a whole, while his sexually charged lyrics and androgynous appearance redefined the sexuality of music in a controversially eccentric way. By simply living, Prince created a new brand of artists that inspired generations and continuously gave the world something they’d heard before with each release. Today, we celebrate the life of a man whose ambition and love for music and art changed the lives of millions and influenced millions more to be themselves regardless of what the rest of the world may say about you.
Over his illustrious career, Prince released 39 studio albums, three live albums, five soundtracks, six compilation albums, 17 video albums, 13 EPs, 97 singles, one remix album, and 137 music videos and is said to still have an digit vault containing thousands of unreleased songs created over his life time at his Paisley Park studio in Chanhassen, Minnesota. At the time of his death Prince’s net worth weighted in at $300 million due in large part to his more than 100 million album sales worldwide and uber-successful 29 world tours over his career. His accolades include seven Grammy Awards, four MTV VMAs, two Brit Awards, a Golden Globe, and an Academy Award for the film Purple Rain making hi one of the most commercially successful artists of all time.
Aside from music, Prince was a pillar of righteousness in his everyday life. He served as an active voice using his platform of fame to speak out against countless injustices that have gone on across the globe. He has since early in his career been a strong advocate for the fair and equal treatment of animals and switched between being vegan and vegetarian through the majority of his life. Prince had also been a devout Jehovah’s Witness since 2001, coming after a two-year long debate with fellow Jehovah’s Witness musician Larry Graham. As a Jehovah’s Witness, Prince never spoke publicly about his charitable affairs (all knowledge of this was released posthumously), celebrate his birthday, or participate in traditional medical practices.
Throughout his career Prince enjoyed his privacy and over the years had grown more and more cryptic and mysterious, making his death that much more of a surprise to the public. His passing on April 21st shook the world but was met with more celebration than sadness due to the tone of his career. Being that he was Jehovah’s witness, there was no large funeral procession or memorial service, instead his supporters from across the globe gathered together to throw one last party in honor of their sweet Prince so that even the memory of his death would follow the upbeat and vibrant tone set by his career.
Human beings like Prince aren’t born every day . Although every individual that walks the earth is unique in every way with their own destiny and impact on society, very few people have been born that have left cultural impact on humanity that Prince Rogers Nelson was able to through his art. Much like the late Michael Jackson, David Bowie and Tupac Shakur, it is hard to say where music would be today if Prince were never born. Thank you for all the years of beautiful music Prince Nelson. May you rest in peace and your legacy reign forever.
