Prince (musician)

{{Short description|American musician, songwriter and actor (1958–2016)}} {{pp-move}} {{protection padlock|small=yes}} {{Use mdy dates|date=April 2026}} {{Use American English|date=December 2023}} {{Infobox person | name = Prince | image = Prince promo picture (1988; cropped and retouched).png | caption = Prince in a 1988 promotional picture for his album ''[[Lovesexy]]'' | birth_name = Prince Rogers Nelson | birth_date = {{Birth date|1958|6|7}} | birth_place = [[Minneapolis]], Minnesota, U.S. | death_date = {{Death date and age|2016|4|21|1958|6|7}} | death_place = [[Paisley Park]], [[Chanhassen, Minnesota]], U.S. | death_cause = Accidental [[fentanyl overdose]] ([[#Death|details]]) | burial_place = Paisley Park, [[Chanhassen, Minnesota]], U.S | other_names = {{flatlist| * [[File:Prince logo.svg|frameless|12px|class=skin-invert|alt=Logo. Hollow circle above downward arrow crossed with a curlicued horn-shaped symbol and then a short bar|The unpronounceable symbol (later dubbed "Love Symbol #2")]] * The Artist Formerly Known as Prince (TAFKAP) * Camille  }} | occupation = {{flatlist| * Singer * musician * songwriter * record producer * dancer * actor * filmmaker }} | years_active = 1975–2016 | spouse = {{ubl|{{marriage|[[Mayte Garcia]]|1996|2000|end=divorced}}|{{marriage|Manuela Testolini|2001|2007|end=divorced}}}} | children = 1 (Amiir) | father = [[John L. Nelson]] | relatives = [[Tyka Nelson]] (sister) | website = {{URL|prince.com}} | module = {{Infobox musical artist | embed = yes | background = solo_singer | genre = {{flatlist| * [[Minneapolis sound]] * [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]] * [[funk]] * [[Rock music|rock]] * [[Pop music|pop]] * [[Soul music|soul]] * [[neo-psychedelia]]<ref name="Brown-obit">{{cite news|last1=Brown|first1=August|last2=Rottenberg|first2=Josh|date=April 21, 2016|url=https://www.latimes.com/local/obituaries/la-me-prince-20160421-story.html|title=Prince, master of rock, soul, pop and funk, dies at 57|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|access-date=March 15, 2022|archive-date=March 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220315020756/https://www.latimes.com/local/obituaries/la-me-prince-20160421-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Brown" /><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://macleans.ca/culture/arts/how-prince-rock-musics-effortlessly-dangerous-superstar-changed-the-game/|title=How Prince, rock's effortlessly dangerous superstar, changed the game|first=Michael|last=Barclay|date=April 21, 2016|work=[[Maclean's]]|access-date=February 19, 2024|archive-date=February 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240219211302/https://macleans.ca/culture/arts/how-prince-rock-musics-effortlessly-dangerous-superstar-changed-the-game/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=April 23, 2016|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/people/prince-a-genre-defying-master-architect-of-funk-rock-r-b-and-pop-1.2620742|title=Prince: A genre-defying master architect of funk, rock, R&B and pop|newspaper=[[The Irish Times]]|access-date=March 15, 2022|archive-date=April 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407003657/https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/people/prince-a-genre-defying-master-architect-of-funk-rock-r-b-and-pop-1.2620742|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|website=[[AllMusic]]|access-date=December 30, 2023|url=http://www.allmusic.com/style/neo-psychedelia-ma0000012252|title=Neo-Psychedelia|archive-date=February 18, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130218023335/http://www.allmusic.com/style/neo-psychedelia-ma0000012252|url-status=live}}</ref>}} | instruments = {{flatlist| * Vocals * guitar * keyboards<ref name="associatedpress">{{cite magazine |title=Prince's New 'Piano & A Microphone 1983' Basement Tape Is as Simple as It Sounds |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8475824/prince-piano-and-a-microphone-1983-album |access-date=September 20, 2018 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=September 18, 2018}}</ref> * bass * drums}} | discography = {{hlist|[[Prince albums discography|Albums]]|[[Prince singles discography|singles]]}} | label = {{flatlist| * [[Warner Bros. Records|Warner Bros.]] * [[Paisley Park Records|Paisley Park]] * [[NPG Records|NPG]] * [[EMI Group|EMI]] * [[Columbia Records|Columbia]] * [[Arista Records|Arista]] * [[Universal Music Group|Universal]] }} | past_member_of = {{flatlist| * [[The Revolution (band)|The Revolution]] * [[The Family (band)|The Family]] * [[Madhouse (band)|Madhouse]] * [[New Power Generation]]}}}} | signature = Princefullsig.svg }}

'''Prince Rogers Nelson''' (June 7, 1958{{spnd}}April 21, 2016), known mononymously as '''Prince''', was an American singer, songwriter, musician, dancer, actor, and filmmaker. Often being credited as one of the greatest musicians of his generation, he pioneered the [[Minneapolis sound]] and was influential in the evolution of various other genres.<ref name="Billboard-2016">{{Cite magazine |date=April 28, 2016 |title=Prince Tribute: The Greatest Musical Talent of His Generation |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/magazine-feature/7348527/prince-tribute-greatest-musical-talent-of-his-generation |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200423184043/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/magazine-feature/7348527/prince-tribute-greatest-musical-talent-of-his-generation |archive-date=April 23, 2020 |access-date=March 17, 2020 |magazine=Billboard}}</ref>

Prince was raised in [[Minneapolis]], [[Minnesota]]. He signed a record deal with [[Warner Records|Warner Bros. Records]] at the age of 18, and released his first album, ''[[For You (Prince album)|For You]]'', two years later. He achieved critical success with his albums ''[[Dirty Mind]]'' in 1980, ''[[Controversy (Prince album)|Controversy]]'' in 1981, and ''[[1999 (Prince album)|1999]]'' in 1982. In 1984, Prince became the first singer to simultaneously have a number-one film, album and single in the United States, with the film ''[[Purple Rain (film)|Purple Rain]]'', the [[Purple Rain (album)|''Purple Rain'' soundtrack]], and the year's [[Billboard Year-End Hot 100 singles of 1984|best-selling single]], "[[When Doves Cry]]". The album, recorded with his new backing band [[The Revolution (band)|the Revolution]], spent [[Billboard 200#Most weeks at number one|24 consecutive weeks]] atop the United States [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] chart<ref>{{cite magazine|first1=Keith|last1=Caulfield|first2=Gary|last2=Trust|title=Chart Royalty: Prince's Hot 100 & Billboard 200 Highlights|url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/princes-hot-100-billboard-200-highlights/|magazine=Billboard|access-date=February 12, 2017|date=April 22, 2016|archive-date=February 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170213010952/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/7341617/princes-hot-100-billboard-200-highlights|url-status=live}}</ref> and won the [[Academy Award for Best Original Score|Academy Award for Best Original Song Score]]. After disbanding the Revolution, Prince released his first solo [[Double album|double LP]] in 1987, ''[[Sign o' the Times]]'', widely considered his greatest work and one of the greatest albums of all time.<ref name="bbc">{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-39441461|title=Prince's Sign O' The Times, 30 years on|last=McKie|first=John|date=March 31, 2017|access-date=January 3, 2020|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lindores |first=Mark |date=November 8, 2019 |title=Making Prince: Sign O' The Times |url=https://www.classicpopmag.com/features/classic-album/classic-album-sign-o-the-times-prince/ |access-date=April 20, 2026 |website=Classic Pop Magazine |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=George |first=Nelson |title=Prince: Sign o' the Times |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/21845-sign-o-the-times/ |access-date=April 20, 2026 |website=Pitchfork |language=en-US}}</ref>

In 1993, in the midst of a contractual dispute with Warner Bros., Prince changed his stage name to the unpronounceable symbol [[File:Prince logo.svg|frameless|19x19px|class=skin-invert|alt=Logo. Hollow circle above downward arrow crossed with a curlicued horn-shaped symbol and then a short bar|The unpronounceable symbol (later dubbed "Love Symbol #2")]], known to fans as the "'''Love Symbol'''". Prince was often referred to as '''the Artist Formerly Known as Prince''' (TAFKAP), or simply '''the Artist'''.<ref name="bass player" /> After signing a contract with [[Arista Records]] in 1999, Prince reverted to his original name in 2000 and continued releasing albums, including the double [[Grammy Awards|Grammy Award]]-winning [[Musicology (album)|''Musicology'']] in 2004. He released [[Prince albums discography|39 albums]] during his life, while still having [[Unreleased Prince projects|a vast array of unreleased material]].<ref>{{cite magazine |date=January 1997 |title=The Artist Formerly Known as Prince |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7wvQh4Sjlw8C&pg=PA128 |access-date=May 4, 2016 |magazine=Ebony |page=128}}</ref> On April 21, 2016, at the age of 57, Prince died at his [[Paisley Park]] home and recording studio in [[Chanhassen, Minnesota]], after accidentally overdosing on counterfeit [[hydrocodone/paracetamol]] pills which were laced with [[fentanyl]].

Prince sold more than 100 million records worldwide, making him one of the [[List of best-selling music artists|best-selling music artists]]. [[List of awards and nominations received by Prince|His awards]] include the [[Grammy Awards|Grammy]] [[28th Annual Grammy Awards#Special awards|President's Merit Award]], the [[American Music Award for Achievement|American Music Awards for Achievement]] and [[American Music Award of Merit|of Merit]], the [[Billboard Icon Award|''Billboard'' Icon Award]], an [[Academy Awards|Academy Award]], and a [[Golden Globes|Golden Globe Award]]. He was inducted into the [[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]] in 2004, the [[National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame|Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame]] in 2016, the [[Songwriters Hall of Fame]] in 2024, and twice into the [[Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame]] in 2022.

== Early life == Prince Rogers Nelson was born at [[Mount Sinai Hospital (Minneapolis)|Mount Sinai Hospital]] in [[Minneapolis]], [[Minnesota]], on June 7, 1958, to jazz singer Mattie Della (née Shaw) and pianist and songwriter [[John L. Nelson|John Lewis Nelson]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gabler |first=Jay |date=September 30, 2016 |title=Prince's childhood homes: MnDOT research helps create a timeline |url=https://www.thecurrent.org/feature/2016/09/30/princes-childhood-homes-mndot-research-helps-create-a-timeline |publisher=[[KCMP]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/prince-june-7-1958-april-21-2016-the-nme-obituary-767463 |title=Prince Obituary: June 7, 1958 – April 21, 2016 |magazine=NME |last=Nicolson |first=Barry |date=April 22, 2016 |access-date=June 7, 2018 |archive-date=June 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612150319/http://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/prince-june-7-1958-april-21-2016-the-nme-obituary-767463 |url-status=live}}</ref> All four of Prince's grandparents were from [[Louisiana]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Smolenyak|first=Megan|title=Hey, Prince, Your Roots Are Showing|work=[[HuffPost]]|url=https://huffingtonpost.com/megan-smolenyak-smolenyak/prince-geneology_b_2638616.html|access-date=February 12, 2013|date=February 8, 2013|archive-date=February 12, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130212024635/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/megan-smolenyak-smolenyak/prince-geneology_b_2638616.html?|url-status=live}}</ref> The jazz drummer [[Louis Hayes]] was his paternal cousin.<ref>{{cite news|last=Gannij|first=Joan|url=https://www.allaboutjazz.com/louis-hayes-still-moving-straight-ahead-louis-hayes-by-joan-gannij.php?width=1024|title=Louis Hayes: Still Moving Straight Ahead|work=All About Jazz|date=May 23, 2017|access-date=June 14, 2021|archive-date=June 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210614133503/https://www.allaboutjazz.com/louis-hayes-still-moving-straight-ahead-louis-hayes-by-joan-gannij.php?width=1024|url-status=live}}</ref>

Prince was named after his father's most popular stage name, Prince Rogers, which was used while performing with Della in a jazz group named the Prince Rogers Trio.<ref name="BMRJ">{{Cite journal|last=Woodworth|first=Griffin|date=2013|title=Prince, Miles, and Maceo: horns, masculinity, and the anxiety of influence|journal=Black Music Research Journal|volume=33|issue=2|pages=117+|doi=10.5406/blacmusiresej.33.2.0117|s2cid=191456792 |issn=0276-3605}}</ref> In 1991, Prince's father told ''[[A Current Affair (American TV program)|A Current Affair]]'' that he named his son "Prince" because he wanted Prince "to do everything I wanted to do".{{sfn|Hahn|2004}} Prince was not fond of his name during his childhood and called himself "Skipper" instead.<ref name="BMRJ"/>{{sfn|Gulla|2008|p=483}}{{sfn|Ro|2011|p=6}} Prince said he was "born [[Epilepsy|epileptic]]" and had seizures when he was young. He stated, "my mother told me one day I walked in to her and said, 'Mom, I'm not going to be sick anymore,' and she said, 'Why?' and I said, 'Because an angel told me so.{{'"}}<ref>{{cite web |last=Lynch |first=Jason |title=Prince Talks about His Struggle with Epilepsy |work=[[People (magazine)|People]] |date=April 28, 2009 |url=https://people.com/celebrity/prince-talks-about-his-struggle-with-epilepsy/ |access-date=May 4, 2016 |archive-date=August 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160806124442/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20275184,00.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Prince's younger sister, [[Tyka Nelson|Tyka]], was born on May 18, 1960.<ref>{{cite web |title=Re: Prince Rogers Nelson |url=http://www.mncourts.gov/mncourtsgov/media/CIOMediaLibrary/Documents/Affidavit-of-Heirship-of-Tyka-Nelson-and-Response-of-Special-Administrator.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224141407/http://www.mncourts.gov/mncourtsgov/media/CIOMediaLibrary/Documents/Affidavit-of-Heirship-of-Tyka-Nelson-and-Response-of-Special-Administrator.pdf |archive-date=February 24, 2017 |access-date=March 9, 2017 |website=Mncourts.gov}}</ref>{{sfn|Nilsen|2003|p=19}} Both siblings developed a keen interest in music, which was encouraged by their father.<ref name="prince">{{cite news|title=Obituary: John Nelson|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/john-nelson-729400.html|access-date=April 25, 2016|work=[[The Independent]]|date=September 1, 2001|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110919034257/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/john-nelson-729400.html|archive-date=September 19, 2011}}</ref> His parents were both members of the [[Seventh-day Adventist Church]], a [[Protestantism|Protestant]] Church.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.essence.com/celebrity/12-celebrities-who-were-raised-seventh-day-adventist/|title=12 Black Famous Faces Who Were Raised Seventh-Day Adventist|date=October 26, 2020|access-date=October 27, 2020|archive-date=November 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101055243/https://www.essence.com/celebrity/12-celebrities-who-were-raised-seventh-day-adventist/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Prince wrote his first song, titled "Funk Machine", on his father's piano when he was seven years old.<ref name="prince" /> When he was ten, his parents divorced. His mother remarried Hayward Baker, with whom she had a son named Omarr. Prince had a fraught relationship with Omarr, to the extent that it caused him to repeatedly switch homes, sometimes living with his father and sometimes with his mother and stepfather.<ref name="prince" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://purplerain120.weebly.com/biography.html|title=Biography – Prince: Idiosyncratic, Individualistic, Innovative, Ingenious|website=Purplerain120.weebly.com|access-date=December 23, 2017|archive-date=October 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171007120851/http://purplerain120.weebly.com/biography.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Baker took Prince to see [[James Brown]] in concert, with Prince crediting Baker with improving the family's finances. After a brief period of living with his father, who bought him his first guitar, Prince moved into the basement of the Anderson family, who were his neighbors, after his father threw him out.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blog.thecurrent.org/2016/09/princes-childhood-homes-mndot-research-helps-create-a-timeline/|title=Prince's childhood homes: MnDOT research helps create a timeline|work=The Current|first=Jay|last=Gabler|access-date=February 23, 2018|archive-date=February 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180223171433/https://blog.thecurrent.org/2016/09/princes-childhood-homes-mndot-research-helps-create-a-timeline/|url-status=live}}</ref> He befriended the Andersons' son, [[André Cymone]], who would later work with Prince.<ref name="guardiansweeting">{{cite news|last1=Sweeting|first1=Adam|author-link1=Adam Sweeting|title=Prince obituary: 'the music flowed out in an unstoppable torrent'|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/apr/22/prince-obituary|access-date=April 23, 2016|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|date=April 22, 2016|archive-date=December 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211210101341/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/apr/22/prince-obituary|url-status=live}}</ref>

Prince briefly attended Minneapolis's Bryant Junior High,<ref name="Rothman-2015" /> after which he moved to [[Central High School (Minneapolis, Minnesota)|Central High School]], where he played football, basketball, and baseball. He played on Central's [[Varsity team|junior varsity]] basketball team and continued to recreationally play basketball as an adult.<ref name="Rothman-2015">{{cite news |last=Rothman |first=Michael |title=Prince's Bryant Junior High Basketball Photo is Amazing |publisher=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]] |date=March 4, 2015 |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/princes-amazing-junior-high-basketball-photo/story?id=29385119 |access-date=May 1, 2016 |archive-date=May 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507121226/http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/princes-amazing-junior-high-basketball-photo/story?id=29385119 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Tevlin |first=Jon |title=The Quiet One: A High School Classmate Recalls the Artist as a Young Man |work=Star Tribune |date=March 13, 2004 |url=http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/11527586.html |access-date=May 4, 2016 |archive-date=February 19, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150219215454/http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/11527586.html |url-status=dead}}</ref> He was trained in classical ballet at the [[Minnesota Dance Theatre]] through the Urban Arts Program of [[Minneapolis Public Schools]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Dancers recall Prince as a hard-working 'darling' in tights and ballet slippers|url=http://www.startribune.com/dancers-recall-prince-as-a-hard-working-darling-in-tights-and-ballet-slippers/378179261/|first=Caroline|last=Palmer|work=[[Star Tribune]]|date=May 5, 2016|access-date=May 3, 2018|archive-date=May 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180504011637/http://www.startribune.com/dancers-recall-prince-as-a-hard-working-darling-in-tights-and-ballet-slippers/378179261/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Prince became an advocate for dancers, and used his wealth to save the failing [[Joffrey Ballet]] in Chicago during the 1990s.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mspmag.com/arts-and-culture/prince-always-in-motion/#:~:text=Included%20in%20his%20multitude%20of,of%20the%20Urban%20Arts%20Program.|title=Prince: Always in Motion|first=Dara Moskowitz|last=Grumdahl|author-link=Dara Moskowitz Grumdahl|work=Mpls.St.Paul Magazine |date=December 5, 2016|access-date=October 28, 2020|archive-date=October 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031043548/https://mspmag.com/arts-and-culture/prince-always-in-motion/#:~:text=Included%20in%20his%20multitude%20of,of%20the%20Urban%20Arts%20Program.|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dancespirit.com/a-tribute-to-prince-2326783392.html|title=A Tribute to Prince|date=April 21, 2016|website=Dance Spirit|access-date=October 28, 2020|archive-date=November 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201102110251/https://www.dancespirit.com/a-tribute-to-prince-2326783392.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Career == === 1975–1980: Beginnings and breakthrough === [[File:1244 Russell Avenue North, Minneapolis 2017-08-02.jpg|thumb|The Minneapolis house, seen here in August 2017, where Prince stayed with [[André Cymone]]'s family]]

In 1975, Pepe Willie, the husband of one of Prince's cousins, formed the band [[94 East]] with Marcy Ingvoldstad and Kristie Lazenberry, hiring André Cymone and Prince to record tracks.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newsweek.com/pop-prodigy-prince-artist-producer-teenager-452356|title=Pop Prodigy: Teen Prince Debuted as Artist, Producer|date=April 26, 2016|website=Newsweek|language=en|access-date=July 29, 2019|archive-date=July 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190729233711/https://www.newsweek.com/pop-prodigy-prince-artist-producer-teenager-452356|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Draper2016">{{cite book|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=B75NDQAAQBAJ&pg=PA10|title=Prince: Life and Times: Revised and Updated Edition|last=Draper|first=Jason|date=November 2016|publisher=Book Sales|isbn=978-0-7858-3497-7|location=New York, New York|pages=9–10|chapter=The Early Years (1958-1983)|access-date=July 29, 2019}}</ref> Willie wrote the songs, with Prince contributing guitar tracks, both of them co-writing "Just Another Sucker".<ref name="Grow-2016">{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/inside-princes-funky-first-recording-sessions-65574/|title=Inside Prince's Funky First Recording Sessions|last=Grow|first=Kory|date=April 26, 2016|magazine=Rolling Stone|language=en-US|access-date=July 29, 2019|archive-date=July 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190729233707/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/inside-princes-funky-first-recording-sessions-65574/|url-status=live}}</ref> The band recorded tracks which later appeared in the album ''Minneapolis Genius – The Historic 1977 Recordings''.<ref name="Grow-2016" /> In 1976, shortly after graduating from Central High School, Prince created a demo tape with producer [[Chris Moon]], in Moon's Minneapolis studio.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Arnold |first1=Chuck |title=Prince Collaborator Chris Moon Remembers Mentoring the Legend Before the Fame |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/prince-chris-moon-pre-fame-8359047/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=May 7, 2020 |date=April 21, 2018 |archive-date=July 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200725034004/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/8359047/prince-chris-moon-pre-fame |url-status=live}}</ref> Unable to secure a recording contract, Moon brought the tape to [[Owen Husney]], a Minneapolis businessman. Husney signed Prince, then aged 19, to a management contract, and helped him create a demo at [[Sound 80]] Studios in Minneapolis, with producer/engineer David Z.<ref>{{Cite web|title=National Register of Historic Places Multiple Property Documentation Form|url=https://mn.gov/admin/assets/2020-05-12%20Combined%20Prince_tcm36-428075.pdf|access-date=July 8, 2021|archive-date=June 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210605012209/https://mn.gov/admin/assets/2020-05-12%20Combined%20Prince_tcm36-428075.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=April 13, 2018|title=Prince 'discoverer' Owen Husney's new book has some very good Prince stories|first=Michael |last=Anthony|url=https://www.minnpost.com/arts-culture/2018/04/prince-discoverer-owen-husneys-new-book-has-some-very-good-prince-stories/|access-date=July 8, 2021|website=MinnPost|language=en-US|archive-date=June 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210605012204/https://www.minnpost.com/arts-culture/2018/04/prince-discoverer-owen-husneys-new-book-has-some-very-good-prince-stories/|url-status=live}}</ref> The demo recording, along with a [[press kit]] produced at Husney's ad agency, resulted in interest from several record companies, including [[Warner Bros. Records]], [[A&M Records]], and [[Columbia Records]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://newsroom.ucla.edu/stories/princes-first-manager-reflects-on-the-music-icons-early-days|title=Prince's first manager reflects on the music icon's early days|publisher=[[UCLA|UCLA Newsroom]]|date=May 2, 2016|access-date=May 6, 2016|first=Ted B.|last=Kissell|archive-date=May 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160503111230/http://newsroom.ucla.edu/stories/princes-first-manager-reflects-on-the-music-icons-early-days}}</ref>

With the help of Husney, Prince signed a recording contract with Warner Bros. Records in 1977.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/aug/10/history-prince-contractual-controversy-warner-paisley-park|title=Record breaker: a brief history of Prince's contractual controversies|newspaper=The Guardian|first=Eamonn |last=Forde|date=August 10, 2015|access-date=December 27, 2024}}</ref> The record company agreed to give Prince creative control for three albums and retain his publishing rights.{{sfn|Light|2014|p=29}}<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Norment |first=Lynn |date=January 1997 |title=The Artist Formerly Known as Prince|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7wvQh4Sjlw8C&pg=PA130 |magazine=[[Ebony (magazine)|Ebony]] |page=130 |access-date=April 21, 2016 |quote=While he retains the publishing rights to all his songs, Warner Bros. owns the master tapes to the 20 albums preceding ''Emancipation''.}}</ref> Husney and Prince then left Minneapolis and moved to [[Sausalito, California]], where Prince's first album, ''[[For You (Prince album)|For You]]'', was recorded at [[Record Plant]] Studios. The album was mixed in Los Angeles and released on April 7, 1978.{{sfn|Uptown|2004|p=19}} According to the ''For You'' album notes, Prince wrote, produced, arranged, composed, and played all 27 instruments on the recording, except for the song "[[Soft and Wet]]", whose lyrics were co-written by Chris Moon. Prince used the ''Prince's Music Co.'' to publish his songs. In the United States, "Soft and Wet" reached No. 12 on the [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs|Hot Soul Singles]] chart and No. 92 on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]]. The song "[[Just as Long as We're Together]]" reached No. 91 on the Hot Soul Singles chart.<ref name="R&B">{{cite book |title=Top R&B/Hip-Hop Singles: 1942-2004|last=Whitburn |first=Joel |authorlink=Joel Whitburn |year=2004 |publisher=Record Research |page=471}}</ref>

Around this time, a side enterprise that Prince began to pursue involved a then-teenage singer [[Sue Ann Carwell]], where Prince hoped to mold her career as a solo artist after hearing her talented performances in the Minneapolis R&B scene. However, Carwell resisted his suggestion that she use the name "Susie Stone".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://prince.org/msg/5/464407|title=Associated artists & people {{!}} Sue Anne Carwell|website=Prince.org|access-date=December 26, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://dangerousminds.net/comments/fascinating_early_prince_side_projects_that_never_got_off_the_ground|title=Fascinating early Prince side projects that never got off the ground|website=[[Dangerous Minds (website)|Dangerous Minds]]|date=June 5, 2017 |access-date=December 27, 2024}}</ref> Recordings he had been working on with her for a projected 1978 album, including "I'm Saving It Up", "Make It Through the Storm", "Since We've Been Together" and "Wouldn't You Love To Love Me?", went unreleased.<ref name="Susie Stone">{{cite web|url=https://princevault.com/index.php?title=Album:_Suzie_Stone_(1978)|title=Untitled 'Suzie Stone' album|website=princevault.com|access-date=December 27, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://princesongs.org/2016/11/03/wouldnt-you-love-to-love-me/|title=Wouldn't You Love to Love Me?|date=November 3, 2016|access-date=December 27, 2024}}</ref> Carwell was subsequently signed by Warner Bros. Records.<ref name="Susie Stone" />

[[File:Ticket to Prince’s First Concert.jpg|thumb|Ticket to Prince's first performance with his band in January 1979]] In 1979, Prince formed his first band, with André Cymone on bass, [[Dez Dickerson]] on guitar, Gayle Chapman and [[Doctor Fink]] on keyboards, and [[Bobby Z.]] on drums. Their first show was at the Capri Theater on January 5, 1979. Warner Bros. executives attended the show but decided that Prince and the band needed more time to develop their music.{{sfn|Hill|1989|p=59}} On October 19, 1979, Prince released the album ''[[Prince (album)|Prince]]'', which reached No. 3 on the ''Billboard'' [[Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums|Top R&B/Black Albums]] chart and No. 22 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] and was certified [[Music recording certification|platinum]]. It contained two R&B hits: "[[Why You Wanna Treat Me So Bad?]]" and "[[I Wanna Be Your Lover]]", the latter of which sold more than a million copies, reached No. 11 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100, and stayed at No. 1 for two weeks on the Hot Soul Singles chart. Prince performed both songs on ''[[The Midnight Special (TV series)|The Midnight Special]]'' on January 8, 1980,<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Whatley|first=Jack|date=June 6, 2020|title=Prince performs 'I Wanna Be Your Lover' on his TV debut back in 1980|url=https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/prince-tv-debut-i-wanna-be-your-lover-midnight-special-1980/|magazine=Far Out|access-date=March 24, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Acken|first=Lori|date=April 21, 2016|title=Prince Conquered Music on Television|url=https://www.tvinsider.com/86774/prince-conquered-music-on-television/|website=TV Insider|access-date=March 24, 2026}}</ref> and then on ''[[American Bandstand]]'' on January 26.<ref name='loudersound'>{{Cite web|url=https://www.loudersound.com/news/watch-a-tight-lipped-19-year-old-prince-troll-american-bandstand-host-dick-clark-with-an-excruciatingly-awkward-interview-on-his-tv-debut|title=Watch a tight-lipped 19-year-old Prince troll ''American Bandstand'' host Dick Clark with an excruciatingly awkward interview on his TV debut|access-date=November 20, 2025|website=[[Classic Rock (magazine)|Classic Rock]] |date=January 26, 2023 }}</ref>

=== 1980–1983: ''Dirty Mind'', ''Controversy'' and ''1999'' === [[File:Prince 1980.jpg|left|thumb|Prince in a 1980 promotional picture for ''[[Dirty Mind]]''|upright=0.75]] In 1980, Prince released the album ''[[Dirty Mind]]'', which contained sexually explicit material, including the songs "Head" and "Sister", and was described by [[Stephen Thomas Erlewine]] as a "stunning, audacious amalgam of funk, [[New wave music|new wave]], R&B, and pop, fueled by grinningly salacious sex and the desire to shock".<ref name="Erlewine">Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "[{{AllMusic|class=album|id=r15800|pure_url=yes}} Dirty Mind – Prince]." [[AllMusic]]. Retrieved January 1, 2010.</ref> Recorded in Prince's studio, this album was certified [[Music recording certification|gold]], with the single "[[Uptown (Prince song)|Uptown]]" reaching No. 5 on the ''Billboard'' Dance chart and No. 5 on the Hot Soul Singles chart. Prince was also the opening act for [[Rick James]]' 1980 ''Fire It Up'' tour.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 22, 2016 |title=How Prince's Androgynous Genius Changed the Way We Think About Music and Gender |url=https://pitchfork.com/features/article/9882-how-princes-androgynous-genius-changed-the-way-we-think-about-music-and-gender/ |access-date=February 24, 2024 |website=Pitchfork |language=en-US |archive-date=February 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240204043347/https://pitchfork.com/features/article/9882-how-princes-androgynous-genius-changed-the-way-we-think-about-music-and-gender/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In February 1981, Prince made his first appearance on ''[[Saturday Night Live]]'', performing "[[Partyup]]". In October 1981, Prince released the album ''[[Controversy (Prince album)|Controversy]]''. He played several dates in support of it, as the first of three opening acts for [[the Rolling Stones]], on [[The Rolling Stones American Tour 1981|their United States tour]]. In Los Angeles, Prince, who appeared in a trench coat and black bikini briefs, was forced off the stage after just three songs by audience members throwing trash at him.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=gh1KAAAAIBAJ&sjid=DSINAAAAIBAJ&pg=3959,2200686 "Rolling Stones Open 2-Day Stand In LA"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220428130704/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=gh1KAAAAIBAJ&sjid=DSINAAAAIBAJ&pg=3959,2200686 |date=April 28, 2022}}, ''Oxnard (CA) Press-Courier'', October 10, 1981, p. 3.</ref><ref name="12 Wildest Prince Moments">{{Cite magazine|last=Heller|first=Jason|title=12 Wildest Prince Moments|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/12-wildest-prince-moments-71833/prince-jams-with-james-brown-michael-jackson-august-20th-1983-170793/|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|date=April 22, 2016|access-date=August 28, 2020|archive-date=November 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126161847/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/12-wildest-prince-moments-71833/prince-jams-with-james-brown-michael-jackson-august-20th-1983-170793/|url-status=live}}</ref> The songs on ''Controversy'' were published by ''Controversy Music''<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ascap.com/playback/2008/fall/features/copyright_tips.aspx |title=Profile for Controversy Music |publisher=ASCAP |access-date=July 18, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140807184702/http://www.ascap.com/playback/2008/fall/features/copyright_tips.aspx |archive-date=August 7, 2014}}</ref> – ''[[American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers|ASCAP]]'', a practice he continued until the ''[[Emancipation (Prince album)|Emancipation]]'' album in 1996. ''Controversy'' also marked the introduction of Prince's use of [[sensational spelling]], such as writing the words "you" as "U", "to" as "2", and "for" as "4". By 2002, MTV News noted that "now all of his titles, liner notes, and Web postings are written in his own shorthand spelling, as seen on 1999's ''Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic'', which featured 'Hot Wit U.{{'"}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1458662/y-kant-artists-spell.jhtml|title=Y Kant Artists Spell? Christina, Jimmy Jam, K-Ci Explain|last=Moss|first=Corey|date=November 13, 2002|publisher=MTV|access-date=April 15, 2013|archive-date=November 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107233635/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1458662/y-kant-artists-spell.jhtml|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 1981, Prince formed a side project band called [[The Time (band)|The Time]]. The band released four albums between 1981 and 1990, with Prince writing and performing most of the instrumentation and backing vocals—sometimes being credited under the pseudonyms "Jamie Starr" or "The Starr Company"—with lead vocals by [[Morris Day]].{{sfn|Cashmore|1997|p=147}}{{sfn|Draper|2011}}

In late 1982, Prince released a double album, ''[[1999 (Prince album)|1999]]'', which sold more than four million copies.<ref>{{Cite web|title=1999 – at least four million copies sold|url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Prince&ti=1999#search_section|website=[[Recording Industry Association of America|RIAA]]|access-date=September 30, 2020|archive-date=October 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026075432/https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Prince&ti=1999#search_section|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://archives.cnn.com/1999/SHOWBIZ/Music/12/20/wb.prince.bio/ |title=CNN – World Beat Biography – Prince – December 20, 1999 |publisher=CNN |access-date=July 18, 2009 |archive-date=October 10, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091010125757/http://archives.cnn.com/1999/SHOWBIZ/Music/12/20/wb.prince.bio/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> The [[1999 (Prince song)|title track]] was a protest against [[nuclear proliferation]] and became Prince's first top 10 hit in countries outside the United States. Prince's "[[Little Red Corvette]]" was one of the first two videos by black artists—along with [[Michael Jackson]]'s "[[Billie Jean]]"—played in heavy rotation on [[MTV]], which had been perceived as against "black music" until [[CBS]] President [[Walter Yetnikoff]] threatened to pull all CBS videos.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nymag.com/arts/popmusic/features/mtv-2011-10/index1.html|title=Five History-Making MTV Music Videos|work=[[New York (magazine)|New York]]|date=October 9, 2011|access-date=May 4, 2015|archive-date=May 8, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150508062713/http://nymag.com/arts/popmusic/features/mtv-2011-10/index1.html|url-status=live}}</ref>{{sfn|Buckley|2003|p=819}} Prince and Jackson had a competitive rivalry which lasted for many years.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/musics-30-fiercest-feuds-beefs-taylor-kanye-slash-axl-w498640/prince-vs-michael-jackson-w498709|title=Music's 30 Fiercest Feuds and Beefs|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=September 15, 2017|access-date=February 5, 2018|archive-date=February 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180206131457/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/musics-30-fiercest-feuds-beefs-taylor-kanye-slash-axl-w498640/prince-vs-michael-jackson-w498709|url-status=live}}</ref> The song "[[Delirious (Prince song)|Delirious]]" also placed in the top ten on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 chart. "[[International Lover]]" earned Prince his first [[Grammy Award]] nomination at the [[26th Annual Grammy Awards]].<ref name="GMP">{{cite web|url=http://www.gossipcop.com/prince-death-grammys-statement-reaction-grammy-awards-recording-academy/|title=Grammys Mourn Prince – See Statement From Grammy Awards Recording Academy|access-date=April 24, 2016|date=April 21, 2016|website=Gossipcop.com|author=Weiss, Shari|archive-date=April 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160424001854/http://www.gossipcop.com/prince-death-grammys-statement-reaction-grammy-awards-recording-academy/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== 1984–1987: ''Purple Rain'', ''Around the World in a Day'' and ''Parade'' === [[File:Prince 1984 publicity photo.jpg|thumb|Prince performing during the [[Purple Rain Tour]] in 1984, which solely took place in the United States|left|259x259px]] Starting with the release of ''[[1999 (Prince album)|1999]]'', the backing band for Prince would be referred to as [[The Revolution (band)|the Revolution]].<ref name="rhinoprtour">{{cite web |url=http://www.rhino.com/article/rhino-historic-tours-prince-kicks-off-the-purple-rain-tour |title=Rhino Historic Tours: Prince Kicks Off the Purple Rain Tour |author= |year=2014 |publisher=Rhino |access-date=April 21, 2016 |archive-date=November 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107135727/http://www.rhino.com/article/rhino-historic-tours-prince-kicks-off-the-purple-rain-tour |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="raftery">{{cite magazine |last=Raftery |first=Brian |date=July 2009 |title=''Purple Rain'': The Oral History |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dPH2eV-xQFYC&pg=PA53 |magazine=[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]] |pages=54–61 |access-date=April 21, 2016}}</ref> The band's name was printed in reverse on the cover of ''1999'' inside the letter "I" of the word "Prince".{{sfn|Light|2014|p=50}} The band consisted of [[Lisa Coleman (musician)|Lisa Coleman]] and [[Doctor Fink]] on keyboards, [[Bobby Z.]] on drums, [[Brownmark|Brown Mark]] on bass, and [[Dez Dickerson]] on guitar. [[Jill Jones]], a backing singer, was also part of the lineup for the ''1999'' album and tour.{{sfn|Light|2014|p=50}} Following the tour, Dickerson left the group for religious reasons.{{sfn|Moskowitz|2015|pp=483–489}} In the book ''Possessed: The Rise and Fall of Prince'' (2003), author Alex Hahn says that Dickerson was reluctant to sign a three-year contract and wanted to pursue other musical ventures. Dickerson was replaced by Coleman's friend [[Wendy Melvoin]].<ref name="rhinoprtour" /> At first, the band rarely played in studio recordings, but this gradually changed during 1983.{{sfn|Light|2014|p=50}}{{sfn|Moskowitz|2015|pp=483–489}}{{sfn|Light|2014|p=163}}

According to his former manager [[Bob Cavallo]], in the early 1980s, Prince required his management to obtain a deal for him to star in a major motion picture, even though his exposure at that point was limited to several pop and R&B hits, music videos and occasional TV performances. In 1984, this resulted in the hit film ''[[Purple Rain (film)|Purple Rain]]''—which starred Prince and was loosely autobiographical—and the [[Purple Rain (album)|eponymous studio album]], which was also the soundtrack to the film.<ref name="raftery" /> The album ''Purple Rain'' sold more than 13 million copies in the United States and spent 24 consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the ''Billboard'' 200 chart. The film won Prince an [[Academy Award for Best Original Score#1980s|Academy Award for Best Original Song Score]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1985 |title=The 57th Academy Awards: 1985 |author= |website=Oscars.org |date=October 5, 2014 |publisher=[[Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences]] |access-date=April 22, 2016|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160402171949/https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1985 |archive-date=April 2, 2016}}</ref> and grossed more than $68 million in the US,<ref>{{cite web |title=Prince |url=http://www.rockhall.com/inductees/prince |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100526161333/http://rockhall.com/inductees/prince |archive-date=May 26, 2010 |access-date=February 27, 2010 |publisher=The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Purple Rain |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl1533707777/weekend/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601041704/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl1533707777/weekend/ |archive-date=June 1, 2022 |access-date=April 28, 2020 |website=Box Office Mojo}}</ref> or ${{Inflation|US|68|1984|r=0}} million in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars.{{inflation-fn|US}} It is regarded as one of the greatest [[musical film]]s of all time.<ref name="Rockhall">{{cite web |title=Prince |url=http://www.rockhall.com/inductee/prince |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090803125236/http://www.rockhall.com/inductee/prince |archive-date=August 3, 2009 |website=Rockhall}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=April 21, 2016 |title=Prince's movie legacy: Will there ever be another like 'Purple Rain'? |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/moviesnow/la-et-mn-prince-purple-rain-songs-movie-20160421-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190806222656/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/moviesnow/la-et-mn-prince-purple-rain-songs-movie-20160421-story.html |archive-date=August 6, 2019 |access-date=December 15, 2019 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref> Songs from the film were hits on pop charts around the world; "[[When Doves Cry]]" and "[[Let's Go Crazy]]" reached No. 1 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100, with the [[Purple Rain (song)|title track]] reaching No. 2.<ref name="princeBBhits" /> At one point, Prince simultaneously had the No. 1 album, single, and film in the United States,{{sfn|Gulla|2008|p=482}} being the first person to achieve this feat.{{sfn|Light|2014|p=181}} The album is ranked 8th in ''[[Rolling Stone]]''{{'}}s [[Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time|"500 Greatest Albums of All Time"]],<ref name="RollingStone">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-albums-of-all-time-1062063/prince-and-the-revolution-purple-rain-5-1063225/|title=Purple Rain ranked 8th Greatest Album|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=September 22, 2020|access-date=February 14, 2021|archive-date=January 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131125108/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-albums-of-all-time-1062063/prince-and-the-revolution-purple-rain-5-1063225/|url-status=live}}</ref> and is also included on the list of [[Time (magazine)|''Time'']]'s All-Time 100 Albums.<ref name="TIMEMagazine">{{Cite magazine |last=Cruz |first=Gilbert |url=https://entertainment.time.com/2006/11/02/the-all-time-100-albums/slide/purple-rain-1984/ |title=The All-Time 100 Albums |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |date=February 22, 2011 |access-date=May 3, 2016 |archive-date=October 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007023812/https://entertainment.time.com/2006/11/02/the-all-time-100-albums/slide/purple-rain-1984/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The album also produced two of Prince's first three Grammy Awards earned at the [[27th Annual Grammy Awards]]: Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal, and Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media.<ref name="GMP" />

In 1984, [[pop art]]ist [[Andy Warhol]] created the painting ''[[Orange Prince]]''. Warhol was fascinated by Prince and ultimately created a total of twelve unique paintings of him in different colorways, all of which were kept in Warhol's personal collection.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pacermonitor.com/view/44T6MBA/The_Andy_Warhol_Foundation_For_v_Goldsmith_et_al__nysdce-17-02532__0032.3.pdf |title=Expert analysis by critic Thomas Crow of Andy Warhol's portraits of Prince |website=pacermonitor.com |access-date=October 27, 2019 |archive-date=May 17, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517223449/https://www.pacermonitor.com/view/44T6MBA/The_Andy_Warhol_Foundation_For_v_Goldsmith_et_al__nysdce-17-02532__0032.3.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref> Four of these paintings are now in the collection of [[The Andy Warhol Museum]] in Pittsburgh. In November 1984,[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|''Vanity Fair'']] published Warhol's portrait to accompany the article ''Purple Fame''<ref name="VanityFair2016">{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/culture/2016/04/prince-at-the-height-of-his-powers|title=Purple Fame: An Appreciation of Prince at the Height of His Powers. November 1984|last=Vox|first=Tristan|magazine=Vanity Fair|date=April 22, 2016|access-date=April 21, 2018|archive-date=December 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161219092654/http://www.vanityfair.com/culture/2016/04/prince-at-the-height-of-his-powers|url-status=live}}</ref> by Tristan Fox, and claimed that Warhol's silkscreen image of Prince with its pop colors captured Prince "at the height of his powers".[[File:Prince Purple Rain press photo (1984).jpg|thumb|Prince on the red carpet at [[Mann's Chinese Theater]] for the premiere of ''[[Purple Rain (film)|Purple Rain]]'' on July 26, 1984]]After [[Tipper Gore]] heard her 11-year-old daughter [[Karenna Gore|Karenna]] listening to Prince's song "[[Darling Nikki]]"—which gained wide notoriety for its sexual lyrics and a reference to masturbation—she founded the [[Parents Music Resource Center]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Siegel |first=Robert |url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4279560 |title=Tipper Gore and Family Values : NPR Music |newspaper=NPR |access-date=July 18, 2009 |archive-date=October 14, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071014105344/http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4279560 |url-status=live}}</ref> The center advocated the mandatory use of a warning label, now known as [[Parental Advisory]], on the covers of records that have been judged to contain language or lyrical content unsuitable for minors. The recording industry later voluntarily complied with this request.<ref>{{cite web |last=Macdonald |first=Cameron |title=Treating Dandruff by Decapitation |work=Stylus |date=January 23, 2006 |url=http://www.stylusmagazine.com/articles/playing_god/treating-dandruff-by-decapitation.htm |access-date=March 11, 2010 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304000120/http://www.stylusmagazine.com/articles/playing_god/treating-dandruff-by-decapitation.htm |url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 1985, Prince released ''[[Around the World in a Day]]'', which held the No. 1 spot on the ''Billboard'' 200 for three weeks. From that album, the single "[[Raspberry Beret]]" reached No. 2 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100, and "[[Pop Life (Prince song)|Pop Life]]" reached No. 7.<ref name="princeBBhits">{{cite magazine |last1=Wete |first1=Brad |last2=Letkemann |first2=Jessica |last3=Caulfield |first3=Keith |date=June 24, 2013 |title=Prince's 20 Biggest Billboard Hits |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/list/1495342/princes-20-biggest-billboard-hits |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=April 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151219000224/http://www.billboard.com/articles/list/1495342/princes-20-biggest-billboard-hits |archive-date=December 19, 2015}}</ref>

[[File:Prince from Under the Cherry Moon, 1986.png|right|thumb|Prince from ''[[Under the Cherry Moon]]'' in 1986|342x342px]] In 1986, his album ''[[Parade (Prince album)|Parade]],'' the soundtrack for the movie [[Under the Cherry Moon|''Under the Cherry Moon'']] released in the same year, reached No. 3 on the ''Billboard'' 200 and No. 2 on the R&B charts. The first single, "[[Kiss (Prince song)|Kiss]]", reached No. 1 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100.<ref name="princeBBhits" /> In the same year, the song "[[Manic Monday]]", written by Prince and recorded by [[the Bangles]], reached No. 2 on the Hot 100 chart.

Although the ''Parade'' album went platinum and sold two million copies,<ref>Stuckey, J. Ken. "Prince's Legacy: 'Set your mind free'." ''The Gay & Lesbian Review Worldwide'', vol. 23, no. 5, 2016, p. 20+.</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Calia |first=Michael |date=April 21, 2016 |title=A Look Back at Prince in the Movies |url=https://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2016/04/21/a-look-back-at-prince-in-the-movies/ |newspaper=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |access-date=April 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160422124515/https://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2016/04/21/a-look-back-at-prince-in-the-movies/ |archive-date=April 22, 2016}}</ref> the film received a [[Golden Raspberry Awards|Golden Raspberry Award]] for Worst Picture, tied with ''[[Howard the Duck (film)|Howard the Duck]]'', and Prince received Golden Raspberry Awards for Worst Director, Worst Actor, and Worst Original Song for the song "Love or Money".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.razzies.com/|title=R.I.P. Razzie "Winner" and Under the Cherry Moon Star Prince... |publisher=[[Golden Raspberry Awards]] |access-date=April 22, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160413212505/http://www.razzies.com/ |archive-date=April 13, 2016}}</ref>{{sfn|Corson|2016|p=196}} Some critics later re-evaluated ''Under the Cherry Moon'' after Prince's death and declared it a [[Cult following|cult classic]], comparing it to films such as ''[[8½]]'', ''[[Casablanca (film)|Casablanca]]'' and ''[[It Happened One Night]]''.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Heller-Nicholas |first1=Alexandra |title=Learning to Love Prince's 'Graffiti Bridge' and 'Under The Cherry Moon' |url=https://www.sbs.com.au/whats-on/article/learning-to-love-princes-graffiti-bridge-and-under-the-cherry-moon/beqeev2z8 |access-date=July 6, 2024 |work=SBS On Demand |date=June 7, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Goble |first1=Blake |title=Prince's Lavish Fantasies Came to Life in Under the Cherry Moon |url=https://consequence.net/2016/07/princes-lavish-fantasies-came-to-life-in-under-the-cherry-moon/ |access-date=July 6, 2024 |work=Consequence |date=July 2, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Sales |first1=Nancy Jo |title=Phases of the Moon |url=https://airmail.news/issues/2023-12-16/phases-of-the-moon |access-date=July 6, 2024 |work=Air Mail |date=December 16, 2023}}</ref>

In 1986, Prince began a series of live performances called the [[Parade Tour]].{{Efn|The tour was named the Hit n Run tour for the American leg of the tour.}} After the tour, Prince disbanded the Revolution and fired Wendy Melvoin and Lisa Coleman.<ref name="raftery" /> Brown Mark also quit the now-unnamed backing band, with only keyboardist Doctor Fink remaining. Following this, [[Miko Weaver]], [[Atlanta Bliss]], and [[Eric Leeds]] would join the band.{{sfn|Moskowitz|2015|pp=483–489}}

=== 1987–1989: ''Sign o' the Times'' and ''Lovesexy'' === Before disbanding the Revolution, Prince was working on two separate projects, an album with The Revolution titled ''[[Dream Factory (album)|Dream Factory]],'' and a solo album named ''[[Camille (album)|Camille]]''.{{sfn|Draper|2008|pp=76–78}} Unlike the three previous band albums, ''Dream Factory'' included input from the band members and featured songs with lead vocals by Wendy & Lisa.{{sfn|Draper|2008|pp=76–78}} The ''Camille'' project saw Prince create a new [[Androgyny|androgynous]] persona primarily singing in a sped-up, female-sounding voice. With the dismissal of the Revolution, Prince consolidated material from both shelved albums, along with other songs, into a three-LP album to be titled ''[[Crystal Ball (unreleased album)|Crystal Ball]]''.{{sfn|Draper|2008|p=80}} Warner Bros. forced Prince to trim the triple album to a double album, releasing ''[[Sign o' the Times]]'' on March 31, 1987.<ref name="Billboard Sign o the times">{{cite magazine|first=Stephen Thomas |last=Erlewine |url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=prince|chart=all}} |title=Sign 'O' the Times |magazine=Billboard |access-date=March 3, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130509100710/http://www.billboard.com/artist/351039/prince/chart |archive-date=May 9, 2013}}</ref>

The album peaked at No. 6 on the ''Billboard'' 200 albums chart.<ref name="Billboard Sign o the times" /> The first single, "[[Sign o' the Times (song)|Sign o' the Times]]", charted at No. 3 on the Hot 100.<ref name="Prince chart history billboard">{{cite magazine|url=http://https/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080610060841/http://https//www.billboard.com/artist/prince/chart-history//|archive-date=June 10, 2008|title=Artist Chart History – Prince|magazine=Billboard|access-date=January 13, 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> The follow-up single, "[[If I Was Your Girlfriend]]", charted at No. 67 on the Hot 100 and reached No. 12 on R&B chart.<ref name="Prince chart history billboard" /> The third single, "[[U Got the Look]]", a duet with [[Sheena Easton]], charted at No. 2 on the Hot 100 and No. 11 on the R&B chart,<ref name="Prince chart history billboard" /> and the final single, "[[I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man]]", charted at No. 10 on Hot 100 and No. 14 on the R&B chart.<ref name="Prince chart history billboard" /> Sign o' the Times was named the top album of the year by the [[Pazz & Jop]] critics' poll and sold 3.2 million copies.{{sfn|Draper|2008|p=81}} In Europe, it performed well, with Prince promoting the album with a lengthy tour. Putting together a new backing band from the remnants of the Revolution, Prince added bassist [[Levi Seacer Jr.]], keyboardist Boni Boyer, and dancer/choreographer [[Cat Glover]]{{sfn|Gregory|1995|p=246}} with drummer [[Sheila E.]]{{sfn|Matos|2004|p=57}} to the band, with Miko Weaver, Doctor Fink, Eric Leeds, Atlanta Bliss, and the Bodyguards (Wally Safford and Greg Brooks) remaining in the band for the Sign o' the Times Tour.<ref name="pvsott">{{Cite web|url=https://princevault.com/index.php?title=Prince|title=Prince - Prince Vault (section Sign O' The Times)|access-date=November 4, 2025|website=PrinceVault}}</ref>

The Sign o' the Times tour was a success overseas, with Warner Bros. and Prince's managers wanting to bring it to the United States to promote sales of the album.{{sfn|Draper|2008|pp=86–87}}{{sfn|Hahn|2004|p=118}} Prince did not approve of a full United States tour, as he was ready to produce a new album.{{sfn|Draper|2008|pp=86–87}} As a compromise, the last two nights of the tour were filmed for release in movie theaters. The film quality was deemed subpar, and reshoots were performed at Prince's [[Paisley Park]] studios.{{sfn|Draper|2008|pp=86–87}} The film ''[[Sign o' the Times (film)|Sign o' the Times]]'' was released on November 20, 1987. The film got better reviews than ''Under the Cherry Moon'', but its box-office receipts were minimal, and it quickly left theaters.{{sfn|Hahn|2004|p=118}}

The next album intended for release was ''[[The Black Album (Prince album)|The Black Album]]''.{{sfn|Draper|2008|p=90}} More instrumental and funk- and R&B-themed than previous albums,{{sfn|Draper|2008|p=92}} ''The Black Album'' also saw Prince experiment with [[Hip hop music|hip hop]] on the songs "Bob George" and "Dead on It". Prince was set to release the album with a monochromatic black cover with only the catalog number printed, but after 500,000 copies had been pressed,{{sfn|Draper|2008|p=91}} Prince had a spiritual epiphany that the album was "evil" and had it recalled.{{sfn|Hahn|2004|pp=121–122}} Surviving vinyl copies of the album have sold for upwards of $10 thousand.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Beaumont-Thomas |first=Ben |date=August 6, 2018 |title=Copy of Prince's The Black Album sells for record-breaking $27,500 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/aug/06/copy-of-prince-the-black-album-sells-for-record-breaking-27500 |access-date=November 21, 2025 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> ''The Black Album'' was re-released in 1994.

Prince went back in the studio for eight weeks and recorded ''[[Lovesexy]]''. Released on May 10, 1988, ''Lovesexy'' serves as a spiritual opposite to the dark ''The Black Album''.{{sfn|Draper|2008|p=93}} Every song is a solo effort by Prince, except "[[File:Prince_Eye88.svg|alt=Abstract eye shape with simple lines. Black pupil with white iris with black outer border. 5 eyebrows.|18x18px]] [[Eye No|No]]", which was recorded with his backing band. ''Lovesexy'' reached No. 11 on the ''Billboard'' 200 and No. 5 on the R&B albums chart.<ref name="Lovesexy billboard">{{cite magazine|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=prince|chart=all}} |title=Lovesexy |magazine=Billboard |access-date=January 13, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130509100710/http://www.billboard.com/artist/351039/prince/chart |archive-date=May 9, 2013}}</ref> The lead single, "[[Alphabet St.]]", peaked at No. 8 on the Hot 100 and No. 3 on the R&B chart,<ref name="Billboard Sign o the times" /> selling 750,000 copies.{{sfn|Draper|2008|p=94}} Prince again took his post-Revolution backing band, excluding the Bodyguards, on a three-leg, 84-show Lovesexy World Tour; although the shows were well-received by huge crowds, they failed to make a net profit due to the expensive sets and props.{{sfn|Hahn|2004|pp=152–153}}{{sfn|Draper|2008|p=95}}

=== 1989–1991: ''Batman'' and ''Graffiti Bridge'' === [[File:Prince by jimieye.jpg|thumb|Prince performing during the Nude Tour in Tokyo, 1990|alt=|238x238px]] In 1989, Prince appeared on [[Madonna]]'s studio album ''[[Like a Prayer (album)|Like a Prayer]]'', co-writing and singing the duet "Love Song" and playing electric guitar without being credited on the songs "[[Like a Prayer (song)|Like a Prayer]]", "[[Keep It Together (song)|Keep It Together]]", and "Act of Contrition". He also began work on several musical projects, including ''[[Unreleased Prince projects|Rave Unto the Joy Fantastic]]'' and early drafts of his ''Graffiti Bridge'' film,{{sfn|Hahn|2004|pp=155–156}}{{sfn|Draper|2008|p=96}} but both were put on hold when he was asked by ''[[Batman (1989 film)|Batman]]'' director [[Tim Burton]] to record several songs for the upcoming live-action movie adaptation. Prince went into the studio and produced an entire nine-track album, which was released on June 20, 1989.

The album ''[[Batman (album)|Batman]]'' peaked at No. 1 on the ''Billboard'' 200,<ref name="batman billboard">{{cite magazine|first=Stephen Thomas |last=Erlewine |url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=prince|chart=all}} |title=Batman |magazine=Billboard |access-date=January 13, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130509100710/http://www.billboard.com/artist/351039/prince/chart |archive-date=May 9, 2013}}</ref> selling 4.3 million copies.{{sfn|Hahn|2004|p=157}} The single "[[Batdance]]" topped the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 and R&B charts.<ref name="Billboard Sign o the times" /> The single "[[The Arms of Orion]]", with Sheena Easton, charted at No. 36, and "[[Partyman]]" charted at No. 18 on the Hot 100 and at No. 5 on the R&B chart, while the love ballad "[[Scandalous!]]" went to No. 5 on the R&B chart.<ref name="Billboard Sign o the times" /> Prince had to sign away all publishing rights to the songs on the album to Warner Bros. as part of the deal to do the soundtrack.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schaefer |first=John |title=10 Defining Moments In Prince's Career {{!}} WNYC Studios {{!}} Podcasts |url=https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/soundcheck/articles/10-defining-moments-princes-career |access-date=November 21, 2025 |website=WNYC Studios |language=en}}</ref>

In 1990, Prince went back on tour with a revamped band for his back-to-basics [[Nude Tour]]. With the departures of Boni Boyer, Sheila E., the Horns, and Cat, Prince brought in keyboardist [[Rosie Gaines]], drummer [[Michael Bland]], and dancing trio ''the Game Boyz'' ([[New Power Generation|Tony M.]], Kirky J., and Damon Dickson). The European and Japanese tour was a financial success with a short, greatest hits setlist.{{sfn|Hahn|2004|p=166}} In 1990, Prince finished production on his fourth film, ''[[Graffiti Bridge (film)|Graffiti Bridge]]'', and its [[Graffiti Bridge (album)|eponymous soundtrack]]. Initially, Warner Bros. was reluctant to fund the film, but with Prince's assurances it would be a sequel to ''Purple Rain,'' as well as the involvement of the original members of the Time, the studio greenlit the project.{{sfn|Draper|2008|p=104}}

Released on August 20, 1990, the album reached No. 6 on the ''Billboard'' 200 and R&B albums chart.<ref name="Graffiti Bridge billboard">{{cite magazine|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=prince|chart=all}} |title=Graffiti Bridge |magazine=Billboard |access-date=January 13, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130509100710/http://www.billboard.com/artist/351039/prince/chart |archive-date=May 9, 2013}}</ref> The single "[[Thieves in the Temple]]" reached No. 6 on the Hot 100 and No. 1 on the R&B chart,<ref name="Billboard Sign o the times" /> with "[[Round and Round (Tevin Campbell song)|Round and Round]]" placing at No. 12 on the United States charts and No. 2 on the R&B charts. The song featured the teenage [[Tevin Campbell]], who also had a role in the film, on lead vocals. The film, released on November 20, 1990, was a box-office flop, grossing $4.2 million.{{sfn|Draper|2008|p=105}} Miko Weaver and Doctor Fink, the last remaining members of the Revolution, would leave Prince's band shortly after.<ref name="The Vault biography book">{{cite book |last1=Nilsen |first1=Per |title=The Vault. The Definitive Guide to the Musical World of Prince |last2=Mattheij |first2=jooZt |date=2004 |publisher=Uptown Sweden |isbn=91-631-5482-X |location=Sweden}}</ref>

=== 1991–1996: Name change, ''Diamonds and Pearls'' and ''The Gold Experience'' === [[File:Prince logo.svg|thumb|200px|left|class=skin-invert|The unpronounceable symbol created by Prince in 1992 known as the "Love Symbol", which would later become his stage name]] 1991 began with a performance in [[Rock in Rio|Rock in Rio II]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.festicket.com/es/magazine/features/festival-flashback-prince-rock-rio-1991/|title=Festival Flashback: Prince, Rock in Rio 1991 – Festicket Magazine|website=Festicket|access-date=April 10, 2020|archive-date=June 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200612080142/https://www.festicket.com/es/magazine/features/festival-flashback-prince-rock-rio-1991/|url-status=live}}</ref> marking the debut of Prince's new band, [[the New Power Generation]]. With guitarist Miko Weaver and long-time keyboardist Doctor Fink leaving, Prince added bass player [[Sonny T.]], keyboard player [[Tommy Barbarella]], and a brass section known as [[the Hornheads]] to the band, to go along with [[Levi Seacer]], who would be taking over on guitar, [[Rosie Gaines]], [[Michael Bland]], and ''the Game Boyz''.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Sutcliffe|first=Phil|date=March 5, 1991|title=Stories|magazine=Q Magazine|volume=55|pages=11}}</ref> With significant input from his band members, ''[[Diamonds and Pearls]]'' was released on October 1, 1991. Reaching No. 3 on the ''Billboard'' 200 album chart,{{sfn|Hahn|2004|p=177}} ''Diamonds and Pearls'' saw four hit singles released in the United States. "[[Gett Off]]" peaked at No. 21 on the Hot 100 and No. 6 on the R&B charts, followed by "[[Cream (Prince song)|Cream]]", which gave Prince his fifth United States No. 1 single. The title track "[[Diamonds and Pearls (song)|Diamonds and Pearls]]" became the album's third single, reaching No. 3 on the Hot 100 and the top spot on the R&B charts. "[[Money Don't Matter 2 Night]]" peaked at No. 23 and No. 14 on the Hot 100 and R&B charts respectively.<ref name="billboard1">{{cite magazine|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=prince|chart=all}} |title=Discography (more) – Prince – Sign 'O' the Times |magazine=Billboard |date=May 9, 1987 |access-date=July 18, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130509100710/http://www.billboard.com/artist/351039/prince/chart |archive-date=May 9, 2013}}</ref> The album ''Diamonds and Pearls'' would sell more than 2 million copies in the United States.<ref name="billboard">{{cite news|first=Joe |last=Lynch |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/prince-diamonds-and-pearls-new-power-generation-interviews-1235459360/ |title=Inside Prince's Creative & Commercial Comeback on 1991's 'Diamonds and Pearls' |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |date=November 1, 2023 |access-date=December 22, 2024}}</ref>

In 1992, following the success of ''Diamonds and Pearls'', Prince renewed his contract with Warner Bros., agreeing to what was reportedly a $100 million deal to release six more albums with the label.<ref name="Philips 1992">{{cite news|first=Andrew |last=Carter |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-09-04-fi-6479-story.html|title=A King's Ransom for Prince : Artist Signs Record $100-Million Contract With Warner|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=September 4, 1992|access-date=December 22, 2024}}</ref> In October, Prince released his [[Love Symbol|14th studio album]], being the second to feature the New Power Generation. It bore only an unpronounceable symbol on the cover, which would later be copyrighted under the title "Love Symbol #2".<ref name="Carter 1999">{{cite news|first=Andrew |last=Carter |url=http://www.citypages.com/1999-06-23/news/the-people-formerly-known-as-fans/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081014192125/http://www.citypages.com/1999-06-23/news/the-people-formerly-known-as-fans/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 14, 2008 |title=The People Formerly Known as Fans |newspaper=City Pages |date=June 23, 1999 |access-date=December 12, 2007}}</ref> It was preceded by the releases of the singles "[[Sexy MF]]" and "[[My Name Is Prince]]", which reached No. 66 and No. 36 respectively on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100. The third single, "[[7 (Prince song)|7]]", would peak at No. 7 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100.<ref name="billboard1" /> The album, later referred to as ''Love Symbol'', peaked at No. 5 on the ''Billboard'' 200<ref>{{cite web|title=Billboard Chart positions for Prince|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=prince & the new power generation|chart=all}}|access-date=May 29, 2010}}</ref> and went on to sell 2.8 million copies worldwide, falling short of expectations.{{sfn|Hahn|2004|p=187}}

[[File:Prince (cropped).jpg|right|thumb|239x239px|Prince performing during the Act I and II tour in [[Zurich|Zürich, Switzerland]], in 1993]] In 1993, in rebellion against Warner Bros., which insisted upon releasing Prince's enormous backlog of music at a steady pace,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-36107590|title=Why did Prince change his name to a symbol?|publisher=BBC News|access-date=May 5, 2016|date=April 22, 2016|first=Jessica|last=Lussenhop|archive-date=April 29, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160429082725/http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-36107590?|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Connelly |first=Thomas |date=April 22, 2016 |title=Prince hated contract law so much he once changed his name to an unpronounceable symbol |url=http://www.legalcheek.com/2016/04/prince-hated-contract-law-so-much-he-once-changed-his-name-to-an-unpronounceable-symbol/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426121814/http://www.legalcheek.com/2016/04/prince-hated-contract-law-so-much-he-once-changed-his-name-to-an-unpronounceable-symbol/ |archive-date=April 26, 2016 |access-date=April 22, 2016 |website=Legal Cheek}}</ref> Prince formally adopted the symbol as his stage name.<ref name="Carter 1999" /> To use the symbol in print media, Warner Bros. organized a mass mailing of [[floppy disk]]s with a custom font including the symbol.<ref>{{cite news |first=Brian |last=Feldman |url=https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2016/04/princes-legendary-floppy-disk-symbol-font.html |access-date=May 5, 2016 |title=The Legend of Prince's Special Custom-Font Symbol Floppy Disks |newspaper=[[New York (magazine)|New York]] |date=April 21, 2016 |archive-date=November 13, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181113135727/http://nymag.com/intelligencer/2016/04/princes-legendary-floppy-disk-symbol-font.html |url-status=live}}</ref> At this time, Prince was often referred to as "the Artist Formerly Known as Prince", or simply "the Artist".<ref name="bass player"/> That year, Warner Bros. released a [[Greatest hits album|greatest hits]] compilation with the three-disc ''[[The Hits/The B-Sides]]'' in 1993. The first two discs were also sold separately as ''The Hits 1'' and ''The Hits 2''. The collection features the majority of Prince's hit singles, and several previously hard-to-find recordings, including [[A-side and B-side|B-sides]] from across Prince's career and previously unreleased tracks such as the Revolution-recorded "Power Fantastic" and a live recording of "[[Nothing Compares 2 U]]" with Rosie Gaines. Two new songs, "[[Pink Cashmere]]" and "[[Peach (Prince song)|Peach]]", were chosen as promotional singles.

In 1994, Warner Bros. allowed the single "[[The Most Beautiful Girl in the World (Prince song)|The Most Beautiful Girl in the World]]" to be released via independent distributor [[Bellmark Records]] in February. The release reached No. 3 on the United States ''Billboard'' Hot 100 and No. 1 in many other countries. Prince began to release albums in quick succession as a means of releasing himself from his contractual obligations to Warner Bros. This led to the previously aborted ''Black Album'' being given a limited official release seven years after its initial recording. Prince pushed to have his next two albums, ''[[Come (Prince album)|Come]]'' and ''[[The Gold Experience]]'', released simultaneously. Warner Bros. accepted both albums, but delayed the release of ''The Gold Experience'', fearing [[market saturation]]. In retaliation, Prince began making public appearances with "slave" written on his face.<ref name="12 Wildest Prince Moments" /> ''The Gold Experience'' would not be released until September 1995.

In 1996, the album ''[[Chaos and Disorder]]'' was released. Prince submitted another album, titled ''[[The Vault: Old Friends 4 Sale]],'' to Warner Bros. that same year, completing his contract with the label. He would leave the label that same year,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Travis |first=Ben |date=April 18, 2014 |title=Prince re-signs deal with Warner Bros. Records after 18 year split |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/apr/18/prince-re-signs-deal-with-warner-bros-records-after-18-year-split |access-date=April 21, 2026 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> though the album would not be released until 1999.<ref>{{Citation |title=The Vault: Old Friends 4 Sale - Prince {{!}} Album {{!}} AllMusic |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-vault-old-friends-4-sale-mw0000669013 |access-date=April 21, 2026 |language=en}}</ref>

=== 1996–2000: ''Emancipation'', ''Crystal Ball'' and ''Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic'' === Free of any further contractual obligations to Warner Bros., Prince attempted a major comeback later that year with the release of ''[[Emancipation (Prince album)|Emancipation]]'', a 36-song, three-CD set, with each disc being exactly 60 minutes long. The album was released via his own label, named [[NPG Records]], with distribution through [[EMI]]. ''Emancipation'' was certified [[RIAA certification|Platinum]] by the [[Recording Industry Association of America|RIAA]]. It is the first Prince record featuring [[cover version|covers]] of other artists' songs. Prince covered [[Joan Osborne]]'s top ten hit song of 1995 "[[One of Us (Joan Osborne song)|One of Us]]",<ref>{{cite magazine|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=joan osborne|chart=all}} |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080521101753/http://www.billboard.com/artist/304759/joan+osborne/chart |archive-date=May 21, 2008 |title=Chart history for 'One of Us' |magazine=Billboard |access-date=July 18, 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Thom Bell]] and [[Linda Creed]]'s "[[Betcha by Golly Wow!]]",<ref>{{cite web |url=http://repertoire.bmi.com/title.asp?blnWriter=True&blnPublisher=True&blnArtist=True&keyID=108308&ShowNbr=0&ShowSeqNbr=0&querytype=WorkID |title=BMI credits for "Betcha By Golly Wow!" |publisher=Repertoire.bmi.com |access-date=July 18, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071030003327/http://repertoire.bmi.com/title.asp?blnWriter=True&blnPublisher=True&blnArtist=True&keyID=108308&ShowNbr=0&ShowSeqNbr=0&querytype=WorkID |archive-date=October 30, 2007}}</ref> James Allen Shamblin II and Michael Barry Reid's "[[File:Eye92.svg|alt=Abstract eye shape with simple lines. Black pupil looking left with white iris with black outer border.|18x18px]] [[I Can't Make You Love Me|Can't Make You Love Me]]",<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ascap.com/ace/search.cfm?requesttimeout=300&mode=results&searchstr=390493822&search_in=i&search_type=exact&search_det=t,s,w,p,b,v&results_pp=20&start=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030706180946/http://www.ascap.com/ace/search.cfm?requesttimeout=300&mode=results&searchstr=390493822&search_in=i&search_type=exact&search_det=t,s,w,p,b,v&results_pp=20&start=1 |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 6, 2003 |title=BMI credits for "I Can't Make You Love Me" |publisher=ASCAP |access-date=July 18, 2009}}</ref> and Thom Bell and [[William Hart (singer)|William Hart]]'s "[[La-La (Means I Love You)]]".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://repertoire.bmi.com/title.asp?blnWriter=True&blnPublisher=True&blnArtist=True&keyID=819010&ShowNbr=0&ShowSeqNbr=0&querytype=WorkID |title=BMI credits for "La-La Means I Love You" |publisher=Repertoire.bmi.com |access-date=July 18, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071030003332/http://repertoire.bmi.com/title.asp?blnWriter=True&blnPublisher=True&blnArtist=True&keyID=819010&ShowNbr=0&ShowSeqNbr=0&querytype=WorkID |archive-date=October 30, 2007}}</ref>

Prince released ''[[Crystal Ball (box set)|Crystal Ball]]'', a five-CD collection of unreleased material, in 1998. The distribution of this album was disorderly, with some fans pre-ordering the album on his website up to a year before it was shipped; these pre-orders were delivered months after the record had gone on sale in retail stores. The retail edition has only four discs, as it is missing the ''Kamasutra'' disc.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Album: Crystal Ball - Prince Vault |url=https://princevault.com/index.php?title=Album:_Crystal_Ball}}</ref> ''[[Newpower Soul]]'' was released three months later.<ref>{{Citation |title=New Power Soul - New Power Generation, Prince ... {{!}} AllMusic |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/new-power-soul-mw0000042076 |access-date=April 21, 2026 |language=en}}</ref>

In 1999, Prince once again signed with a major label, [[Arista Records]], to release a new record, ''[[Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic]]''.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Paoletta |first=Michael |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nwgEAAAAMBAJ&q=Rave+Un2+the+Joy+Fantastic&pg=PA7-IA5 |title=The Artist, Arista Ink Licensing Deal |page=6 |date=September 4, 1999 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=April 27, 2026}}</ref> The pay-per-view concert, ''[[Rave Un2 the Year 2000]]'', was broadcast on December 31, 1999, and consisted of footage from the December 17 and 18 concerts of his 1999 tour. The concert featured appearances by guest musicians, including [[Lenny Kravitz]], [[George Clinton (funk musician)|George Clinton]], Jimmy Russell, and the Time. It was released to home video the following year.<ref name="The Vault biography book" />

=== 2000–2004: Internet releases and ''Musicology'' === On May 16, 2000, Prince stopped using the Love Symbol as his name, since his publishing contract with Warner Bros. had expired.<ref>{{Cite magazine |title=Prince |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/prince/chart-history/tlp/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211204050923/https://www.billboard.com/artist/prince/chart-history/tlp/ |archive-date=December 4, 2021 |access-date=December 10, 2021 |magazine=Billboard}}</ref> For several years following the release of ''Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic'', Prince primarily released new music through his Internet subscription service, NPGOnlineLtd.com, which later became NPGMusicClub.com.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Bugbee|first1=Teo|title=Taylor Swift Follows Prince: The Artist Who Tamed the Corporate Giant|url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/06/25/taylor-swift-is-the-new-prince-the-artist-that-tamed-the-corporate-giant.html|newspaper=The Daily Beast|access-date=May 8, 2016|date=June 25, 2015|archive-date=May 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160506094200/http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/06/25/taylor-swift-is-the-new-prince-the-artist-that-tamed-the-corporate-giant.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The albums released during this period include remix album ''[[Rave In2 the Joy Fantastic]]'' and ''[[The Rainbow Children]]'' in 2001, ''[[One Nite Alone...]]'' in 2002, and ''[[Xpectation]]'' in 2003.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Moss|first=Corey|title=Prince Offers Fans Exclusive Material Via Online Club|work=MTV.com|date=February 9, 2001|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1439259/20010209/prince.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010809195730/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1439259/20010209/prince.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 9, 2001|access-date=May 12, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Berger |first=Arion |date=January 2, 2002 |title=The Rainbow Children |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/the-rainbow-children-251311/ |access-date=April 21, 2026 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Pearce |first=Sheldon |title=Prince: Up All Nite With Prince: The One Nite Alone Collection |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/prince-up-all-nite-with-prince-the-one-nite-alone-collection/ |access-date=April 21, 2026 |website=Pitchfork |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Album: Xpectation - Prince Vault |url=https://princevault.com/index.php/Album:_Xpectation}}</ref>

In 2001, Warner Bros. released a second compilation album, ''[[The Very Best of Prince]]'', containing most of his commercially successful singles from the 1980s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/7341682/princes-the-very-best-of-album-headed-for-no-1-on-billboard-200-chart|title=Prince's 'The Very Best Of' Album Headed for No. 1 on Billboard 200 Chart|publisher=Billboard|accessdate=April 22, 2016|date=April 22, 2016}}</ref> In 2002, Prince released his first live album, ''[[One Nite Alone... Live!]]'', which features performances from the One Nite Alone...Tour. The three-CD box set also includes a disc of "aftershow" music entitled ''It Ain't Over!''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Album: One Nite Alone... Live! - Prince Vault |url=https://princevault.com/index.php?title=Album:_One_Nite_Alone..._Live!}}</ref>

On February 8, 2004, Prince appeared at the [[46th Annual Grammy Awards]] with [[Beyoncé]].<ref name="guardiansweeting" /><ref name="billboardrys">{{cite magazine|last1=Rys|first1=Dan|title=Prince and Beyonce at the 2004 Grammy Awards: The Story Behind How the Duet Came Together|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7341600/prince-beyonce-2004-grammy-awards-duet-producer-ken-ehrlich-interview|access-date=April 23, 2016|magazine=Billboard|date=April 21, 2016|archive-date=April 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160423124903/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7341600/prince-beyonce-2004-grammy-awards-duet-producer-ken-ehrlich-interview|url-status=live}}</ref> In a performance that opened the show, they performed a medley of "Purple Rain", "Let's Go Crazy", "[[Baby I'm a Star]]", and Beyoncé's "[[Crazy in Love]]".<ref name="usatodayryan">{{cite news|last1=Ryan|first1=Patrick|title=6 of Prince's most legendary live performances you need to see|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2016/04/21/prince-best-performances/83343520/|access-date=April 23, 2016|work=[[USA Today]]|date=April 21, 2016|archive-date=April 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160422221656/http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2016/04/21/prince-best-performances/83343520/|url-status=live}}</ref> The following month, Prince was inducted into the [[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]].<ref name="mtvwiederhorn">{{cite web|last1=Wiederhorn|first1=Jon|title=Kid Rock Makes Jokes, Prince Makes Peace at Rock Hall Ceremony|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1485768/kid-rock-makes-jokes-prince-makes-peace-at-rock-hall-ceremony/|publisher=MTV News|access-date=April 23, 2016|date=March 16, 2004|archive-date=December 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211210101139/http://www.mtv.com/news/1485768/kid-rock-makes-jokes-prince-makes-peace-at-rock-hall-ceremony/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The award was presented to him by [[Alicia Keys]] along with [[Big Boi]] and [[André 3000]] of [[Outkast|OutKast]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Brucculieri|first1=Julia|title=Alicia Keys' Rock And Roll Hall of Fame Speech For Prince Perfectly Captures His Greatness|url=https://huffingtonpost.com/entry/alicia-keys-prince-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame_us_5719439ae4b0d4d3f722d15a|access-date=April 23, 2016|work=The Huffington Post|date=April 21, 2016|archive-date=February 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215190117/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/alicia-keys-prince-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame_us_5719439ae4b0d4d3f722d15a|url-status=live}}</ref> As well as performing a trio of his own hits during the ceremony, Prince also participated in a tribute to fellow inductee [[George Harrison]] in a rendering of Harrison's "[[While My Guitar Gently Weeps]]", playing a two-minute guitar solo that ended the song.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Pareles|first1=Jon|author-link1=Jon Pareles|title=Prince and Harrison Among Rock Hall of Fame Inductees|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/03/16/nyregion/prince-and-harrison-among-rock-hall-of-fame-inductees.html|access-date=April 23, 2016|work=The New York Times|date=March 16, 2004|archive-date=June 2, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160602180828/http://www.nytimes.com/2004/03/16/nyregion/prince-and-harrison-among-rock-hall-of-fame-inductees.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Nekesa |first1=Mumbi Moody |author-link=Nekesa Mumbi Moody |date=March 16, 2004 |title=Prince reigns at Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction |work=[[Seattle Post-Intelligencer]] |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/ae/music/article/Prince-reigns-at-Rock-and-Roll-Hall-of-Fame-1139706.php |access-date=April 23, 2016 |archive-date=December 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211210123214/https://www.seattlepi.com/ae/music/article/Prince-reigns-at-Rock-and-Roll-Hall-of-Fame-1139706.php |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="timelocker">{{cite magazine|last1=Locker|first1=Melissa|title=Watch Prince's Show-Stopping Guitar Solo at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame|url=https://time.com/4303955/prince-guitar-solo-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame/|access-date=April 27, 2016|magazine=Time|date=April 21, 2016|archive-date=November 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211103174925/https://time.com/4303955/prince-guitar-solo-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame/|url-status=live}}</ref> He also performed the song "[[Red House (song)|Red House]]" as "Purple House" on the album ''[[Power of Soul: A Tribute to Jimi Hendrix]]''.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Greenblatt|first1=Mike|title=Jimi Hendrix: South Saturn Delta & Various Arists: Power Of Soul: A Tribute To Jimi Hendrix|url=http://www.theaquarian.com/2011/05/25/jimi-hendrix-south-saturn-delta-various-arists-power-of-soul-a-tribute-to-jimi-hendrix/|access-date=April 25, 2016|work=[[The Aquarian Weekly]]|date=May 25, 2011|archive-date=May 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160508073657/http://www.theaquarian.com/2011/05/25/jimi-hendrix-south-saturn-delta-various-arists-power-of-soul-a-tribute-to-jimi-hendrix/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In April 2004, Prince released ''[[Musicology (album)|Musicology]]'' through a one-album agreement with Columbia. The album rose as high as the top five on some international charts, including the US, UK, Germany, and Australia. The United States chart success was assisted by the CDs being included as part of the concert ticket purchase, thereby qualifying each CD to count toward United States chart placement.<ref>{{cite web |last=D'Angelo |first=Joe |title=Billboard Sours on Prince's Musicology Sales Experiment: Magazine changes policy on tallying albums sold with tickets |publisher=MTV News |date=May 28, 2004 |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1488027/20040528/prince.jhtml |access-date=May 6, 2016 |archive-date=July 10, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100710132424/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1488027/20040528/prince.jhtml |url-status=dead}}</ref> Three months later, ''[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]'' named him the greatest [[frontman]] of all time.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.contactmusic.com/news-article/prince-tops-frontmen-poll|title=Prince Tops Frontmen Poll|date=July 27, 2004|magazine=[[Contactmusic.com]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130629095753/http://www.contactmusic.com/news-article/prince-tops-frontmen-poll|archive-date=June 29, 2013|url-status=live|access-date=June 29, 2013}}</ref> That same year, ''[[Rolling Stone (magazine)|Rolling Stone]]'' magazine named Prince as the highest-earning musician in the world, with an annual income of $56.5 million,<ref>{{cite news|title=Prince Crowned 'Top Music Earner'|publisher=BBC News|date=February 9, 2005|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4251227.stm|access-date=May 12, 2016|archive-date=April 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220427161655/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4251227.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> largely due to his [[Musicology Tour]], which [[Pollstar]] named as the top concert draw among musicians in the US. He played 96 concerts; the average ticket price for a show was US$61 ({{Inflation|US|61|2004|r=0|fmt=eq|cursign=US$}}). ''Musicology'' went on to receive two Grammy wins, for [[Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance|Best Male R&B Vocal Performance]] for "[[Call My Name (Prince song)|Call My Name]]" and Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance for the [[Musicology (song)|title track]]. ''Musicology'' was also nominated for Best R&B Song and Best R&B Album, and "[[Cinnamon Girl (Prince song)|Cinnamon Girl]]" was nominated for [[Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance|Best Male Pop Vocal Performance]]. ''Rolling Stone'' ranked Prince No. 27 on their [[Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Artists of All Time|list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time]].<ref name="rollingstone2004">{{cite magazine|last=Thompson|first=Ahmir|date=March 24, 2004|title=100 Greatest Artists|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/100-greatest-artists-of-all-time-19691231/prince-20110419|access-date=May 4, 2016|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|archive-date=September 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170921055527/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/100-greatest-artists-of-all-time-19691231/prince-20110419|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== 2005–2007: ''3121'' === In April 2005, Prince played guitar, along with [[En Vogue]] singing backing vocals, on [[Stevie Wonder]]'s single "[[So What the Fuss]]", Wonder's first since 1999. In late 2005, Prince signed with [[Universal Music Group]] to release his album, ''[[3121 (album)|3121]]'', on March 21, 2006. The first single was "[[Te Amo Corazón]]", the video for which was directed by actress [[Salma Hayek]] and filmed in [[Marrakesh]], Morocco, with the video featuring Argentine actress and singer [[Mía Maestro]]. The video for the second single, "[[Black Sweat]]", was nominated at the [[MTV Video Music Awards|MTV VMAs]] for Best Cinematography. The immediate success of ''3121'' gave Prince his first No. 1 debut on the ''Billboard'' 200 with the album.

To promote the new album, Prince was the musical guest on ''Saturday Night Live'' on February 4, 2006, 17 years after his last ''SNL'' appearance on the 15th-anniversary special, and nearly 25 years since his first appearance on a regular episode in 1981.<ref>{{cite news|last=Thompson|first=Desire|title='Saturday Night Live' Announce 'Good Night Sweet Prince' Tribute|url=http://www.vibe.com/2016/04/prince-saturday-night-live-tribute/|access-date=May 8, 2016|work=Vibe|date=April 23, 2016|archive-date=April 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160428205903/http://www.vibe.com/2016/04/prince-saturday-night-live-tribute/|url-status=live}}</ref> At the [[2006 Webby Awards]] on June 12, Prince received a [[Webby Awards|Webby]] Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his "visionary use of the Internet to distribute music and connect with audiences", exemplified by his decision to release his album ''Crystal Ball'' (1998) exclusively online.<ref name="cnetsandoval">{{cite web|last1=Sandoval|first1=Greg|title=Prince: The artist who formerly liked the Internet|url=https://cnet.com/news/prince-the-artist-who-formerly-liked-the-internet/|website=[[CNET]]|access-date=April 23, 2016|date=November 13, 2007|archive-date=April 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426150840/http://www.cnet.com/news/prince-the-artist-who-formerly-liked-the-internet/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="postohlheiser">{{cite news|last1=Ohlheiser|first1=Abby|title=Prince had a complicated relationship with the Internet|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-intersect/wp/2016/04/21/prince-had-a-long-complicated-relationship-with-the-internet/|access-date=April 23, 2016|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|date=April 21, 2016|archive-date=May 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513165625/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-intersect/wp/2016/04/21/prince-had-a-long-complicated-relationship-with-the-internet/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In July 2006, weeks after winning a Webby Award, Prince shut down his NPG Music Club website, after more than five years of operation.<ref name="efinn">{{cite news|last=Finn|first=Natalie|title=Prince Site Fades to Black|url=http://www.eonline.com/news/52791/prince-site-fades-to-black|website=[[E!|E! Online]]|access-date=April 23, 2016|date=July 13, 2006|archive-date=May 31, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160531080254/http://www.eonline.com/news/52791/prince-site-fades-to-black|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="billboardnpg">{{cite magazine|title=Prince's NPG Music Club Shutting Down|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/57854/princes-npg-music-club-shutting-down|access-date=April 23, 2016|magazine=Billboard|date=July 12, 2006|archive-date=April 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160425055912/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/57854/princes-npg-music-club-shutting-down|url-status=live}}</ref> On the day of the music club's shutdown, a lawsuit was filed against Prince by the British company HM Publishing, who were the then-owners of the [[Nature Portfolio|Nature Publishing Group]], which was also abbreviated as NPG. Despite these events occurring on the same day, Prince's attorney stated that the site did not close due to the trademark dispute.<ref name="efinn" /> Prince appeared at multiple award ceremonies in 2006: on February 15, he performed at the [[2006 Brit Awards]], along with Wendy & Lisa and [[Sheila E.]],<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Brandle|first=Lars|title=Watch Prince Masterfully Perform 'Purple Rain' and 'Let's Go Crazy' at 2006 Brit Awards|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7341608/prince-purple-rain-lets-go-crazy-2006-brit-awards|access-date=April 23, 2016|magazine=Billboard|date=April 21, 2016|archive-date=April 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160424073116/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7341608/prince-purple-rain-lets-go-crazy-2006-brit-awards|url-status=live}}</ref> and on June 27, Prince appeared at the [[BET Awards 2006|2006 BET Awards]], where he was awarded Best Male R&B Artist. Prince performed a medley of Chaka Khan songs for Khan's BET Lifetime Achievement Award.<ref name="smhbet">{{cite news|title=You booty at BET awards|url=https://www.smh.com.au/news/music/beyonce-prince-perform-at-bet-awards/2006/06/29/1151174310499.html|access-date=April 23, 2016|work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|date=June 29, 2006|archive-date=June 14, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160614081250/http://www.smh.com.au/news/music/beyonce-prince-perform-at-bet-awards/2006/06/29/1151174310499.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In November 2006, Prince was inducted into the [[UK Music Hall of Fame]];<ref name="guardiansweeting" /> he appeared to collect his award but did not perform. Also in November 2006, Prince opened a nightclub called 3121, in [[Las Vegas Valley|Las Vegas]] at the [[Rio All Suite Hotel and Casino]]. He performed weekly on Friday and Saturday nights until April 2007, when his contract with the Rio ended.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 21, 2016 |title=Prince and his breathtaking run at the Rio Las Vegas |url=https://lasvegassun.com/blogs/kats-report/2016/apr/21/remembering-prince-his-breathtaking-run-rio-vegas-/ |access-date=June 3, 2024 |website=Las Vegas Sun}}</ref> On August 22, 2006, Prince released ''[[Ultimate (Prince album)|Ultimate]]'', a greatest-hits album. The double-disc set contains one CD of previous hits, and another of extended versions and mixes of material that had largely only previously been available on B-sides. That same year, Prince wrote and performed a song for the hit animated film ''[[Happy Feet]]'' (2006). The song, "[[The Song of the Heart (song)|The Song of the Heart]]", appears on the film's [[Happy Feet: Music from the Motion Picture|soundtrack]], which also features a cover of Prince's earlier hit "Kiss", sung by [[Nicole Kidman]] and [[Hugh Jackman]]. In January 2007, "The Song of the Heart" won a [[Golden Globe Award|Golden Globe]] for Best Original Song.<ref>{{cite web |title=Golden Globe Awards |publisher=goldenglobes.org |url=http://www.goldenglobes.org/browse/member/30963 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100713105947/http://www.goldenglobes.org/browse/member/30963 |archive-date=July 13, 2010 }}</ref>

=== 2007–2010: Super Bowl XLI show, ''Planet Earth'' and ''Lotusflower'' === On February 4, 2007, Prince played at the [[Super Bowl XLI halftime show]] in Miami, on a large stage shaped like his symbol. The event was carried to 140 million television viewers, his biggest-ever audience.<ref name="Hoekstra">{{Cite news|title=Purple Rain Turned Super |date=February 5, 2007 |access-date=February 5, 2007 |first=Dave |last=Hoekstra |url=http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/243107,CST-FTR-super05.article |work=Chicago Sun-Times |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090412054158/http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/243107%2CCST-FTR-super05.article |archive-date=April 12, 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref> His 12-minute performance in the rain began with an intro of the Queen song "[[We Will Rock You]]" and concluded with "Purple Rain".<ref>{{cite web |title=Prince Makes It Rain During His Iconic Super Bowl XLI Halftime Performance 13 Years Ago [Watch] |url=https://liveforlivemusic.com/features/prince-super-bowl-xli-halftime-show/ |website=liveforlivemusic.com |publisher=Live for Live Music |access-date=November 29, 2020 |date=June 7, 2020 |archive-date=December 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201212042856/https://liveforlivemusic.com/features/prince-super-bowl-xli-halftime-show/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2015, ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' ranked it the greatest Super Bowl performance ever.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=10 Best Super Bowl Halftime Shows|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/list/513793/10-best-super-bowl-halftime-shows|date=January 30, 2015|magazine=Billboard|access-date=April 21, 2016|archive-date=January 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150125204721/http://www.billboard.com/articles/list/513793/10-best-super-bowl-halftime-shows|url-status=live}}</ref>

Prince played 21 concerts at [[The O2 Arena|the O2 Arena]] in London during the [[Earth Tour (Prince)|Earth Tour]] in mid-2007. Tickets for the 20,000-capacity venue were capped by Prince at £31.21 ($48.66). Featuring [[Maceo Parker]] in his band, Prince's residency at the O2 Arena was increased to 15 nights after all 140,000 tickets for the original seven sold out in 20 minutes,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nme.com/news/prince/28295 |title=Prince Shows Sell Out in Minutes |work=[[NME]] |date=May 11, 2007 |access-date=July 18, 2009 |archive-date=October 10, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091010093030/http://www.nme.com/news/prince/28295 |url-status=live}}</ref> before it was then further extended to 21 nights.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.news.launch.yahoo.com/dyna/article.html?a=/070611/340/h9t0h.html&e=l_news_dm |title=Prince extends tour |work=Yahoo! Music News |date=June 11, 2007 |access-date=July 18, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110427023704/http://uk.news.launch.yahoo.com/dyna/article.html?a=%2F070611%2F340%2Fh9t0h.html&e=l_news_dm |archive-date=April 27, 2011}}</ref>

Prince performed with Sheila E. at the 2007 [[ALMA Award]]s. On June 28, 2007, the ''[[The Mail on Sunday|Mail on Sunday]]'' stated that it had made a deal to give Prince's new album, ''[[Planet Earth (Prince album)|Planet Earth]]'', away for free with the paper, being the first to publish it. This sparked controversy among music distributors and also led the UK arm of Prince's distributor, [[Sony BMG]], to withdraw from distributing the album in UK stores.<ref>{{cite news |last=Allen |first=Katie |title=Music industry attacks Sunday newspaper's free Prince CD |work=The Guardian |location=UK |date=June 29, 2007 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2007/jun/29/business.pop |access-date=July 18, 2009 |archive-date=October 15, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081015234544/http://business.guardian.co.uk/story/0%2C%2C2114557%2C00.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The UK's largest high street music retailer, [[HMV]], stocked the paper on release day due to the giveaway. On July 7, 2007, Prince returned to Minneapolis to perform three shows. He performed concerts at the [[Macy's]] Auditorium on [[Nicollet Mall]], the [[Target Center]] arena, and [[First Avenue (nightclub)|First Avenue]].<ref>{{cite web |last=DeRusha |first=Jason |title=Prince Thrills Fans With 3 Minneapolis Shows |publisher=WCCO |date=July 7, 2007 |url=http://wcco.com/local/prince.3121.concert.2.368625.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100618090402/http://wcco.com/local/prince.3121.concert.2.368625.html|archive-date=June 18, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Prince plays 3 shows in his hometown |work=USA Today |date=July 8, 2007 |url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/music/2007-07-08-2962442629_x.htm |access-date=September 8, 2017 |archive-date=June 23, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100623234306/http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/2007-07-08-2962442629_x.htm |url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Prince at Coachella (cropped).jpg|thumb|upright=0.8|Prince at the [[Coachella Festival]] in 2008]] On April 25, 2008, Prince performed on ''[[The Tonight Show with Jay Leno]]'', where he debuted a new song, "Turn Me Loose". Days after, he headlined the 2008 [[Coachella|Coachella Festival]]. Prince was paid more than $5 million for his performance at Coachella, according to [[Reuters]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Sulugiuc|first=Gelu|title=Prince reigns at California music festival|publisher=Reuters|date=April 28, 2008|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN2641346220080428|access-date=July 1, 2017|archive-date=October 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020180016/https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN2641346220080428|url-status=live}}</ref> Prince canceled a concert, planned at Dublin's [[Croke Park]] on June 16, 2008, at 10 days' notice. In October 2009 promoters [[MCD Productions]] went to court to sue him for €1.6 million to refund 55,126 tickets. Prince settled the case out of court in February 2010 for $2.95 million.<ref>{{cite news|title=Prince settles cancelled Dublin gig case|publisher=BBC News|date=February 26, 2010|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/8539066.stm|access-date=May 12, 2016|archive-date=September 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923185141/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/8539066.stm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Pogatchnik |first=Shawn |title=Prince ordered to pay Irish promoter $3 million |agency=Associated Press |date=March 26, 2010 |url=http://apnews.myway.com/article/20100326/D9EMAU8G0.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100329132933/http://apnews.myway.com/article/20100326/D9EMAU8G0.html |archive-date=March 29, 2010}}</ref> During the trial, it was said that Prince had been offered $22 million for seven concerts as part of a proposed 2008 European tour.<ref>{{cite news |title=Singer Prince Settles Lawsuit Over Axed Dublin Gig |newspaper=Boston Globe |first=Shawn |last=Pogatchnik |date=February 26, 2010 |url=https://archive.boston.com/news/world/europe/articles/2010/02/26/singer_prince_settles_lawsuit_over_axed_dublin_gig/ |access-date=April 25, 2016 |archive-date=May 13, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513084425/http://archive.boston.com/news/world/europe/articles/2010/02/26/singer_prince_settles_lawsuit_over_axed_dublin_gig/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2008, Prince released a live album entitled ''[[Indigo Nights]]'', a collection of songs performed live at aftershows in the [[The O2 Arena|O2 Arena]].

Prince premiered four songs from his new album on LA's Indie rock radio station [[KDLD|Indie 103.1]] on December 18, 2008.<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Kreps|first1=Daniel|title=Prince Premieres Four New Songs on L.A.'s Indie 103; New Album on the Way|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/prince-premieres-four-new-songs-on-l-a-s-indie-103-new-album-on-the-way-20081218|access-date=April 16, 2012|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=December 18, 2008|archive-date=June 28, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120628144657/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/prince-premieres-four-new-songs-on-l-a-s-indie-103-new-album-on-the-way-20081218|url-status=live}}</ref> The radio station's programmers Max Tolkoff and [[Mr. Shovel's Check One Two|Mark Sovel]] had been invited to Prince's home to hear the new rock-oriented music. Prince gave them a CD with four songs to premiere on their radio station. The music debuted the next day on Jonesy's Jukebox, hosted by former [[Sex Pistols|Sex Pistol]] [[Steve Jones (musician)|Steve Jones]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-dec-19-et-prince19-story.html |work=Los Angeles Times |first=Ann |last=Powers |title=103.1 debuts new Prince tracks |date=December 19, 2008 |access-date=December 6, 2019 |archive-date=May 9, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160509192601/http://articles.latimes.com/2008/dec/19/entertainment/et-prince19 |url-status=live}}</ref>

On January 3, 2009, the new website LotusFlow3r.com was launched; streaming and selling some of the recently aired material and concert tickets. On January 31, Prince released two more songs on LotusFlow3r.com: "Disco Jellyfish", and "Another Boy". "Chocolate Box", "Colonized Mind", and "All This Love" were later released on the website. Prince released a triple album set containing the album ''[[Lotusflow3r]]'', ''MPLSoUND'', and an album credited to [[Bria Valente]], called ''Elixer'', on March 24, 2009, followed by a physical release on March 29.

On July 18, 2009, Prince performed two shows at the [[Montreux Jazz Festival]], backed by the New Power Generation, including Rhonda Smith, Renato Neto and [[John Blackwell (musician)|John Blackwell]]. On October 11, 2009, he gave two surprise concerts at the [[Grand Palais]] in Paris.<ref>{{cite news|title=Tickets to Prince's Paris Shows Sell out in 77 Minutes|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jbJU2ikQ8Cq553Mo13-ZsNqIe4lg|access-date=April 22, 2016|agency=[[Agence France-Presse]]|date=October 9, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130401054419/https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jbJU2ikQ8Cq553Mo13-ZsNqIe4lg|archive-date=April 1, 2013}}</ref> On October 12, he gave another surprise performance at [[La Cigale]]. On October 24, Prince played a concert at Paisley Park.<ref>{{cite web |last=Anthony |first=Steven |title=All Day, All Night – How I Spent My Weekend at Paisley Park |work=The Musictionary |date=October 26, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091031023040/http://themusictionary.com/?p=2790 |url=http://themusictionary.com/?p=2790 |url-status=usurped |archive-date=October 31, 2009}}</ref>

=== 2010–2016: Final albums === [[File:Prince, People au Défilé Channel, Printemps-Eté 2010.jpg|left|thumb|Prince photographed by paparazzi in Paris, 2009]] In January 2010, Prince wrote a new song, "Purple and Gold", inspired by his visit to a [[Minnesota Vikings]] football game against the [[Dallas Cowboys]].<ref name="Vikings">{{cite web |title=Prince Releases Minnesota Vikings Song |publisher=myfox9 |date=January 21, 2010 |url =http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/dpp/sports/prince-reveals-song-for-vikings-saints-game|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100316230948/http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/dpp/sports/prince-reveals-song-for-vikings-saints-game|archive-date=March 16, 2010}}</ref> The following month, he let [[Minneapolis–Saint Paul|Minneapolis–St. Paul]] public radio station [[KCMP|89.3 The Current]] premiere his new song "Cause and Effect" as a gesture in support of [[independent radio]].<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Kreps |first=Daniel |title=Prince Gives New 'Cause and Effect' to Minnesota Public Radio |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=February 26, 2010 |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2010/02/26/prince-gives-new-cause-and-effect-to-minnesota-public-radio/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100301063138/http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2010/02/26/prince-gives-new-cause-and-effect-to-minnesota-public-radio/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 1, 2010|access-date=May 5, 2016}}</ref>

In 2010, Prince was listed in ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]''{{'}}s annual ranking of the "100 Most Influential People in the World".<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/completelist/0,29569,1984685,00.html|title=Full List – The 2010 TIME 100|magazine=Time|access-date=August 4, 2010|date=April 29, 2010|archive-date=July 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150703021915/http://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/completelist/0%2C29569%2C1984685%2C00.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He released a new single on [[Minneapolis-St. Paul]] radio station [[89.3 The Current]] called "Hot Summer" on June 7, his 52nd birthday. The same month, Prince appeared on the cover of the July 2010 issue of ''[[Ebony (magazine)|Ebony]]'' magazine,<ref>{{cite web |title=Prince Covers Ebony's July 2010 Issue |work=Entertainment Rundown |date=June 7, 2010 |url=http://entertainmentrundown.com/31044/prince-covers-ebonys-july-2010-issue/ |access-date=October 15, 2010 |archive-date=December 16, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101216070408/http://entertainmentrundown.com/31044/prince-covers-ebonys-july-2010-issue/ |url-status=live}}</ref> and he received the [[BET Lifetime Achievement Award|Lifetime Achievement Award]] at the 2010 [[BET Awards]].<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/957770/prince-to-be-honored-by-bet |title=Prince To Be Honored By BET |magazine=Billboard |agency=Associated Press|date=September 14, 2009 |access-date=August 4, 2010 |archive-date=May 22, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522045407/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/957770/prince-to-be-honored-by-bet |url-status=live}}</ref>

Prince released his album ''[[20Ten]]'' in July 2010 as a free [[covermount]] with publications in the UK, Belgium, Germany, and France.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/957575/prince-to-release-20ten-for-free-in-europe |first=Andre |last=Paine |title=Prince To Release '20Ten' For Free in Europe |magazine=Billboard |date=September 14, 2009 |access-date=August 4, 2010 |archive-date=May 15, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130515205510/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/957575/prince-to-release-20ten-for-free-in-europe |url-status=live}}</ref> He refused album access to digital download services and closed LotusFlow3r.com. On July 4, 2010, Prince began his [[20Ten Tour]], a concert tour in two legs, with shows in Europe. The second leg began on October 15<ref>{{cite news |last=Bream |first=Jon |title=Prince postpones concert in Helsinki |newspaper=Star Tribune |date=October 5, 2010 |url=http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/blogs/104371243.html?elr=KArks:DCiUo3PD:3D_V_qD3L:c7cQKUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU |access-date=May 5, 2016 |archive-date=July 7, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140707050407/http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/blogs/104371243.html?elr=KArks:DCiUo3PD:3D_V_qD3L:c7cQKUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU |url-status=live}}</ref> and ended with a concert following that year's [[2010 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix|Abu Dhabi Grand Prix]] on November 14.<ref>{{cite web |last=Sever |first=Brooke |title=Kanye West and Prince join F1 line-up |work=digitalproductionme |date=September 28, 2010 |url=http://www.digitalproductionme.com/article-3279-kanye-west-and-prince-join-f1-line-up/ |access-date=October 15, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160428051428/http://www.digitalproductionme.com/article-3279-kanye-west-and-prince-join-f1-line-up/ |archive-date=April 28, 2016 |url-status=usurped}}</ref> The second half of the tour had a new band, with John Blackwell, [[Ida Kristine Nielsen]], and previous band member Sheila E.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.drfunkenberry.com/2010/09/30/official-prince-tour-announcement/ |title=Official PRINCE Tour Announcement |publisher=Drfunkenberry.com |date=September 30, 2010 |access-date=October 9, 2010 |archive-date=October 3, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101003062548/http://www.drfunkenberry.com/2010/09/30/official-prince-tour-announcement/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Prince let radio station [[Europe 1]] debut the snippet of his new song "Rich Friends" from the new album ''20Ten Deluxe'' on October 8, 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.drfunkenberry.com/2010/10/08/new-prince-song-snippet-rich-friends-listen-now/ |title=New Prince Song Snippet!~ "Rich Friends" Listen Now |publisher=Drfunkenberry.com |date=October 8, 2010 |access-date=February 4, 2011 |archive-date=January 13, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110113114032/http://www.drfunkenberry.com/2010/10/08/new-prince-song-snippet-rich-friends-listen-now/ |url-status=live}}</ref> He embarked on the [[Welcome 2]] Tour on December 15, 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.drfunkenberry.com/2010/12/16/prince-rocks-opening-night-of-his-welcome-2-america-tour-at-the-izod/ |title=Prince Rocks Opening Night of His 'Welcome 2 America' Tour at the Izod |publisher=Drfunkenberry.com |date=December 16, 2010 |access-date=February 4, 2011 |archive-date=January 19, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110119091616/http://www.drfunkenberry.com/2010/12/16/prince-rocks-opening-night-of-his-welcome-2-america-tour-at-the-izod/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Prince was inducted into the [[Grammy Hall of Fame]] on December 7, 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.drfunkenberry.com/2010/12/07/prince-the-revolutions-purple-rain-get-grammy-induction-my-thoughts/ |title=PRINCE & The Revolution's "Purple Rain" Get Grammy Induction + My Thoughts |publisher=Drfunkenberry.com |date=December 7, 2010 |access-date=February 4, 2011 |archive-date=January 10, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110110024851/http://www.drfunkenberry.com/2010/12/07/prince-the-revolutions-purple-rain-get-grammy-induction-my-thoughts/? |url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Prince Paris - June 30th, 2011.png|thumb|upright=0.75|Prince performing in Paris in 2011]] Prince presented [[Barbra Streisand]] with an award and donated $1.5 million to charities on February 12, 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.drfunkenberry.com/2011/02/12/prince-presents-barbra-striesand-with-award-gives-away-1-5-million-to-charities/ |title=Prince Presents Barbra Streisand With Award; Gives Away 1.5 million To Charities |publisher=Drfunkenberry.com |date=February 12, 2011 |access-date=February 20, 2011 |archive-date=February 17, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110217054936/http://www.drfunkenberry.com/2011/02/12/prince-presents-barbra-striesand-with-award-gives-away-1-5-million-to-charities/ |url-status=live}}</ref> On the same day, it was reported that he had not authorized the television show ''[[Glee (TV series)|Glee]]'' to cover his hit "Kiss", in an episode that had already been filmed.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.drfunkenberry.com/2011/02/12/exclusive-prince-not-happy-with-glee-over-use-of-kiss/ |title=Exclusive! Prince Not Happy With "Glee" Over Use Of "Kiss" |publisher=Drfunkenberry.com |date=February 12, 2011 |access-date=February 20, 2011 |archive-date=December 24, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224111537/http://www.drfunkenberry.com/2011/02/12/exclusive-prince-not-happy-with-glee-over-use-of-kiss/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Prince headlined the [[Hop Farm Festival]] on July 3, 2011, marking his first UK show since 2007 and his first-ever UK festival appearance.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Lee|first1=Ann|title=Prince to Join Morrissey and Brandon Flowers at Hop Farm Festival 2011|url=http://www.metro.co.uk/music/863641-prince-to-join-morrissey-and-brandon-flowers-at-hop-farm-festival-2011|access-date=April 16, 2012|work=Metro|date=March 30, 2012|archive-date=April 29, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120429064002/http://www.metro.co.uk/music/863641-prince-to-join-morrissey-and-brandon-flowers-at-hop-farm-festival-2011|url-status=live}}</ref> Despite having previously rejected the Internet for music distribution, on November 24, 2011, he released a reworked version of the previously unreleased song "Extraloveable" through both [[iTunes]] and [[Spotify]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.drfunkenberry.com/2011/11/23/prince-releases-new-song-extraloveable-listen-now/ |title=Prince released new song 'extraloveable' |publisher=Drfunkenberry.com |date=November 23, 2011 |access-date=December 6, 2011 |archive-date=November 26, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111126185304/http://www.drfunkenberry.com/2011/11/23/prince-releases-new-song-extraloveable-listen-now/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Purple Music, a Switzerland-based record label, released a CD single titled "Dance 4 Me" on December 12, 2011, as part of a club remixes package including the Bria Valente CD single "2 Nite" released on February 23, 2012. The CD features club remixes by Jamie Lewis and David Alexander, produced by Prince.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.purplemusic.ch/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage-singlemp3.tpl&product_id=2700 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120623131957/http://www.purplemusic.ch/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage-singlemp3.tpl&product_id=2700 |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 23, 2012 |title=Bria Valente |publisher=Purplemusic.ch |date=February 23, 2012 |access-date=June 10, 2012}}</ref>

In January 2013, Prince released a [[Music video|lyric video]] for a new song called "Screwdriver".<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/videos/prince-posts-clip-for-new-song-screwdriver-20130123 |title=Prince Posts Clip for New Song 'Screwdriver' |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=January 24, 2013 |date=January 23, 2013 |archive-date=January 23, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130123214815/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/videos/prince-posts-clip-for-new-song-screwdriver-20130123 |url-status=live}}</ref> In April 2013, Prince announced a West Coast tour titled [[Live Out Loud Tour]] with [[3rdeyegirl]] as his backing band.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.drfunkenberry.com/?s=3rdeyegirl+tour+dates |title=3rdeyegirl tour dates |publisher=Drfunkenberry.com |access-date=August 31, 2013 |archive-date=September 21, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921054747/http://www.drfunkenberry.com/?s=3rdeyegirl+tour+dates |url-status=live}}</ref> The final two dates of the first leg of the tour were in Minneapolis-St. Paul, where former Revolution drummer Bobby Z. sat in as guest drummer on both shows.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.drfunkenberry.com/2013/05/24/bobby-z-will-play-purple-rain-with-prince-at-the-myth/ |title=Bobby Z. Will Play "Purple Rain" With Prince at the Myth! |publisher=Drfunkenberry.com |date=May 24, 2013 |access-date=August 31, 2013 |archive-date=September 12, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130912131612/http://www.drfunkenberry.com/2013/05/24/bobby-z-will-play-purple-rain-with-prince-at-the-myth/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In May, Prince announced a deal with Kobalt Music to market and distribute his music.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.drfunkenberry.com/2013/05/20/prince-kobalt-make-marketing-distribution-deal-official/ |title=Prince & Kobalt Make Marketing & Distribution Deal Official |publisher=Drfunkenberry.com |date=May 20, 2013 |access-date=August 31, 2013 |archive-date=September 21, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921054744/http://www.drfunkenberry.com/2013/05/20/prince-kobalt-make-marketing-distribution-deal-official/ |url-status=live}}</ref> On August 14, 2013, Prince released a new solo single for download through the 3rdeyegirl.com website.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://3rdeyegirl.com/#music|title=3RDEYEGIRL – PLECTRUMELECTRUM|work=New Album – PLECTRUMELECTRUM|access-date=September 30, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131229090034/http://www.3rdeyegirl.com/#music|archive-date=December 29, 2013}}</ref> The single "Breakfast Can Wait" had cover art featuring comedian [[Dave Chappelle]]'s impersonation of him, from a 2004 second-season ''[[Chappelle's Show]]'' comedy sketch on [[Comedy Central]].<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://music-mix.ew.com/2013/08/19/prince-dave-chappelle/ |last1=Rahman |first1=Ray |title=Dave Chappelle and Prince, together at last! (Sort of) |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=August 19, 2013 |access-date=August 21, 2013 |archive-date=August 21, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130821013314/http://music-mix.ew.com/2013/08/19/prince-dave-chappelle/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

In February 2014, he performed concerts with 3rdeyegirl in London titled the [[Hit and Run Tour (2014)|Hit and Run Tour]]. Beginning with intimate shows, the first was held at the London home of singer [[Lianne La Havas]], followed by two performances of what Prince described as a "sound check" at the [[Electric Ballroom]] in [[London Borough of Camden|Camden]],<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-26045864 |publisher=BBC News |title=Prince to charge $10 for live shows |date=February 5, 2014 |access-date=February 5, 2014 |archive-date=February 5, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140205110806/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-26045864 |url-status=live}}</ref> and another at [[Shepherd's Bush Empire]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Bychawski|first1=Adam|title=Prince's Band Release Live Footage of Shepherds Bush Empire Gig|url=https://www.nme.com/news/prince/75479|access-date=April 22, 2016|work=NME|date=February 13, 2014|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304120028/http://www.nme.com/news/prince/75479|url-status=live}}</ref> On April 18, 2014, Prince released a new single entitled "The Breakdown". He re-signed with his former label, Warner Bros. Records after an 18-year split.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-27081344|title=Prince re-signs with 'slave' label Warner Bros Records|publisher=BBC News|date=April 18, 2014|access-date=December 27, 2024}}</ref> Warner announced that Prince would release a remastered deluxe edition of ''Purple Rain'' in 2014 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the album. In return, Warner gave Prince ownership of the master recordings of his recordings with the company.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.superdeluxeedition.com/news/purple-rain-deluxe-due-as-prince-and-warners-sign-new-agreement/ |title=Purple Rain Deluxe Edition |publisher=Super Deluxe Edition |date=April 18, 2014 |access-date=August 10, 2015 |archive-date=September 13, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150913122913/http://www.superdeluxeedition.com/news/purple-rain-deluxe-due-as-prince-and-warners-sign-new-agreement/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.npr.org/blogs/therecord/2014/04/18/304572413/prince-fans-prepare-for-the-deluge |publisher=NPR |title=Prince Fans Prepare for the Deluge|first=Michaelangelo |last=Matos|date=April 19, 2014 |access-date=April 24, 2014 |archive-date=April 23, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140423235209/http://www.npr.org/blogs/therecord/2014/04/18/304572413/prince-fans-prepare-for-the-deluge |url-status=live}}</ref>

In February 2014, Prince began what was billed as his "Hit N Run Part One" tour. This involved Prince's Twitter followers keeping an avid eye on second-by-second information as to the whereabouts of his shows. Many of these shows would only be announced on the day of the concert, and many of these concerts involved two performances: a [[wikt:matinée|matinée]] and an evening show. These shows began at [[Camden Town|Camden]]'s Electric Ballroom, billed as "Soundchecks", and spread throughout the UK capital to KoKo Club, in Camden, Shepherd's Bush Empire and various other small venues. After his London dates, he moved on to other European cities. In May 2014, Prince began his "Hit N Run Part Two" shows, which followed a more normal style of purchasing tickets online and being held in music arenas. In Spring 2014, he launched NPG Publishing, a music company to administer his own music and that of other artists without the restrictions of mainstream record companies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bigstory.ap.org/article/948911d73f9941fd938df975a3dc5f6f/day-prince-paisley-park|title=A day with Prince at Paisley Park|website=Bigstory.ap.org|first=Nekesa Mumbi|last=Moody|date=April 21, 2016|access-date=September 11, 2017|archive-date=February 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170203014727/http://bigstory.ap.org/article/948911d73f9941fd938df975a3dc5f6f/day-prince-paisley-park|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In May 2015, following the [[killing of Freddie Gray]] in police custody and the subsequent [[2015 Baltimore riots|riots]], Prince released a song, "Baltimore", in tribute to Gray and in support of the protesters in that city.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/may/01/prince-records-tribute-baltimore-freddie-gray |title=Prince records tribute to Baltimore and Freddie Gray |newspaper=The Guardian |date=May 1, 2015 |access-date=May 5, 2016 |archive-date=April 28, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160428135808/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/may/01/prince-records-tribute-baltimore-freddie-gray |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/features/baltimore-insider-blog/bal-prince-song-freddie-gray20150502-story.html |title=Prince to release song dedicated to Baltimore |date=May 2, 2015 |work=[[The Baltimore Sun]] |access-date=May 5, 2016 |archive-date=May 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160504162000/http://www.baltimoresun.com/features/baltimore-insider-blog/bal-prince-song-freddie-gray20150502-story.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2015/04/30/us/baltimore-prince-song-freddie-gray/ |title=CNN Exclusive: Prince records ode to Baltimore after Freddie Gray protests |first1=Steve |last1=Forrest |first2=Ben |last2=Brumfield |publisher=CNN |date=May 1, 2015 |access-date=May 9, 2016 |archive-date=May 9, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160509170844/http://edition.cnn.com/2015/04/30/us/baltimore-prince-song-freddie-gray/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/baltimore-riots-prince-records-tribute-song-after-freddie-gray-dies-in-police-custody-10219437.html |access-date=May 9, 2016 |title=Baltimore riots: Prince records tribute song after Freddie Gray dies in police custody |first=Jess |last=Denham |work=The Independent |date=May 1, 2015 |location=London |archive-date=May 9, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160509122218/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/baltimore-riots-prince-records-tribute-song-after-freddie-gray-dies-in-police-custody-10219437.html |url-status=live}}</ref> He also held a tribute concert for Gray at his Paisley Park estate called "Dance Rally 4 Peace" in which he encouraged fans to wear the color gray in honor of Freddie Gray.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://consequence.net/2015/05/prince-holds-dance-party-in-tribute-to-freddie-gray/ |title=Prince holds dance party in tribute to Freddie Gray |first=Alex |last=Young |magazine=Consequence of Sound |date=May 4, 2015 |access-date=January 17, 2023 |archive-date=January 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117053034/https://consequence.net/2015/05/prince-holds-dance-party-in-tribute-to-freddie-gray/ |url-status=live}}</ref> On May 10, he performed a special concert at the [[Royal Farms Arena]] in [[Baltimore]] called "Rally 4 Peace", which featured a special appearance by [[State's attorney|Baltimore State's Attorney]] [[Marilyn Mosby]], and one set performed by Prince alone at a keyboard.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/12/arts/music/review-prince-royal-farms-arena-baltimore.html|title=Review: Prince, in Baltimore, Nods to Unrest in Song and Asides|last=Ratliff|first=Ben|date=May 11, 2015|work=The New York Times|access-date=December 26, 2018|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=December 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181227040841/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/12/arts/music/review-prince-royal-farms-arena-baltimore.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Prince's [[penultimate]] album, ''[[Hit n Run Phase One]]'', was first made available on September 7, 2015, on the music streaming service [[Tidal (service)|Tidal]] before being released on CD and for download on September 14.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.musictimes.com/articles/48123/20150915/princes-album-hitnrun-longer-tidal-exclusive-technically.htm|title=Prince's Album 'HITNRUN' no Longer a Tidal Exclusive, Technically|work=Music Times|first=William |last=Hoffman|date=September 15, 2015|access-date=April 21, 2016|archive-date=March 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305080434/http://www.musictimes.com/articles/48123/20150915/princes-album-hitnrun-longer-tidal-exclusive-technically.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> His final album, ''[[Hit n Run Phase Two]]'', was meant as a continuation of this, and was released on Tidal for streaming and download on December 12, 2015.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/2015/12/12/hitnrun-phase-two-prince-tidal|title=Prince releases ''HITNRUN Phase Two'' on Tidal|first=Jessica|last=Derschowitz|date=December 12, 2015|access-date=May 12, 2016|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|archive-date=March 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310011244/http://www.ew.com/article/2015/12/12/hitnrun-phase-two-prince-tidal|url-status=live}}</ref> In February 2016, Prince embarked on the [[Piano & A Microphone Tour]], a tour that saw his show stripped back to only him and a custom piano on stage. He performed a series of warm-up shows at Paisley Park in late January 2016 and the tour commenced in [[Melbourne]], Australia, on February 16, 2016, to critical acclaim.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/prince-melbourne-review-five-stars-for-the-most-intimate-australian-show-of-his-career-20160216-gmvvci.html|title=Prince Melbourne review. Five stars for the most intimate Australian show of his career|first=Martin |last=Boulton|newspaper=Sydney Morning Herald|date=February 17, 2016|access-date=February 17, 2016|archive-date=February 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160217213510/http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/prince-melbourne-review-five-stars-for-the-most-intimate-australian-show-of-his-career-20160216-gmvvci.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Australian and New Zealand legs of the tour were played in small-capacity venues, including the [[Sydney Opera House]]. ''Hit n Run Phase Two'' CDs were distributed to every attendee after each performance. The tour continued to the United States but was abruptly cut short by illness in April 2016.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last1=Lang |first1=Brent |last2=Van Syckle |first2=Katie |date=April 21, 2016 |title=Inside Prince's Emotional Final Concerts Before His Death |url=https://variety.com/2016/music/news/prince-final-days-concerts-death-1201758537/ |access-date=April 20, 2026 |magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Death == [[File:Leaving flowers for Prince at First Avenue in Minneapolis (25961157864).jpg|alt=|thumb|284x284px|Following his death, fans left flowers, purple balloons and other mementos beneath Prince's star painted on the front of the First Avenue nightclub.]]

Prince saw Dr. Michael T. Schulenberg,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/michael-schulenberg-doctor-who-prescribed-opioids-to-prince-before-death-punished-by-state-board/ |title=Michael Schulenberg, Doctor Who Prescribed Opioids To Prince Before Death, Punished By State Board |publisher=CBS News |date=February 3, 2020 |access-date=November 7, 2025}}</ref> a [[Minneapolis–Saint Paul|local]] specialist in [[family medicine]], in [[Excelsior, Minnesota|Excelsior]], Minnesota, on April 7, 2016, and again on April 20.<ref name="Lambert">{{cite news|title=Minneapolis doctor who was treating Prince is identified|last=Lambert |first=Brian|url=https://www.minnpost.com/glean/2016/05/minneapolis-doctor-who-was-treating-prince-identified|date=May 11, 2016|access-date=May 11, 2016|publisher=[[MinnPost]]|archive-date=May 12, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160512111015/https://www.minnpost.com/glean/2016/05/minneapolis-doctor-who-was-treating-prince-identified|url-status=live}}</ref> On April 7, he postponed two performances at the [[Fox Theatre (Atlanta)|Fox Theatre]] in [[Atlanta]] from his [[Piano & a Microphone Tour]]; the venue released a statement saying he had [[influenza]].<ref name="Radford">{{cite news|first=Chad|last=Radford|date=April 7, 2016|title=Prince has postponed both of tonight's shows|newspaper=Creative Loafing|url=https://creativeloafing.com/content-149589-prince-has-postponed-both-of-tonight-s|access-date=April 21, 2016|archive-date=April 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160428090726/http://clatl.com/cribnotes/archives/2016/04/07/prince-has-postponed-both-of-tonights-shows|url-status=live}}</ref> He rescheduled and performed what was to be his final show on April 14, despite still not feeling well.<ref name="horgen">{{cite news|first=Tom|last=Horgen|date=April 16, 2016|title='All's good' with Prince, back in Chanhassen after emergency landing|newspaper=Star Tribune|url=http://www.startribune.com/tmz-says-prince-hospitalized-in-illinois/375900161/|access-date=April 21, 2016|archive-date=April 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160420073324/http://www.startribune.com/tmz-says-prince-hospitalized-in-illinois/375900161/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="blog.thecurrent.org">{{cite news|date=April 17, 2016|title=Music News: Prince appears at Paisley Park to assure fans he's okay after health scare|url=http://blog.thecurrent.org/2016/04/music-news-prince-appears-at-paisley-park-to-assure-fans-hes-okay-after-health-scare/|access-date=April 21, 2016|archive-date=June 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160601193359/http://blog.thecurrent.org/2016/04/music-news-prince-appears-at-paisley-park-to-assure-fans-hes-okay-after-health-scare/|url-status=live}}</ref> While flying back to the Twin Cities early the next morning, he became unresponsive, and his private jet made an emergency landing at [[Quad Cities International Airport]] in [[Moline, Illinois]], where he was hospitalized and received [[naloxone]], a medication used to block the effects of opioids, especially following an overdose. Once he became conscious, he left against medical advice.<ref name="Chanen" >{{cite news|author=Chanen, David|date=May 4, 2016|title=Prince died amid frantic plans for drug addiction treatment|newspaper=Star Tribune|url=http://www.startribune.com/addiction-doctor-was-to-have-seen-prince-just-before-his-death/378051471/|access-date=May 4, 2016|archive-date=May 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160504122623/http://www.startribune.com/addiction-doctor-was-to-have-seen-prince-just-before-his-death/378051471/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="nytimes04-23-2016" >{{cite news|first1=John|last1=Eligon|first2=Serge F.|last2=Kovaleski|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/23/arts/music/prince-death-final-days.html|title=Clues to the Mystery of Prince's Final Days|date=April 22, 2016|work=The New York Times|access-date=April 26, 2016|archive-date=April 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426220233/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/23/arts/music/prince-death-final-days.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Representatives said he was dehydrated and had had influenza for several weeks.<ref name="horgen" /> Prince was seen cycling the next day in [[Chanhassen, Minnesota|Chanhassen]].<ref name="WWLP">{{cite news|date=April 23, 2016|title=In Prince's final days, video shows him on bike|publisher=WWLP|url=http://wwlp.com/2016/04/23/in-princes-final-days-video-shows-him-on-bike/|access-date=April 26, 2016|archive-date=April 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426122655/http://wwlp.com/2016/04/23/in-princes-final-days-video-shows-him-on-bike/|url-status=live}}</ref> He shopped that evening at the [[Electric Fetus]] in Minneapolis for [[Record Store Day]] and made a brief appearance at an impromptu dance party at his Paisley Park recording studio complex, stating that he was feeling fine.<ref name="blog.thecurrent.org"/><ref name="Bream">{{cite news|first=Jon|last=Bream|date=April 17, 2016|title=April 17, 2016: Prince offers a little speech and even less piano at Paisley to prove he's fine|newspaper=Star Tribune|url=http://www.startribune.com/prince-offers-a-little-speech-and-even-less-piano-at-paisley-to-prove-he-s-fine/375981801/|access-date=April 21, 2016|archive-date=April 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160420052400/http://www.startribune.com/prince-offers-a-little-speech-and-even-less-piano-at-paisley-to-prove-he-s-fine/375981801/|url-status=dead}}</ref> On April 19, he attended a performance by singer [[Lizz Wright]] at the [[Dakota Jazz Club]].<ref name="WCCO">{{cite news|url=http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2016/04/21/princes-final-moments-in-minneapolis/|title=Prince's Final Moments in Minneapolis|last=Murphy|first=Esme|publisher=[[WCCO-TV|WCCO]]|date=April 21, 2016|access-date=April 21, 2016|archive-date=April 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160422033443/http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2016/04/21/princes-final-moments-in-minneapolis/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On April 20, 2016, Prince's representatives called Howard Kornfeld, a California specialist in addiction medicine and pain management, seeking medical help for the star. Kornfeld scheduled to meet with him on April 22, and he contacted a local physician who cleared his schedule for an exam on April 21.<ref name="Chanen" /><ref name="NYTcatchup">{{cite news|title=Friends Sought Help for Prince's Addiction, Lawyer Says|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/05/arts/music/friends-sought-help-for-princes-addiction-lawyer-says.html|date=May 4, 2016|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=May 4, 2016|author1=Eligon, John|author2=Kovaleski, Serge F.|name-list-style=amp|archive-date=May 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505022941/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/05/arts/music/friends-sought-help-for-princes-addiction-lawyer-says.html|url-status=live}} and {{cite news|title=Prince's Addiction and an Intervention Too Late|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/05/arts/music/friends-sought-help-for-princes-addiction-lawyer-says.html|author1=Eligon, John|author2=Kovaleski, Serge F.|author3=Coscarelli, Joe|date=May 4, 2016|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=May 5, 2016|archive-date=May 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505022941/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/05/arts/music/friends-sought-help-for-princes-addiction-lawyer-says.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On April 21, at 9:43 am, the [[Carver County, Minnesota|Carver County]] Sheriff's Office received a 911 call requesting an ambulance be sent to Prince's home at Paisley Park. The caller initially told the dispatcher that an unidentified person at the home was unconscious, then moments later said he was dead, and finally identified the person as Prince.<ref name="Variety">{{cite news|author=|work=Variety|date=April 21, 2016|title=Prince Reportedly Treated for Drug Overdose Before Death; 911 Details Released|url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/music/news/prince-reportedly-treated-for-drug-overdose-before-death-911-details-released/ar-BBs66Pk?ocid=ansmsnent11|access-date=May 9, 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507073322/http://www.msn.com/en-us/music/news/prince-reportedly-treated-for-drug-overdose-before-death-911-details-released/ar-BBs66Pk?ocid=ansmsnent11|archive-date=May 7, 2016}}</ref> The caller was Kornfeld's son, who had flown in with [[buprenorphine]] that morning to devise a treatment plan for [[Opioid use disorder|opioid addiction]].<ref name="Chanen" /> Emergency responders found Prince unresponsive in an elevator and performed [[Cardiopulmonary resuscitation|CPR]], but a paramedic said he had already been dead for at least six hours,<ref name="DChanen">{{cite news|url=http://www.startribune.com/prince-died-from-opioid-overdose/381663221/|title=Prince died from accidental overdose of fentanyl, medical examiner says|author=Chanen, David|date=June 3, 2016|newspaper=[[Star Tribune]]|access-date=June 2, 2016|archive-date=June 2, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160602215654/http://www.startribune.com/prince-died-from-opioid-overdose/381663221/|url-status=live}}</ref> and they were unable to revive him. They pronounced him dead at 10:07 am, 19 minutes after their arrival.<ref name="Chanen" /> There were no signs of suicide or foul play.<ref name="Chanen" /> A press release from the Midwest Medical Examiner's Office in [[Anoka County, Minnesota|Anoka County]] on June 2 stated that Prince had died of an accidental overdose of [[fentanyl]],<ref name="Strobl">{{cite press release|url=https://www.anokacounty.us/DocumentCenter/View/10066|title=Press Release June 2, 2016|publisher=Midwest Medical Examiner's Office|access-date=June 2, 2016|author=Strobl, A. Quinn (M.D.)|archive-date=June 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160603041019/https://www.anokacounty.us/DocumentCenter/View/10066|url-status=live}}</ref> at the age of 57.<ref name="Coscarelli2016">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/22/arts/music/prince-dead.html|title=Prince Is Dead at 57|last=Coscarelli|first=Joe|work=The New York Times|date=April 21, 2016|access-date=April 21, 2016|archive-date=April 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160422064944/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/22/arts/music/prince-dead.html?_r=0|url-status=live}}</ref>

The fentanyl that led to his overdose was laced in counterfeit [[hydrocodone/paracetamol]] pills.<ref name="Forliti">{{Cite news |date=April 21, 2021 |title=Investigation says Prince was isolated, addicted and in pain |url=https://apnews.com/94806d16569541d98032ce2b2f82aa6a/Investigation-says-Prince-was-isolated,-addicted-and-in-pain |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230114045359/https://apnews.com/94806d16569541d98032ce2b2f82aa6a/Investigation-says-Prince-was-isolated,-addicted-and-in-pain |archive-date=January 14, 2023 |access-date=November 9, 2025 |publisher=Associated Press |language=en |url-status=live }}</ref> How and where Prince obtained the drug was the subject of investigations by several law enforcement agencies.<ref name="nytimes04-23-2016" /><ref name="NYTcatchup"/><ref name="DChanen" /> A [[Record sealing|sealed]] search warrant was issued for his estate,<ref name="Sealed Search Warrant for Paisley Park">{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/prince-prescription-drugs-found-possession-home-law-enforcement/story?id=38719162|title=Search Warrant Issued for Prince's Paisley Park Estate|publisher=ABC News|date=April 28, 2016|access-date=April 30, 2016|author=Date, Jack|archive-date=April 29, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160429130451/http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/prince-prescription-drugs-found-possession-home-law-enforcement/story?id=38719162|url-status=live}}</ref> and another unsealed search warrant was issued for the local [[Walgreens]] pharmacy.<ref name="Walgreens search warrant">{{cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/prince-hit-rehab-percocet-addiction-heavy-duty-rx-diet-article-1.2619277|title=Authorities raid Minnesota Walgreens where Prince reportedly picked up prescriptions for heavy-duty medications|work=[[New York Daily News|Daily News]]|location=New York|date=April 29, 2016|access-date=April 30, 2016|last=Dillon|first=Nancy|archive-date=April 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160430111753/http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/prince-hit-rehab-percocet-addiction-heavy-duty-rx-diet-article-1.2619277|url-status=live}}</ref> On April 19, 2018, the Carver County Attorney announced that the multi-agency investigation had ended with no criminal charges filed.<ref>{{cite press release|author=Carver County Attorney's Office|title=Carver County Attorney Mark Metz announces no criminal charges following the Prince Rogers Nelson death investigation|url=https://www.co.carver.mn.us/home/showdocument?id=13174|date=April 19, 2018|access-date=April 21, 2018|archive-date=April 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180421232746/https://www.co.carver.mn.us/home/showdocument?id=13174|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Stephen|last=Montemayor|title=Carver County closes Prince death investigation with no criminal charges|url=http://www.startribune.com/no-charges-in-prince-death-investigation/480252103/|work=Star Tribune|date=April 20, 2018|access-date=April 21, 2018|archive-date=April 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180421161227/http://www.startribune.com/no-charges-in-prince-death-investigation/480252103/|url-status=live}}</ref> The investigation also revealed that Prince was addicted to opioids.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/17/arts/music/prince-opioid-death.html|title=How Prince Concealed His Addiction: Aspirin Bottles of Opiates|website=The New York Times|date=April 17, 2017|access-date=March 20, 2024|archive-date=March 20, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240320122814/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/17/arts/music/prince-opioid-death.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Forliti" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/01ab0aaba1ab4e719af50e79319afdfb|title=Files show rising alarm in Prince's circle as health failed|date=April 20, 2018|publisher=Associated Press|access-date=March 20, 2024|archive-date=March 20, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240320122814/https://apnews.com/article/01ab0aaba1ab4e719af50e79319afdfb|url-status=live}}</ref>

Following an autopsy,<ref>{{Cite web|date=May 12, 2016|title=Prince's autopsy: What it could (and might not) reveal|url=https://www.twincities.com/2016/05/12/prince-autopsy-toxicology-tests-may-resolve-uncertainties/|access-date=October 15, 2020|website=Twin Cities|language=en-US|archive-date=December 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204021451/https://www.twincities.com/2016/05/12/prince-autopsy-toxicology-tests-may-resolve-uncertainties/|url-status=live}}</ref> Prince's remains were cremated.<ref name="CNN0424">{{cite news|last1=Grinberg|first1=Emanuella|title=Prince death: What we know|url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/04/23/entertainment/prince-dead-latest/|access-date=April 24, 2016|agency=CNN, Inc|date=April 24, 2016|archive-date=April 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160424114432/http://www.cnn.com/2016/04/23/entertainment/prince-dead-latest/|url-status=live}}</ref> On April 26, 2016, Prince's sister Tyka Nelson filed court documents in Carver County, to open a [[probate]] case, stating that no will had been found. As of his death, the twice-divorced Prince was neither married nor known to have fathered any surviving children. Under Minnesota law, the [[Intestacy|absence of a will]] meant that, in addition to his full sister, Prince's five half-siblings also had a claim to an estate totaling millions of dollars in cash as well as real estate, stocks, and cars.<ref name="Probate Case Opened">{{cite web|url=https://money.cnn.com/2016/04/26/news/companies/prince-no-will/index.html|title=Prince had no will, says his sister|publisher=CNN|date=April 26, 2016|access-date=April 27, 2016|author=France, Lisa Respers|archive-date=April 29, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160429151934/http://money.cnn.com/2016/04/26/news/companies/prince-no-will/index.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>[http://www.mncourts.gov/mncourtsgov/media/CIOMediaLibrary/Documents/Inventory.pdf State of Minnesota] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170613035848/http://www.mncourts.gov/mncourtsgov/media/CIOMediaLibrary/Documents/Inventory.pdf |date=June 13, 2017}} State of Prince</ref> Within three weeks of his death, 700 people claimed to be half-siblings or descendants.<ref name="Merriman">{{cite news|title=700 people claim to be Prince's half-siblings as judge orders DNA tests to find legitimate heirs|author=Merriman, Rebecca|date=May 7, 2016|access-date=May 10, 2016|newspaper=Mirror|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/700-people-claim-princes-half-7921365|archive-date=May 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160511013902/http://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/700-people-claim-princes-half-7921365|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Otto Bremer Trust]] was given temporary control of his estate, had his vault drilled open,<ref name="Vault">{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/princes-vault-reportedly-drilled-open/story?id=38766251|title=Prince's Vault Reportedly Drilled Open|publisher=ABC News|date=April 29, 2016|access-date=April 30, 2016|archive-date=April 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160430105353/http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/princes-vault-reportedly-drilled-open/story?id=38766251|url-status=live}}</ref> and was authorized to obtain a blood sample for [[DNA profiling]] from the coroner who had performed the autopsy.<ref name="Puente">{{cite news|title=Genetic testing ordered on Prince's blood to handle 'parentage' claims|author=Puente, Maria|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2016/05/06/genetic-testing-ordered-princes-blood-parentage-claims/84036052/|date=May 6, 2016|newspaper=USA Today|access-date=May 6, 2016|archive-date=May 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160506221456/http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2016/05/06/genetic-testing-ordered-princes-blood-parentage-claims/84036052/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Prince's ashes were placed into a custom [[3D printing|3D-printed]] urn shaped like the Paisley Park estate.<ref name="P4kurn">{{cite web|last1=Lozano|first1=Kevin|title=Prince's Remains on Display at Paisley Park in an Urn Shaped Like Paisley Park {{!}} Pitchfork|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/68854-princes-remains-on-display-at-paisley-park-in-an-urn-shaped-like-paisley-park/|website=pitchfork.com|date=October 7, 2016|access-date=October 24, 2016|archive-date=October 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024152956/http://pitchfork.com/news/68854-princes-remains-on-display-at-paisley-park-in-an-urn-shaped-like-paisley-park/|url-status=live}}</ref> The urn, which was co-designed by his sister Tyka and her son President, was placed on display in the atrium of Paisley Park in October 2016.<ref name="slateurn">{{cite web|last1=Martinelli|first1=Marissa|title=Prince's Ashes Are Now on Display at Paisley Park in an Appropriately Regal Urn|url=http://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2016/10/11/prince_s_ashes_are_on_display_at_paisley_park_in_a_custom_urn_video.html|work=Slate|access-date=October 24, 2016|date=October 11, 2016|archive-date=October 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024153919/http://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2016/10/11/prince_s_ashes_are_on_display_at_paisley_park_in_a_custom_urn_video.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://people.com/music/prince-urn-first-photos/|title=First Photos of Prince's Final Resting Place: Singer's Urn Modeled After Paisley Park|first=Jordan|last=Runtagh|work=People|date=October 15, 2016|access-date=November 5, 2024}}</ref> {{as of|2019|April|}}, no additional estate claimants were recognized by the courts besides Prince's full sister and five half-siblings.<ref name="Prince's Estate Remains Unsettled">{{cite web|last1=Puente|first1=Maria|title=Prince died three years ago, his estate is still unsettled: Here's why|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/2019/04/18/prince-died-3-years-ago-his-estate-still-unsettled-heres-why/3344038002/|date=April 18, 2019|newspaper=USA Today|access-date=May 26, 2020|archive-date=June 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200609095157/https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/2019/04/18/prince-died-3-years-ago-his-estate-still-unsettled-heres-why/3344038002/|url-status=live}}</ref> Filings in the Minnesota First Judicial District ordered that the cash in Prince's estate be split evenly between Prince Legacy LLC and Prince OAT Holdings LLC.<ref>{{cite web|last=Garvey|first=Marianne|title=Prince's estate is finally settled after a 6-year battle|url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/08/03/entertainment/prince-estate-settled/index.html|date=August 3, 2022|publisher=CNN|access-date=September 9, 2022|archive-date=September 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220910025958/https://www.cnn.com/2022/08/03/entertainment/prince-estate-settled/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Remembrances and reactions === [[File:Purple Lowry Bridge, Minneapolis, Minnesota (27732598893).jpg|thumb|[[Lowry Bridge]] in Minneapolis illuminated in purple, in remembrance of Prince|alt=|250x250px]]

Numerous musicians and cultural figures reacted to Prince's death.<ref name="etonline2">{{cite web|url=http://www.etonline.com/music/187207_celebs_react_to_prince_death/|title=Celebs React to Prince's Death: Read Touching Tributes From Carmen Electra, Katy Perry, Madonna and More|last=Bueno|first=Antoinette|date=April 21, 2016|access-date=April 22, 2016|work=[[Entertainment Tonight]]|archive-date=April 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160422033052/http://www.etonline.com/music/187207_celebs_react_to_prince_death/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="fact2">{{cite web|url=http://www.factmag.com/2016/04/21/prince-tributes/|title=Prince dead at 57, artists pay tribute|website=[[Fact (UK magazine)|Fact]]|access-date=April 22, 2016|date=April 21, 2016|archive-date=April 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160423195208/http://www.factmag.com/2016/04/21/prince-tributes/|url-status=live}}</ref> President [[Barack Obama|Obama]] mourned him,<ref name="Jaffe">{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2016/04/22/how-did-president-obama-mourn-princes-death/|title=How did President Obama mourn Prince's death?|author=Jaffe, Greg|date=April 22, 2016|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|access-date=May 5, 2016|archive-date=June 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160609172558/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2016/04/22/how-did-president-obama-mourn-princes-death/|url-status=live}}</ref> and the [[United States Senate]] passed a resolution praising his achievements "as a musician, composer, innovator, and cultural icon".<ref name="US Senate Homage">{{cite news|url=https://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/277950-senate-passes-resolution-honoring-prince/|title=Senate passes resolution honoring Prince|newspaper=The Hill|date=April 28, 2016|access-date=April 30, 2016|author=Carney, Jordain|archive-date=April 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160430105514/http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/277950-senate-passes-resolution-honoring-prince|url-status=live}}</ref> Cities across the U.S. held tributes and [[vigil]]s, and lit buildings, bridges, and other structures in purple.<ref name="AP0422">{{cite news|title=Parties, vigils, other tributes to Prince in many cities|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/thousands-gather-to-celebrate-prince-at-first-avenue/|access-date=April 22, 2016|agency=Associated Press|publisher=CBS News|date=April 22, 2016|archive-date=April 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160423131123/http://www.cbsnews.com/news/thousands-gather-to-celebrate-prince-at-first-avenue/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="KTLA">{{cite news|url=http://ktla.com/2016/04/21/bathed-in-purple-how-cities-across-the-u-s-are-honoring-prince/|title=Purple Rain: Cities Across the Country Light Up in Memory of Prince|date=April 21, 2016|publisher=[[KTLA]]|access-date=April 22, 2016|archive-date=April 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160422094714/http://ktla.com/2016/04/21/bathed-in-purple-how-cities-across-the-u-s-are-honoring-prince/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="WBZ">{{cite news|url=http://boston.cbslocal.com/2016/04/21/boston-honors-prince-zakim-bridge-south-station-purple/|title=Boston Honors Prince By Lighting Zakim Bridge, South Station Purple|date=April 21, 2016|publisher=[[WBZ-TV]]|access-date=April 22, 2016|archive-date=April 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160422064448/http://boston.cbslocal.com/2016/04/21/boston-honors-prince-zakim-bridge-south-station-purple/|url-status=live}}</ref> In the first five hours after the media reported his death, "Prince" was the top trending term on Twitter, and Facebook had 61 million Prince-related interactions.<ref name="Reuters0421">{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-people-prince-socialmedia-idUSKCN0XI2L0|title=Social media explodes as Prince tributes mark death of music icon|date=April 21, 2016|publisher=[[Reuters]]|last1=Tennery|first1=Amy|access-date=April 22, 2016|archive-date=April 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160422005405/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-people-prince-socialmedia-idUSKCN0XI2L0|url-status=live}}</ref> [[AMC Theatres]] and [[Carmike Cinemas]] screened ''Purple Rain'' in select theaters over the following week.<ref name="Solis">{{cite web|last1=Solis|first1=Steph|title=Where to watch 'Purple Rain' this weekend|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2016/04/23/where-watch-purple-rain-weekend/83426830/|website=USA Today|access-date=April 23, 2016|archive-date=April 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160424021803/http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2016/04/23/where-watch-purple-rain-weekend/83426830/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Saturday Night Live'' aired an episode in his honor, titled "Goodnight, Sweet Prince", featuring his performances from the show.<ref name="Russell">{{cite web|last1=Russell|first1=Erica|title=Goodnight, Sweet Prince: 'SNL' to Honor Music Icon With Special Tribute|url=http://popcrush.com/snl-prince-tribute-episode/|website=PopCrush|date=April 23, 2016|access-date=April 23, 2016|archive-date=April 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160424122546/http://popcrush.com/snl-prince-tribute-episode/|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Nielsen Holdings|Nielsen Music]] reported that sales of his material spiked 42,000 percent.<ref name="Brown">{{cite news|url=https://latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-prince-album-sales-skyrocket-after-death-20160425-story.html|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|access-date=April 26, 2016|title=Prince album sales skyrocket after death|author=Brown, August|date=April 25, 2016|archive-date=April 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426180517/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-prince-album-sales-skyrocket-after-death-20160425-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> 4.41 million albums and songs were sold from April 21 to 28, with five albums simultaneously in the top ten of the ''Billboard'' 200, a first in the chart's history.<ref name="Caulfield">{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/prince-sets-record-five-albums-top-10-billboard-200/|magazine=Billboard|title=Prince Sets Record With Five Albums in Top 10 of Billboard 200 Chart|author=Caulfield, Keith|date=May 3, 2016|access-date=May 5, 2016|archive-date=May 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505064944/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/7356812/prince-sets-record-five-albums-top-10-billboard-200|url-status=live}}</ref> At the [[59th Annual Grammy Awards|59th Grammy Awards]], [[Morris Day]] with [[The Time (band)|the Time]] and [[Bruno Mars]] performed a tribute.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Ahern|first1=Sarah|title=Bruno Mars Channels Prince in Rousing Grammys Tribute|url=https://variety.com/2017/music/news/bruno-mars-prince-grammys-2017-1201984330/|date=February 14, 2017|website=Variety|access-date=February 14, 2017|archive-date=February 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170213172017/http://variety.com/2017/music/news/bruno-mars-prince-grammys-2017-1201984330/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The May 2, 2016, cover of ''The New Yorker'' featured an illustration of purple rain, as a reference to his [[Purple Rain (album)|1984 album]].<ref>[''The New Yorker'', May 2, 2016]</ref> In June 2016 [[Vanity Fair (magazine)|''Vanity Fair'']]/[[Condé Nast]] released a special edition commemorative magazine, ''The Genius of Prince''. It celebrated the star's life and achievements, with new photography and archive articles, including the original ''Vanity Fair'' article from November 1984, written in the wake of the singer-songwriter's breakout success, with other content from the magazine, ''The New Yorker'', ''Wired'', and ''Pitchfork''. The cover of ''The Genius of Prince'' featured a portrait by [[Andy Warhol]], ''Orange Prince'' (1984).<ref name="VanityFair2016" /><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://hclib.tumblr.com/post/159792132529/prince-resources-at-the-minneapolis-central|title=Prince Resources at the Minneapolis Central... {{!}} Hennepin County Library|work=Hennepin County Library|access-date=March 1, 2018|archive-date=December 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181218202417/https://hclib.tumblr.com/post/159792132529/prince-resources-at-the-minneapolis-central|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://warholcoverart.com/2017/03/01/prince-jacko-and-the-fab-four-on-a-cover-but-not-of-a-record/|title=Andy Warhol's Prince painting on a cover|date=February 28, 2017|work=Andy Earhole|access-date=March 2, 2018|archive-date=March 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180302163938/https://warholcoverart.com/2017/03/01/prince-jacko-and-the-fab-four-on-a-cover-but-not-of-a-record/|url-status=live}}</ref> Casts of the musicals ''[[The Color Purple (musical)|The Color Purple]]'' and ''[[Hamilton (musical)|Hamilton]]'' paid tribute to the star during their [[curtain call]]s with "Purple Rain" and "Let's Go Crazy", respectively.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2016/legit/news/broadway-tribute-prince-1201758946/|title=Broadway Pays Tribute to Prince|first1=Gordon|last1=Cox|date=April 22, 2016|website=Variety|access-date=February 22, 2019|archive-date=October 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181007223558/https://variety.com/2016/legit/news/broadway-tribute-prince-1201758946/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On August 21, 2016, Prince was posthumously inducted into the [[National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame|Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame]].<ref name="SoulTracks-2016">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.soultracks.com/story-rhythm-blues-hall-2016|title=Prince, Smokey Robinson and more to be inducted into Rhythm & Blues Music Hall of Fame|date=June 6, 2016|magazine=[[SoulTracks]]|access-date=June 4, 2018|archive-date=December 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211210110716/https://www.soultracks.com/story-rhythm-blues-hall-2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Posthumous projects == === 2016–2019 === The first posthumous release from Prince's estate was the greatest hits album ''[[4Ever (album)|4Ever]]'' on November 22, 2016. It was a compilation of Prince's hits, such as [[Purple Rain (song)|Purple Rain]] and [[Raspberry Beret]]. The album included one previously unreleased song, named "Moonbeam Levels", originally recorded in the ''1999'' album sessions in 1982.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/billboard-200-chart-moves-prince-4ever/|title=Billboard 200 Chart Moves: Prince's '4Ever' Marks Late Icon's 40th Charting Album|magazine=Billboard|first=Keith |last=Caulfield|date=December 1, 2016|access-date=September 11, 2017|archive-date=December 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222090430/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/7597170/billboard-200-chart-moves-prince-4ever|url-status=live}}</ref>

On February 9, 2017, Prince's estate signed a distribution deal with [[Universal Music Group]], which included the post-1995 recordings on his NPG Records label and unreleased tracks from his vault.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/universal-to-release-princes-vault-music-post-1995-albums-w466178|title=Universal to Release Prince's Vault Music, Post-1995 Albums|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|first=Althea |last=Legaspi|date=February 10, 2017|access-date=September 11, 2017|archive-date=September 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170911071929/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/universal-to-release-princes-vault-music-post-1995-albums-w466178|url-status=live}}</ref> On June 27, [[Comerica]], acting on behalf of the estate, requested that Carver County District Judge Kevin Eide cancel the estate's deal with Universal, as UMG's contract would interfere with a contract with [[Warner Music Group]] that Prince signed in 2014. After Universal's attorneys were granted access to the Warner contract, the attorneys also offered to cancel the deal.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2017/06/27/universal-presses-bid-to-void-music-deal-with-prince-estate/103241266/|title=Universal presses bid to void music deal with Prince estate|website=USA Today|first=Steve |last=Karnowski|date=June 27, 2017|access-date=September 11, 2017|archive-date=September 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170911120352/https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2017/06/27/universal-presses-bid-to-void-music-deal-with-prince-estate/103241266/|url-status=live}}</ref> On July 13, the court voided Universal's deal with Prince's estate.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/7865944/court-voids-universal-31-million-deal-with-prince-estate|title=Court Voids Universal $31 Million Deal With Prince Estate|magazine=Billboard|first=Hannah|last=Karp|date=July 13, 2017|access-date=September 11, 2017|archive-date=September 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914175345/http://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/7865944/court-voids-universal-31-million-deal-with-prince-estate|url-status=live}}</ref>

On April 19, an EP featuring six unreleased Prince recordings, ''Deliverance'', was announced with an expected release date for later that week.<ref>{{cite web|last=Minsker|first=Evan|title=Unreleased Prince Songs Coming on New EP, "Deliverance" Shared: Listen {{!}} Pitchfork|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/71669-unreleased-prince-songs-coming-on-new-ep-deliverance-shared-listen|website=pitchfork.com|date=April 18, 2017|access-date=April 22, 2017|archive-date=April 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170423062243/http://pitchfork.com/news/71669-unreleased-prince-songs-coming-on-new-ep-deliverance-shared-listen/|url-status=live}}</ref> The next day, Prince's estate was granted a temporary restraining order against George Ian Boxill, an engineer who co-produced the tracks and was in possession of the master tapes, and halted the release of the EP.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Flanagan|first1=Andrew|title='Deliverance' Denied: Release Of Posthumous Prince Record Stopped By Judge|url=https://www.npr.org/sections/therecord/2017/04/20/524886598/deliverance-denied-release-of-posthumous-prince-record-stopped-by-judge|newspaper=NPR|date=April 20, 2017|access-date=April 22, 2017|archive-date=April 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170421224953/http://www.npr.org/sections/therecord/2017/04/20/524886598/deliverance-denied-release-of-posthumous-prince-record-stopped-by-judge|url-status=live}}</ref>

On June 23, a [[Purple Rain (album)#Deluxe and expanded editions|deluxe reissue of ''Purple Rain'']] was released.<ref name="billboard.com">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/prince-purple-rain-reissue-top-five-albums-chart-billboard-200/|title=Prince's 'Purple Rain' Hits Top 5 of Billboard 200 Albums Chart After Reissue|magazine=Billboard|first=Xander |last=Zellner|date=July 6, 2017|access-date=September 11, 2017|archive-date=September 10, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170910082041/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/7857763/prince-purple-rain-reissue-top-five-albums-chart-billboard-200|url-status=live}}</ref> The most expansive edition contained a 2015 remaster of the original album, a bonus disc of previously unreleased material called "''From the Vault & Previously Unreleased''", B-sides, and the first DVD issue of ''Prince and the Revolution: Live'', which was recorded in Syracuse on the ''[[Purple Rain Tour]]''.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/prince-purple-rain-expanded-edition-june-23-7776693/|title=Prince's 'Purple Rain' Expanded Edition Coming June 23 with Unreleased Tracks|magazine=Billboard|first=Gil|last=Kaufman|date=April 28, 2017|access-date=September 11, 2017|archive-date=July 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170704023321/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/7776693/prince-purple-rain-expanded-edition-june-23?|url-status=live}}</ref> The album debuted at No. 4 on the ''Billboard'' 200 and at No. 1 on both the ''Billboard'' R&B Albums and Vinyl Albums charts.<ref name="billboard.com"/>

In April 2018, the previously unreleased original recording of "Nothing Compares 2 U" from 1984 was released as a single.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/listen-to-princes-original-version-of-nothing-compares-2-u|title=Listen to Prince's Original Version of "Nothing Compares 2 U" {{!}} Pitchfork|work=Pitchfork|date=April 19, 2018|access-date=April 19, 2018|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419195659/https://pitchfork.com/news/listen-to-princes-original-version-of-nothing-compares-2-u/|url-status=live}}</ref> A music video was also released consisting of edited rehearsal footage shot in the summer of 1984.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpGA0azFdCs |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/cpGA0azFdCs |archive-date=December 11, 2021 |url-status=live|title=Prince – Nothing Compares 2 U [OFFICIAL VIDEO] – YouTube|via=YouTube|date=April 19, 2018|access-date=April 25, 2018}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Troy Carter, adviser for Prince's estate, later announced in an interview with ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' that a full-length album was planned for release on September 28.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2018/music/news/prince-album-of-previously-unreleased-material-coming-in-september-exclusive-1202783507/|title=Prince Album of Previously Unreleased Material Coming in September (EXCLUSIVE)|work=Variety|first=Jem|last=Aswad|date=April 23, 2018|access-date=April 25, 2018|archive-date=April 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180424210857/http://variety.com/2018/music/news/prince-album-of-previously-unreleased-material-coming-in-september-exclusive-1202783507/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In June of that year, the Prince estate signed a distribution deal with [[Sony Music Entertainment]] including the rights to all of Prince's studio albums, plus unreleased music, remixes, live recordings, music videos and B-sides.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/business/8462985/prince-sony-music-estate-deal-re-release-35-catalog-albums|title=Prince Estate Signs Deal With Sony Music to Re-Release 35 Catalog Albums|date=June 27, 2018|magazine=Billboard|first=Colin|last=Stutz|access-date=April 28, 2020|archive-date=July 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200717171256/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/8462985/prince-sony-music-estate-deal-re-release-35-catalog-albums|url-status=live}}</ref> Since 2021, albums produced by Prince between 1978 and 1996 are distributed by Sony/[[Legacy Recordings]] in the United States, with Warner Music Group, the original publisher, still holding the international distribution rights.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/sony-music-signs-exclusive-distribution-deal-with-the-prince-estate|title=Sony Music signs exclusive distribution deal with the Prince Estate – Music Business Worldwide|first=Rhian |last=Jones|date=June 27, 2018|access-date=June 27, 2018|archive-date=June 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180628015451/https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/sony-music-signs-exclusive-distribution-deal-with-the-prince-estate|url-status=live}}</ref>

On August 17, all albums produced by Prince after 1996 were released digitally on streaming platforms, together with a new compilation album entitled ''[[Anthology: 1995–2010]]''.<ref name="OCC">{{cite web|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/23-prince-albums-released-between-1995-2010-have-been-made-available-to-stream-for-the-first-time__23664/|title=23 Prince albums made available to stream for the first time|publisher=[[Official Charts Company]]|last=Birzniece|first=Elsa|date=August 16, 2018|access-date=August 17, 2018|archive-date=July 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200710193754/https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/23-prince-albums-released-between-1995-2010-have-been-made-available-to-stream-for-the-first-time__23664/|url-status=live}}</ref> Only one song remained unavailable to stream, "[[The Most Beautiful Girl in the World (Prince song)|The Most Beautiful Girl in the World]]", due to a [[plagiarism]] lawsuit in [[Italy]] that was not resolved until 2022. On September 21, ''[[Piano and a Microphone 1983]]'' was released, an intimate recording of Prince privately rehearsing with a piano.<ref name="nyt">{{cite news |last1=Pareles |first1=Jon |title=Alone in the Studio in 1983, Prince Is Revealed |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/19/arts/music/prince-piano-a-microphone-1983-review.html |access-date=September 20, 2018 |work=The New York Times |date=September 19, 2018 |archive-date=September 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180919223836/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/19/arts/music/prince-piano-a-microphone-1983-review.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

The Sony/Legacy reissues began in 2019. Throughout that year, ''Musicology'', ''[[3121]]'', ''Planet Earth'', ''Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic'', ''Rave In2 the Joy Fantastic'', ''Chaos and Disorder'', and ''Emancipation'' were reissued on CD and vinyl. ''Ultimate Rave'' was also released, a 2 CD and 1 DVD set which included ''Rave Un2 the Year 2000'', a concert film.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://store.prince.com/dept/legacy-reissues|title=Legacy Reissues {{!}} Shop the Prince Official Store|website=Legacy Reissues {{!}} Shop the Prince Official Store|access-date=November 19, 2019|archive-date=October 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191014032436/https://store.prince.com/dept/legacy-reissues|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Blais-Billie |first1=Braudie |title=Prince's Rave Albums Are Getting Reissued |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/princes-rave-albums-are-getting-reissued/ |access-date=May 22, 2019 |website=Pitchfork |date=February 25, 2019 |archive-date=July 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190708180332/https://pitchfork.com/news/princes-rave-albums-are-getting-reissued/ |url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[The Versace Experience: Prelude 2 Gold]]'' was also reissued for [[Record Store Day]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/take-listen-princes-ultra-rare-versace-experience-cassette-1995-now-streaming-online-2548097|title=Take a listen to Prince's ultra-rare 'Versace Experience' cassette from 1995, now streaming online|last=Clarke|first=Patrick|date=September 13, 2019|website=NME|language=en-US|access-date=November 19, 2019|archive-date=December 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209042737/https://www.nme.com/news/music/take-listen-princes-ultra-rare-versace-experience-cassette-1995-now-streaming-online-2548097|url-status=live}}</ref>

In June, a compilation of Prince's original recordings of songs given to other artists, entitled ''[[Originals (Prince album)|Originals]]'', was released, initially exclusively through [[Tidal (service)|Tidal]], then later on CD and vinyl.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/princes-originals-tonight-exclusively-tidal-001000954.html |title=Prince's 'Originals' Out Tonight Exclusively On TIDAL |work=Finance.yahoo.com |date=March 8, 2018 |access-date=June 9, 2019 |archive-date=June 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607123136/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/princes-originals-tonight-exclusively-tidal-001000954.html |url-status=live}}</ref> In October, a single of Prince's previously unheard original [[Acoustic music|acoustic]] demo of "[[I Feel for You]]" was released digitally and as a limited 7" single.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/prince-i-feel-for-you-acoustic-demo-900865/|title=Prince Estate Releases Acoustic Demo of 'I Feel for You'|last1=Shaffer|first1=Claire|date=October 18, 2019|magazine=Rolling Stone|language=en-US|access-date=November 19, 2019|archive-date=April 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220428191116/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/prince-i-feel-for-you-acoustic-demo-900865/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In October 2019, Prince's incomplete memoir, titled "''The Beautiful Ones''", was published by [[Random House]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/09/09/the-book-of-prince|url-access=subscription|title=The Book of Prince|last=Piepenbring|first=Dan|magazine=The New Yorker|date=September 2, 2019|access-date=November 19, 2019|language=en|issn=0028-792X|archive-date=August 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210802071110/https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/09/09/the-book-of-prince|url-status=live}}</ref> Prince had worked on the memoir with {{ill|Dan Piepenbring|de}} during the ''Piano and a Microphone'' Tour in 2016 and had managed to complete around 50 pages before his death.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/19/arts/music/prince-announces-coming-memoir-at-performance.html|title=Prince Announces Coming Memoir at Performance|date=March 19, 2016|work=The New York Times|access-date=May 5, 2016|first=Joe|last=Coscarelli|archive-date=April 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160424231735/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/19/arts/music/prince-announces-coming-memoir-at-performance.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The book includes those pages plus a lengthy account by Piepenbring of how the project came to be, a scrapbook of rare personal photos and miscellanea from the vault, and Prince's original handwritten concept for the film ''Purple Rain''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Brown |first=Tanya Ballard |date=October 27, 2019 |title=Prince Memoir, 'The Beautiful Ones,' Brings To Life A Vision In One's Mind |url=https://www.npr.org/2019/10/27/771446639/prince-memoir-the-beautiful-ones-brings-to-life-a-vision-in-one-s-mind |access-date=April 20, 2026 |work=NPR |language=en}}</ref>

In November, [[1999 (Prince album)#Remastered, deluxe and super deluxe editions|a deluxe reissue of ''1999'']] was released. This reissue had several configurations, the most expansive including 35 previously unreleased songs and two live concerts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/5888490/prince-estate-199-reissue-unreleased-songs/|title=Prince estate to reissue '1999' along with 35 previously unreleased songs|website=Global News|first=Adam |last=Wallis |access-date=September 14, 2019|archive-date=September 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190914010838/https://globalnews.ca/news/5888490/prince-estate-199-reissue-unreleased-songs/|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Since 2020 === In 2020, a [[Sign o' the Times#Remastered, deluxe and super deluxe editions|Super Deluxe reissue of ''Sign o' the Times'']] was released. This reissue had various configurations, with the most expansive containing the original album, the single and maxi-single mixes, related B-sides, 45 previously unissued studio tracks, a live show from the ''Sign o' the Times Tour'' in [[Utrecht]], [[Netherlands|the Netherlands]], and a DVD featuring the New Year's Eve 1987 show at Paisley Park.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://store.prince.com/product/5QLPPR056|title=Sign O' The Times Remastered Super Deluxe Edition (13LP 180g + 1 DVD)|publisher=The Prince Official Store|access-date=November 15, 2020|archive-date=September 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928050918/https://store.prince.com/product/5QLPPR056|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]'' rated the Super Deluxe version 10 out of 10 and named it Best New Reissue.<ref>{{cite news |last=Nelson |first=Ivy|title=Prince: Sign o' the Times (Super Deluxe) - review|url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/sign-o-the-times-super-deluxe/ |access-date=October 5, 2020 |work=Pitchfork |date=October 3, 2020 |archive-date=October 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201005071522/https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/sign-o-the-times-super-deluxe/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In June 2021, ''[[Crystal Ball (box set)|The Truth]]'' was reissued on vinyl for [[Record Store Day]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=RSD '21 Special Release: Prince - The Truth|url=https://recordstoreday.com/SpecialRelease/13290|publisher=Record Store Day|language=en|access-date=April 8, 2021|archive-date=April 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210408170522/https://recordstoreday.com/SpecialRelease/13290|url-status=live}}</ref> The following month saw the release of ''[[Welcome 2 America]]'', a previously-unreleased album originally recorded and shelved in 2010.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.theguardian.com/music/2021/apr/08/lost-prince-album-welcome-2-america-to-be-released-in-july|title=Lost Prince album, Welcome 2 America, to be released in July|first=Ben |last=Beaumont-Thomas|date=April 8, 2021|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=April 12, 2021|archive-date=April 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412220230/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2021/apr/08/lost-prince-album-welcome-2-america-to-be-released-in-july|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2022, ''[[Prince and the Revolution: Live]]'' was reissued on Blu-Ray, along with the soundtrack which was also released on CD and vinyl for the first time.<ref>{{cite web |title='Prince and The Revolution: Live' Completely Remastered & Digitally Enhanced Release June 3, 2022 |url=https://www.legacyrecordings.com/2022/03/30/prince-and-the-revolution-live-completely-remastered-digitally-enhanced-release-june-3-2022/ |website=Legacy Recordings |date=March 30, 2022 |access-date=January 20, 2024 |archive-date=April 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420224548/https://www.legacyrecordings.com/2022/03/30/prince-and-the-revolution-live-completely-remastered-digitally-enhanced-release-june-3-2022/ |url-status=live}}</ref> "[[The Most Beautiful Girl in the World (Prince song)|The Most Beautiful Girl in the World]]" would appear on music streaming services in that same year; it had previously been unavailable due to a [[plagiarism]] lawsuit in [[Italy]], with songwriters Bruno Bergonzi and Michele Vicino now being legally recognized as co-writers in Italy.<ref>Worden, Mark (July 20, 2016), [https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7445762/princes-italian-plagiarism-case "Prince's Italian Plagiarism Case Drags On"], ''Billboard''. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501133308/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7445762/princes-italian-plagiarism-case|date=May 1, 2019}}, Retrieved February 10, 2019. Roger Nelson Prince, Controversy Music inc., Michele Vicino, Bruno Bergonzi, [https://www.dirittodautore.it/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/SentCassCiv11225_2015.pdf] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923191238/https://www.dirittodautore.it/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/SentCassCiv11225_2015.pdf|date=September 23, 2020}}. Retrieved April 16, 2019.</ref>

In 2023, [[Diamonds and Pearls#Super Deluxe|a Super Deluxe reissue of ''Diamonds and Pearls'']] was released, containing the original album, remixes and B-sides, 33 previously unheard tracks and a Blu-ray of a live concert recorded at Glam Slam in Minneapolis as a rehearsal for the 1992 ''[[Diamonds and Pearls Tour]]''.<ref>{{cite news |last=Juzwiak |first=Rich |title=Review: Diamonds and Pearls (Super Deluxe Edition) |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/prince-and-the-new-power-generation-diamonds-and-pearls-super-deluxe-edition/ |access-date=January 20, 2024 |work=Pitchfork |date=October 30, 2023 |archive-date=January 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240121212657/https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/prince-and-the-new-power-generation-diamonds-and-pearls-super-deluxe-edition/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2024, a nine-hour documentary titled ''[[Ezra Edelman#The Book of Prince|The Book of Prince]]'' was in production by [[Ezra Edelman]] for release on [[Netflix]].<ref name="weiss">{{cite news |last=Weiss |first=Sasha |date=September 8, 2024 |title=The Prince We Never Knew |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/08/magazine/prince-netflix-ezra-edelman-documentary.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250925222643/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/08/magazine/prince-netflix-ezra-edelman-documentary.html |archive-date=September 25, 2025 |work=The New York Times}}</ref> The estate were reportedly unhappy with the project, considering it a "sensationalized" depiction of his life. A few people saw a rough cut of the film;<ref name="schonfeld" /> one of them, Sasha Weiss, wrote in ''The New York Times Magazine'' that it contained at least one instance of a former girlfriend accusing him of abuse. She said "We're asked to sit with Prince's multiplying paradoxes for many hours, allowing them to unsettle one another".<ref name="weiss" /> In February 2025, the project was officially cancelled and it was announced that "a new documentary featuring exclusive content from Prince's archive" would be produced by the estate instead; this has been described as "a watered-down take, to placate the powers that be".<ref name="schonfeld">{{cite news |last=Schonfeld |first=Zach |title=From Prince to Michael Jackson: why are the most controversial documentaries getting canned? |newspaper=The Guardian |date=May 5, 2025 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/may/05/prince-netflix-documentaries-amazon-prime-trump}}</ref> The Prince estate's social media accounts then posted a video of a vault door being opened with the caption "The vault is free."<ref name="vaultisfree">{{cite magazine|last1=Garcia |first1=Thania |first2=Jem|last2=Aswad|title=Controversial Prince Netflix Documentary Will Not Be Released, Estate Is Free to Create New Project |url=https://variety.com/2025/music/news/controversial-prince-netflix-documentary-not-be-released-estate-new-project-1236299684/ |access-date=February 7, 2025 |magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=February 6, 2025}}</ref>

== Artistry and legacy ==

=== Music and image === [[File:Freiluftgalerie Hagen 8.JPG|thumb|267x267px|Prince [[street art]] in [[Hagen]], Germany]]Prince is often credited as a major influence on modern [[popular music]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Robehmed |first=Natalie |title=How Prince Tirelessly, Inventively (And Largely Unsuccessfully) Tried To Remake The Music Business |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/natalierobehmed/2016/04/22/from-label-disputes-to-streaming-sagas-princes-pioneering-music-business-legacy/ |access-date=October 29, 2025 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Thorne |first=Matt |date=April 26, 2016 |title=From 80s Pop to Warehouse Raves: Tracing Prince's Influence on British Music |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/from-80s-pop-to-warehouse-raves-tracing-princes-influence-on-britain/ |access-date=October 29, 2025 |website=VICE |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dazed |date=April 22, 2016 |title=How Prince influenced a generation of musicians |url=https://www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/30866/1/how-prince-influenced-a-generation-of-musicians |access-date=October 29, 2025 |website=Dazed |language=en}}</ref> and was "the greatest musician of his generation" according to ''Billboard''.<ref name="Billboard-2016" /> [[Simon Reynolds]] called him a "pop polymath, flitting between [[wikt:funkadelia|funkadelia]], [[acid rock]], deep soul, [[wikt:schmaltz|schmaltz]]—often within the same song".{{sfn|Reynolds|1990|pp=49–55}} The ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' called Prince "our first post-everything pop star, defying easy categories of race, genre and commercial appeal".<ref name="master of rock">{{cite news|last1=Brown|first1=August|last2=Rottenberg|first2=Josh|title=Prince, master of rock, soul, pop and funk, dies at 57|url=https://latimes.com/local/obituaries/la-me-prince-20160421-story.html|access-date=May 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160423024038/http://www.latimes.com/local/obituaries/la-me-prince-20160421-story.html|archive-date=April 23, 2016|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=April 21, 2016}}</ref> [[Jon Pareles]] of ''[[The New York Times]]'' described him as "a master architect of funk, rock, R&B and pop", and highlighted his ability to defy labels.<ref name="nytobituary">{{cite news|last=Pareles|first=Jon|author-link=Jon Pareles|title=Prince, an Artist Who Defied Genre, Is Dead at 57|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/22/arts/music/prince-dead.html|website=The New York Times|access-date=April 22, 2016|date=April 21, 2016|archive-date=April 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160422060243/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/22/arts/music/prince-dead.html?_r=0|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Geoffrey Himes]] described him as a leading artist in "a tradition of left-wing black music", or "[[progressive soul]]", although even he conceded the term may be "too narrow".<ref name="Himes">{{cite magazine|last=Himes|first=Geoffrey|author-link=Geoffrey Himes|date=October 31, 2013|url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/janelle-mon-e/the-curmudgeon-black-bohemian-music-from-sly-to-pr/|title=The Curmudgeon: Black Bohemian Music from Sly to Prince to Janelle Monáe|magazine=[[Paste (magazine)|Paste]]|access-date=March 15, 2022|archive-date=August 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807014508/https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/janelle-mon-e/the-curmudgeon-black-bohemian-music-from-sly-to-pr/|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''Los Angeles Times'' writer Randall Roberts called Prince "among the most versatile and restlessly experimental pop artists of our time," writing that his "early work connected [[disco]] and synthetic funk [while his] fruitful mid-period merged rock, soul, R&B and [[synthpop|synth-pop]]."<ref name="latimes">{{cite news|last=Roberts|first=Randall|title=Prince's secret weapon: a versatility that united pop genres under one roof|url=https://latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-prince-versatility-united-pop-genres-20160421-story.html|work=Los Angeles Times|date=April 21, 2016|access-date=April 25, 2016|archive-date=April 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160424161344/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-prince-versatility-united-pop-genres-20160421-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[AllMusic]] wrote that "with each album he released, Prince showed remarkable stylistic growth and musical diversity, constantly experimenting with different sounds, textures, and genres [...] no other contemporary artist blended so many diverse styles into a cohesive whole."<ref name="allmusic">{{cite web|last=Erlewine|first=Stephen Thomas|title=Prince Biography|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/prince-mn0000361393/biography|website=[[AllMusic]]|access-date=June 16, 2016|archive-date=June 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625054516/http://www.allmusic.com/artist/prince-mn0000361393/biography|url-status=live}}</ref> Pareles has named Prince among the "pantheon" of artists in the [[album era]], in which the album format was the dominant form of recorded music expression and consumption.<ref>{{cite news|last=Pareles|first=Jon|author-link=Jon Pareles|date=January 5, 1997|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/01/05/arts/all-that-music-and-nothing-to-listen-to.html|title=All That Music, and Nothing to Listen To|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=March 10, 2020|url-access=registration|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171227043520/http://www.nytimes.com/1997/01/05/arts/all-that-music-and-nothing-to-listen-to.html|archive-date=December 27, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> [[File:Prince (8717376428).jpg|thumb|upright|A costume worn by Prince and associated memorabilia, displayed at a [[Hard Rock Cafe]] in Australia]]

As a performer, Prince was known for his flamboyant style and showmanship.<ref name="nytobituary" /> He came to be regarded as a [[sex symbol]] for his androgynous, amorphous persona,<ref name="floridian">{{cite web|last=Vivinetto|first=Gina|url=http://www.sptimes.com/2004/04/29/Floridian/Prince_and_the_evolut.shtml|title=Floridian: Prince and the Evolution|work=St. Petersburg Times|date=April 29, 2004|access-date=March 26, 2012|archive-date=December 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203082738/http://www.sptimes.com/2004/04/29/Floridian/Prince_and_the_evolut.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> play with signifiers of [[gender]],<ref name="Prince, Bowie, and Gender">{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/act-four/wp/2016/04/21/mourning-prince-and-david-bowie-who-showed-theres-no-one-right-way-to-be-a-man/ |title=Mourning Prince and David Bowie, who showed there's no one right way to be a man |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=April 21, 2016 |access-date=April 22, 2016 |author=Rosenberg, Alyssa |archive-date=May 12, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160512230444/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/act-four/wp/2016/04/21/mourning-prince-and-david-bowie-who-showed-theres-no-one-right-way-to-be-a-man/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Transcended Categories">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/music_box/2016/04/prince_transcended_every_category_straight_gay_black_white_rock_r_b_male.html |title=The Purple One 151 53 Black or white, straight or gay, rock or R&B, male or female—Prince transcended every category. |magazine=Slate |date=April 22, 2016 |access-date=April 23, 2016 |author=Wilson, Carl |archive-date=April 23, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160423153334/http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/music_box/2016/04/prince_transcended_every_category_straight_gay_black_white_rock_r_b_male.html |url-status=live}}</ref> and defiance of [[Ethnic stereotype|racial stereotypes]].<ref name="guard">{{cite web|last=Thrasher|first=Steven|title=Prince broke all the rules about what black American men should be|website=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/apr/21/prince-broke-expectations-black-american-men-musical-genius-performances|access-date=April 22, 2016|date=April 22, 2016|archive-date=April 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160422043856/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/apr/21/prince-broke-expectations-black-american-men-musical-genius-performances|url-status=live}}</ref> His "audacious, idiosyncratic" fashion sense made use of "ubiquitous purple, alluring makeup and frilled garments".<ref name="master of rock" /> His androgynous look has been compared to those of [[Little Richard]],<ref name="floridian" /><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Hudak |first=Joseph |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/100-greatest-singers-of-all-time-19691231/little-richard-20101202 |title=Little Richard – 100 Greatest Singers |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=December 3, 2010 |access-date=August 17, 2015 |archive-date=August 21, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821095514/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/100-greatest-singers-of-all-time-19691231/little-richard-20101202 |url-status=live}}</ref>{{sfn|White|2003|pp=125–126}} [[Marc Bolan]],<ref name="Reynolds" /> and [[David Bowie]].{{sfn|Cole|2005|p=226}} In 2016, Simon Reynolds described it as "Prince's '80s evasion of conventional gender definitions speaks to us now in this trans-aware moment. But it also harks backwards in time to the origins of rock 'n' roll in racial mixture and sexual blurring".<ref name="Reynolds">{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/features/article/9882-how-princes-androgynous-genius-changed-the-way-we-think-about-music-and-gender|title=How Prince's Androgynous Genius Changed the Way We Think About Music and Gender|last=Reynolds|first=Simon|date=April 22, 2016|website=pitchfork.com|access-date=April 23, 2017|archive-date=April 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170425112231/http://pitchfork.com/features/article/9882-how-princes-androgynous-genius-changed-the-way-we-think-about-music-and-gender/|url-status=live}}</ref> Prince was known for the strong female presence in his bands and his support for women in the music industry throughout his career.<ref name="Strong Female Presence">{{cite web|url=http://themuse.jezebel.com/prince-spent-his-life-elevating-and-mentoring-women-1772479454|title=Prince Spent His Life Elevating and Mentoring Women|author=Escobedo Shepherd, Julianne|date=April 22, 2016|publisher=The Muse|access-date=April 22, 2016|archive-date=April 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160423124143/http://themuse.jezebel.com/prince-spent-his-life-elevating-and-mentoring-women-1772479454|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''[[Slate (magazine)|Slate]]'' said he worked with an "astounding range of female stars" and "promised a world where men and women looked and acted like each other".<ref name="Champion of Women">{{cite magazine|author=Doris, Jesse|date=April 22, 2016|title=Prince Was One of Pop Music's Greatest Champions of Women|url=http://www.slate.com/blogs/xx_factor/2016/04/22/prince_dead_at_57_was_one_of_pop_music_s_greatest_champions_of_women.html|magazine=Slate|access-date=April 23, 2016|archive-date=April 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160423140430/http://www.slate.com/blogs/xx_factor/2016/04/22/prince_dead_at_57_was_one_of_pop_music_s_greatest_champions_of_women.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

''[[Rolling Stone]]'' ranked Prince at No. 27 on its list of the 100 Greatest Artists, "the most influential artists of the rock & roll era".<ref name="rollingstone2004" /> In 2023, it ranked him at No. 16 on their list of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=January 1, 2023 |title=The 200 Greatest Singers of All Time |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-singers-all-time-1234642307/prince-30-1234643190/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231031225616/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-singers-all-time-1234642307/prince-30-1234643190/ |archive-date=October 31, 2023 |access-date=October 12, 2023 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2010, Prince was ranked at No. 7 on [[VH1]]'s "100 Greatest Artists of All Time".<ref>{{cite web |date=September 3, 2010 |title=VH1: 100 Greatest Artists |url=https://www.stereogum.com/495331/vh1-100-greatest-artists-of-all-time/photo/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126142024/https://www.stereogum.com/495331/vh1-100-greatest-artists-of-all-time/photo/ |archive-date=January 26, 2021 |access-date=August 2, 2021 |publisher=VH1}}</ref> In 2003, ''Rolling Stone''{{'}}s [[Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time|500 Greatest Albums of All Time]] list included [[Purple Rain (album)|''Purple Rain'']] at No. 72,<ref>{{cite magazine |date=May 31, 2009 |title=Purple Rain ranked no. 72 |url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/500-greatest-albums-of-all-time-19691231/purple-rain-prince-and-the-revolution-19691231 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110902124913/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/500-greatest-albums-of-all-time-19691231/purple-rain-prince-and-the-revolution-19691231 |archive-date=September 2, 2011 |access-date=August 2, 2021 |magazine=Rolling Stone}}</ref> ''[[Sign o' the Times]]'' at No. 93,<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Sign o' the Times ranked no. 93 |url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/500-greatest-albums-of-all-time-19691231/sign-o-the-times-prince-19691231 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110902074512/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/500-greatest-albums-of-all-time-19691231/sign-o-the-times-prince-19691231 |archive-date=September 2, 2011 |access-date=August 2, 2021 |magazine=Rolling Stone}}</ref> [[1999 (Prince album)|''1999'']] at No. 163,<ref>{{cite magazine |title=1999 ranked no. 163 |url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/500-greatest-albums-of-all-time-19691231/1999-prince-19691231 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110902071252/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/500-greatest-albums-of-all-time-19691231/1999-prince-19691231 |archive-date=September 2, 2011 |access-date=August 2, 2021 |magazine=Rolling Stone}}</ref> and ''[[Dirty Mind]]'' at No. 204.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Dirty Mind ranked no. 204 |url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/500-greatest-albums-of-all-time-19691231/dirty-mind-prince-19691231 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110902074248/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/500-greatest-albums-of-all-time-19691231/dirty-mind-prince-19691231 |archive-date=September 2, 2011 |access-date=August 2, 2021 |magazine=Rolling Stone}}</ref> In 2004, on their [[Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time|500 Greatest Songs of All Time]] list, ''Rolling Stone'' included ''[[When Doves Cry]]'' at No. 52, ''[[Little Red Corvette]]'' at No. 108, [[Purple Rain (song)|''Purple Rain'']] at No. 143, [[1999 (Prince song)|''1999'']] at No. 212, [[Sign o' the Times (song)|''Sign o' the Times'']] at No. 299, and [[Kiss (Prince song)|''Kiss'']] at No. 461.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last= |first= |date=December 9, 2004 |title=500 Greatest Songs of All Time |url=http://www.rollingstone.com/news/coverstory/500songs/page |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080619072533/http://www.rollingstone.com/news/coverstory/500songs/page |archive-date=June 19, 2008 |access-date=January 1, 2025 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}}</ref>

Many artists have cited Prince as an influence and inspiration, including [[Beyoncé]], [[Justin Timberlake]], [[Bruno Mars]], [[Rihanna]], [[Alicia Keys]], [[Usher (musician)|Usher]], [[Janelle Monáe]], [[the Weeknd]], [[Lady Gaga]], [[Lorde]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://DigitalSpy.co.UK/music/news/a529048/lorde-i-relate-to-kanye-west-and-i-feel-intimidated-by-teenage-girls.html|title=Lorde 'I relate to Kanye West and I feel intimidated by teenage girls'|date=November 5, 2013|last=Simpson|first=Leah|work=Digital Spy|access-date=June 18, 2021|archive-date=November 7, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131107225023/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a529048/lorde-i-relate-to-kanye-west-and-i-feel-intimidated-by-teenage-girls.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Marilyn Manson]],<ref>{{cite web|work=[[Dazed]]|url=https://www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/32839/1/marilyn-manson-all-american-nightmare|first=Natasha|last=Stagg|title=Marilyn Manson: all-American nightmare|date=September 26, 2016|access-date=November 14, 2022|archive-date=November 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221114215706/https://www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/32839/1/marilyn-manson-all-american-nightmare|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Lenny Kravitz]], [[André 3000]], [[Mark Speer]],<ref name="Speer">{{Cite web |last=Gotrich |first=Lars |date=January 26, 2018 |title=Khruangbin's Vibrant 'Con Todo El Mundo' Is Drawn From Life |url=https://www.npr.org/sections/allsongs/2018/01/26/580429575/khruangbins-vibrant-con-todo-el-mundo-is-drawn-from-life |access-date=June 8, 2021 |website=[[NPR Music]] |archive-date=May 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514194515/https://www.npr.org/sections/allsongs/2018/01/26/580429575/khruangbins-vibrant-con-todo-el-mundo-is-drawn-from-life |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Snoop Dogg]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Roberts |first=Edward |date=May 10, 2016 |title=Snoop Dogg reveals Prince taught him about THREESOMES and 'how to seduce women' |url=http://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/snoop-dogg-reveals-prince-taught-7938143 |access-date=March 21, 2026 |website=Daily Mirror |language=en}}</ref> [[Jamie Lidell]],<ref name="Jamie">{{Cite web |last=Kaganskiy |first=Julia |date=July 17, 2013 |title=Jamie Lidell Dishes On The Evolution of His Sound and Undying Love for Prince |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/z4qb48/jamie-lidell-dishes-on-the-evolution-of-his-sound-and-undying-love-for-prince |access-date=June 11, 2021 |website=[[Vice (magazine)|Vice]] |archive-date=June 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611202043/https://www.vice.com/en/article/z4qb48/jamie-lidell-dishes-on-the-evolution-of-his-sound-and-undying-love-for-prince |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Dua Lipa]],<ref name="DuaLipa">{{Cite web |last=Daly |first=Rhian |date=April 10, 2020 |title=Dua Lipa: "If somebody told me not to discuss issues I'm passionate about? I wouldn't listen" |url=https://www.nme.com/big-reads/dua-lipa-cover-interview-2020-if-somebody-told-me-not-to-discuss-issues-im-passionate-about-i-wouldnt-listen-2644409 |access-date=July 18, 2025 |website=[[NME]]}}</ref> [[Doja Cat]],<ref name="dojacat">{{Cite web |last=Alexander |first=Kurt |date=Jun 29, 2021 |title=Doja Cat Explains How Her Teeth Fell out, Planet Her, Reveals Celebrity Crush + More |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoS3p6CCZqg&t=1682s |access-date=May 5, 2026 |website=[[Big Boy (radio host)|BigBoyTV]] (via YouTube)}}</ref> [[Frank Ocean]], [[Miguel (singer)|Miguel]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Miguel Talks Prince Comparisons |url=https://www.bet.com/article/ukq6i9/miguel-talks-prince-comparisons |access-date=March 28, 2023 |website=BET |language=en |archive-date=March 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328085805/https://www.bet.com/article/ukq6i9/miguel-talks-prince-comparisons |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=August 2, 2013 |title=Miguel Talks Prince In Lost Interview Footage From SXSW 2012 - Okayplayer |url=https://www.okayplayer.com/news/miguel-talks-prince-sxsw-2012-interview-video.html |access-date=March 28, 2023 |website=Okayplayer - Hip Hop Music, Audio, Video, Reviews, News, Interviews, Blogs and Discussion Board |language=en-US |archive-date=March 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328085805/https://www.okayplayer.com/news/miguel-talks-prince-sxsw-2012-interview-video.html |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Mya (singer)|Mya]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hildebrand |first=Lee |date=September 7, 2003 |title=Stepping up into divahood / R&B singer Mya shows her range and sex appeal |url=https://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/stepping-up-into-divahood-r-b-singer-mya-shows-2558201.php |access-date=March 30, 2023 |website=SFGATE |language=en-US |archive-date=March 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330175258/https://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/stepping-up-into-divahood-r-b-singer-mya-shows-2558201.php |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Robyn]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=15 Current Artists You Didn't Realize Were Influenced By Prince |url=https://www.romper.com/p/15-current-artists-you-didnt-realize-were-influenced-by-prince-9330 |access-date=March 30, 2023 |website=Romper |date=April 21, 2016 |language=en |archive-date=March 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330215913/https://www.romper.com/p/15-current-artists-you-didnt-realize-were-influenced-by-prince-9330 |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Questlove]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Iandoli |first=Kathy |date=March 23, 2014 |title=?uestlove Taught Me How to Love Prince |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/questlove-taught-me-how-to-love-prince/ |access-date=March 21, 2026 |website=VICE |language=en-US}}</ref> [[D'Angelo]], [[H.E.R.]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Style And Swagger: 10 Artists Influenced By The Musicality Of Prince |url=https://www.bet.com/article/80syj1/style-and-swagger-10-artists-influenced-by-prince |access-date=January 8, 2024 |website=BET |language=en |archive-date=April 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230401030523/https://www.bet.com/article/80syj1/style-and-swagger-10-artists-influenced-by-prince |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Ciara]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=America |first=Good Morning |title=Ciara reflects on Prince's legacy and influence |url=https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/culture/story/ciara-reflects-princes-legacy-influence-85381711 |access-date=January 8, 2024 |website=Good Morning America |language=en |archive-date=January 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108160540/https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/culture/story/ciara-reflects-princes-legacy-influence-85381711 |url-status=live}}</ref> [[The-Dream]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dream's Life |url=https://www.memphisflyer.com/undefined |access-date=January 8, 2024 |website=MemphisFlyer}}</ref> [[St. Vincent (musician)|St. Vincent]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Prince Dead: Musicians Influenced by Prince |url=https://people.com/celebrity/musicians-influenced-by-prince/ |access-date=January 8, 2024 |website=Peoplemag |language=en |archive-date=January 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108160545/https://people.com/celebrity/musicians-influenced-by-prince/ |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Ween]],<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Fortune |first=Drew |date=May 6, 2016 |title=Dean Ween Remembers Prince: 'He Was My John Lennon' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/dean-ween-remembers-prince-he-was-my-john-lennon-38445/ |access-date=January 8, 2024 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US |archive-date=January 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108160540/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/dean-ween-remembers-prince-he-was-my-john-lennon-38445/ |url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Beck]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/14-artists-that-wouldnt-be-the-same-without-prince-767323|title=21 Artists Who Wouldn't Be The Same Without Prince|last=Bartleet|first=Larry|date=April 22, 2016|website=NME|access-date=February 22, 2019|archive-date=November 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106195231/https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/14-artists-that-wouldnt-be-the-same-without-prince-767323|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/artists/from-madonna-to-muse-the-bangles-to-beyonc--no-modern-pop-act-es/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/artists/from-madonna-to-muse-the-bangles-to-beyonc--no-modern-pop-act-es/ |archive-date=January 10, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Prince influenced everyone from Madonna to Beyoncé|last=McCormick|first=Neil|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|date=April 24, 2016|access-date=February 22, 2019}}{{cbignore}}</ref> [[Bono]] of [[U2]] regarded Prince as one of his "favorite composers of the twentieth century".<ref name="Bono">{{Cite book |last=Assayas |first=Michka |title=[[Bono: In Conversation with Michka Assayas]] |publisher=[[Riverhead Books]] |year=2005 |isbn=1-57322-309-3}}</ref> Beyoncé expressed her admiration for Prince in the book ''Prince: A Private View'', calling him her "mentor" and also praising his independence: "He dared to fight for what was rightfully his: his freedom, wrapped up in words and music he created."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://blog.thecurrent.org/2017/10/beyonce-pays-tribute-to-prince-he-dared-to-fight-for-what-was-rightfully-his/|title=Beyoncé pays tribute to Prince: 'He dared to fight for what was rightfully his'|last=Gabler|first=Jay|website=Local Current Blog {{!}} The Current from Minnesota Public Radio|language=en-US|date=October 11, 2017|access-date=June 12, 2019|archive-date=June 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200612031151/https://blog.thecurrent.org/2017/10/beyonce-pays-tribute-to-prince-he-dared-to-fight-for-what-was-rightfully-his/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Seven days after Prince's death on April 28, 2016, The Purple Rain Tartan was created by David McGill for fans to wear for [[Highland dress]] to commemorate his career and legacy.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.tartanregister.gov.uk/tartanDetails?ref=11538 |title=Tartan Details - Puple Rain |access-date=January 27, 2026}}</ref>

In August 2017, [[Pantone]], introduced a new shade of purple ({{color sample|#4F3D63}}) in their color system in honor of Prince, called ''Love Symbol #2''.<ref>{{cite news |last=Nevins |first=Jake |title=Pantone announces new purple shade in honor of Prince |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2017/aug/14/prince-purple-pantone-color-institute-love-symbol-2#img-2 |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=August 14, 2017 |access-date=June 11, 2018 |archive-date=June 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612141630/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2017/aug/14/prince-purple-pantone-color-institute-love-symbol-2#img-2 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Aswad |first=Jem |title=Pantone Announces Official Prince Color: Purple 'Love Symbol #2' |url=https://variety.com/2017/biz/news/pantone-announces-official-prince-color-purple-love-symbol-2-1202526743/ |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |date=August 14, 2017 |access-date=June 11, 2018 |archive-date=June 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612144352/https://variety.com/2017/biz/news/pantone-announces-official-prince-color-purple-love-symbol-2-1202526743/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Influences and musicianship === Prince's music synthesized a wide variety of influences,<ref name="nytobituary" /> and drew inspiration from a range of musicians, including [[Ike Turner]],<ref>{{Cite web|last=Cole|first=Harriette|date=July 2010|title=Ebony - Prince Writes|url=https://sites.google.com/site/prninterviews/home/ebony-july-2010|access-date=January 16, 2022|website=Prince interview archive|language=en-US|quote=PRINCE: Actually, 1st influence was Ike Turner.|archive-date=January 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220116031335/https://sites.google.com/site/prninterviews/home/ebony-july-2010|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=jonbream|date=June 16, 2010|title=Ebony visits Prince at Paisley Park|url=https://www.startribune.com/ebony-visits-prince-at-paisley-park/96452359/|access-date=January 16, 2022|website=Star Tribune|archive-date=January 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220116031328/https://www.startribune.com/ebony-visits-prince-at-paisley-park/96452359/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[James Brown]],{{sfn|Touré|2013|pp=5–6}}{{sfn|Lavezzoli|2001|p=87|ps=: "Prince has acknowledged George [Clinton]'s influence, as well as that of James Brown and Sly Stone."}}{{sfn|Gulla|2008|p=494|ps=: "Prince had always been influenced by the bandleading style of James Brown, [...]"}}{{sfn|Cole|2005|p=226}} [[George Clinton (funk musician)|George Clinton]],{{sfn|Touré|2013|pp=5–6}}{{sfn|Lavezzoli|2001|p=87|ps=: "Prince has acknowledged George [Clinton]'s influence, as well as that of James Brown and Sly Stone."}}{{sfn|Cole|2005|p=226}} [[Joni Mitchell]],{{sfn|Touré|2013|pp=5–6}} [[Duke Ellington]],{{sfn|Lavezzoli|2001|p=88}} [[Jimi Hendrix]],{{sfn|Touré|2013|pp=5–6}}{{sfn|Cole|2005|p=226}} [[the Beatles]],{{sfn|Touré|2013|pp=5–6}}{{sfn|Cole|2005|p=226}} [[Chuck Berry]],{{sfn|Touré|2013|pp=5–6}} [[David Bowie]],{{sfn|Touré|2013|pp=5–6}} [[Earth, Wind & Fire]],{{sfn|Touré|2013|pp=5–6}} [[Mick Jagger]],{{sfn|Touré|2013|pp=5–6}} [[Rick James]],{{sfn|Touré|2013|pp=5–6}} [[Jerry Lee Lewis]],{{sfn|Touré|2013|pp=5–6}} [[Little Richard]],{{sfn|Touré|2013|pp=5–6}} [[Curtis Mayfield]],{{sfn|Touré|2013|pp=5–6}}<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Gonzales|first1=Michael A.|title=Mighty Mighty|magazine=[[Vibe (magazine)|Vibe]]|date=April 1996|page=81|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Wy0EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA81|access-date=April 22, 2016|quote=Mayfield—whose massive body of work has influenced everyone from Lenny Kravitz, Prince, and Vernon Reid to countless other soul singers, new jack producers, and hip hop heads—will never play the guitar again.}}</ref> [[Elvis Presley]],{{sfn|Touré|2013|pp=5–6}} [[Todd Rundgren]],<ref>{{cite news|last1=Lester|first1=Paul|author-link1=Paul Lester|first2=Hot|last2=Chip|title=That's one potent hot toddy|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/jul/25/popandrock.toddrundgren|access-date=April 22, 2016|work=The Guardian|date=July 25, 2008|quote=He [Todd Rundgren] was a hero to the young Prince, who would try to get backstage to meet the gangly whizzkid multi-instrumentalist with the long, rainbow-coloured hair; [...]|author2-link=Hot Chip|archive-date=April 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160427094105/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/jul/25/popandrock.toddrundgren|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Carlos Santana]],{{sfn|Touré|2013|pp=5–6}} [[Sly Stone]],{{sfn|Touré|2013|pp=5–6}}{{sfn|Gulla|2008|p=418}}{{sfn|Lavezzoli|2001|p=87|ps=: "Prince has acknowledged George [Clinton]'s influence, as well as that of James Brown and Sly Stone."}}{{sfn|Cole|2005|p=226}}{{sfn|Ro|2011|p=9}} [[Jackie Wilson]],{{sfn|Touré|2013|pp=5–6}} and [[Stevie Wonder]].{{sfn|Ro|2011|p=9}}{{sfn|Perone|2006|p=xii}}<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Getz|first1=Dana|title=Stevie Wonder reflects on Prince: 'It's a heartbreak to lose a member of that army of love'|url=https://ew.com/article/2016/04/22/prince-dead-stevie-wonder-tribute|access-date=April 22, 2016|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=April 22, 2016|archive-date=April 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160424023833/http://www.ew.com/article/2016/04/22/prince-dead-stevie-wonder-tribute|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Prince has been compared with [[jazz]] artist [[Miles Davis]] in regard to the artistic changes throughout his career.{{sfn|Touré|2013|pp=5–6}}<ref name="Miles & Prince">{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/04/21/opinions/prince-dead-seymour/index.html |title=A Prince We Followed Anywhere |publisher=CNN |date=April 21, 2016 |access-date=April 21, 2016 |author=Seymour, Gene}}</ref> Davis said he regarded Prince as an otherworldly blend of James Brown, Jimi Hendrix, [[Marvin Gaye]], Sly Stone, Little Richard, Duke Ellington, and [[Charlie Chaplin]].<ref name="Prince, Charlie Chaplin, et al.">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/prince-live |title=Prince Live |magazine=[[The New Yorker]] |date=April 21, 2016 |access-date=April 22, 2016 |last=Remnick|first=Dave}}</ref>{{sfn|Lavezzoli|2001|p=88}}{{sfn|Werner|2006|p=277}} Prince and Miles Davis performed together in December 1987 for a Charity Event at Paisley Park. This performance was viewed as the pinnacle of their on-again, off-again partnership.<ref name="BMRJ" />

Journalist [[Nik Cohn]] described him as "rock's greatest ever natural talent".<ref name="gqcohn">{{cite news|last1=Cohn|first1=Nik|author-link=Nik Cohn|title=Prince, the godfather of R&B, had his fingerprints everywhere|url=http://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/prince-interview-quotes|work=[[GQ]]|date=April 21, 2016|access-date=April 22, 2016}}</ref> Prince had a wide vocal range from [[falsetto]] to [[baritone]], and performed rapid, seemingly effortless shifts of [[Vocal register|register]].<ref name="Petridis">{{cite news|last=Petridis|first=Alexis|author-link=Alexis Petridis|date=November 12, 2015|title=Prince: 'Transcendence. That's What You Want. When That Happens – Oh, Boy.'|newspaper=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/nov/12/prince-interview-paisley-park-studios-minneapolis|access-date=April 21, 2016|quote=...a man who can play pretty much any instrument he choses [sic], possessed of a remarkable voice that can still leap effortlessly from baritone to falsetto.}}</ref> Prince was also renowned as a multi-instrumentalist.{{sfn|Cole|2005|p=226}}{{sfn|Lavezzoli|2001|p=92}} He is considered a guitar virtuoso and a master of drums, percussion, bass, keyboards, and synthesizer;{{sfn|Touré|2013|p=3}} he played nearly all instruments on his first five albums,<ref>{{cite news |last=Ilahe |first=Ezadi |date=April 21, 2016 |title='The World Lost a Creative Icon': Prince, Legendary Musician, Dies at 57 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/arts-and-entertainment/wp/2016/04/21/authorities-investigating-death-at-princes-paisley-park/ |newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=April 21, 2016|display-authors=etal}}</ref>{{sfn|Hawkins|Niblock|2012|ps=: "Evidence of Prince's desire to control everything was blatantly apparent in the presentation of the credits on the album's sleeve: produced, arranged, composed and performed by Prince and a listing of the 27 instruments he played."}} among them various types of bass, keyboards and synthesizers. Prince was also quick to embrace technology in his music,<ref name="blackent">{{cite web|last1=Lynn|first1=Samara|title=Prince Understood the Value of Technology for Music Early On|url=http://www.blackenterprise.com/technology/prince-understood-value-technology-music/|website=Black Enterprise|date=April 22, 2016|access-date=April 23, 2016}}</ref> making pioneering use of [[drum machine]]s like the [[Linn LM-1]] on his early albums and employing a wide range of studio effects.<ref name="fact14">{{cite web|last1=Wilson |first1=Scott |title=The 14 drum machines that shaped modern music |url=http://www.factmag.com/2015/08/08/the-14-drum-machines-that-shaped-modern-music/7/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150811215021/http://www.factmag.com/2015/08/08/the-14-drum-machines-that-shaped-modern-music/7/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 11, 2015 |website=[[Fact (UK magazine)|Fact]] |access-date=April 23, 2016}}</ref> [[Los Angeles Times|''The Los Angeles Times'']] also noted his "harnessing [of] new-generation synthesizer sounds in service of the groove", laying the foundations for post-'70s funk music.<ref name="latimes" /> Prince was also known for his prolific and virtuosic tendencies, which resulted in him recording large amounts of unreleased material.<ref name="bill">{{cite magazine|last1=Rys|first1=Dan|title=Prince Dies at 57: Iconic Musical Genius Found Dead in Paisley Park|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7341522/prince-dead|magazine=Billboard|access-date=April 23, 2016|date=April 21, 2016}}</ref>

Prince also wrote songs for other artists, and some songs of his were covered by musicians, such as the hit songs "Manic Monday", performed by [[the Bangles]], "[[I Feel for You]]", originally on Prince's self-titled second album from 1979, covered by [[Chaka Khan]], and "Nothing Compares 2 U", written for Prince's side project [[The Family (band)|the Family]], and [[Nothing Compares 2 U|covered]] by [[Sinéad O'Connor]]. Prince co-wrote "[[Love... Thy Will Be Done]]" with singer [[Martika]], for her second album, ''[[Martika's Kitchen]]'', and also gifted [[Celine Dion]] a song for her second album, ''Celine Dion'', titled "With This Tear"; it was a song Prince had written specifically for her.<ref>James Wigney, [http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/music/princes-output-in-the-80s-and-90s-was-amazing--sinead-the-bangles-and-martika-benefited-the-most/news-story/9d7ab2449986cd6b24ee9efb92b88af6 Prince's output in the '80s and '90s was amazing — Sinead, The Bangles and Martika benefited the most] Sydney Morning Herald, April 23, 2016</ref> Prince also wrote "U" for [[Paula Abdul]], appearing on her 1991 album [[Spellbound (Paula Abdul album)|''Spellbound'']].

=== Equipment === {{hidden|style=float:right; clear:right; margin-left:1em; border:1px #aaa solid; width:22em|Signature and custom guitars| * HS Anderson/Hohner Madcat Telecaster copy (197?) * Cloud Guitar White (1983) * Cloud Guitar Gold (1983) * Model C (19??) * Cloud Guitar Yellow (1989) * Cloud Guitar Blue (19??) * Gold Fender Stratocaster (????) * Prince Symbol Purple (19??) * Prince Symbol Gold (199?) * G1 Purple Special (2007) * Gus G3 Prince Bass (2016) }}Prince was also known to have a stylish and flamboyant custom guitar collection, which consisted of 121 guitars.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/what-would-prince-want-two-years-later-his-estate-is-a-mess-and-his-legacy-unclear/2018/04/18/20136908-3ce9-11e8-8d53-eba0ed2371cc_story.html |title=What would Prince want? Two years later, his estate is a mess and his legacy unclear|first=Karen|last=Heller |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=April 18, 2018 |access-date=June 9, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vintageguitar.com/27625/prince/|title=Prince|first=Oscar|last=Jordan|date=April 20, 2017|website=vintageguitar.com|access-date=February 22, 2019}}</ref> These included his Cloud Guitars, which were commissioned and released in colored versions of white, yellow and purple. The white version is prominently shown in the ''Purple Rain'' film and the "Raspberry Beret" video.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.premierguitar.com/articles/24199-dave-rusan-building-princes-cloud-guitar|title=Dave Rusan: Building Prince's Cloud Guitar|first1=Bill|last1= Murphy|date=June 10, 2016|website=Premier Guitar |access-date=February 22, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.playguitarlive.com/a-look-at-some-of-princes-guitars/|title=A Look at Some of Prince's Guitars|first=Dean|last=Hailstone|date=May 1, 2016|website=playguitarlive.com|access-date=February 22, 2019}}</ref> Other notable guitars are the Love Symbol guitars, which were designed in the separate colors of gold and purple in the shape of the aforementioned symbol. The guitar that was used for the majority of Prince's music career was the H.S. Anderson Madcat guitar, a [[Fender Telecaster|Telecaster]] copy created by [[Hohner]]. Several of these guitar were used throughout his career; one was donated for charity, and one or more were stolen.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://legendary-guitars.blogspot.com/2011/09/prince-madcat-hohner-telecaster.html|title=LEGENDARY GUITARS: Prince's MadCat Hohner Telecaster|last=Eric|date=September 26, 2011|website=legendary-guitars.blogspot.com|access-date=February 22, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://edsguitarlounge.com/wordpress/?page_id=401|title=Prince's Telecaster – Ed's Guitar Lounge|website=edsguitarlounge.com|date=April 23, 2016 |access-date=February 22, 2019}}</ref> Another guitar primarily used in his later years was the [[Vox (company)|Vox HDC-77]], which was introduced to him by 3rdeyegirl member [[Ida Kristine Nielsen]]. Prince used both a Blackburst version and a White Ivory version.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://madcatsandclouds.com/2019/04/08/vox-hdc-77|title=Vox HDC-77 Blackburst|date=April 8, 2019}}</ref> Two other noteworthy guitars are the G1 Purple Special, and the black-and-gold Gus G3 Prince bass, which would become the last two guitars to ever be made for him.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.guitarworld.com/gear/see-purple-special-last-guitar-made-prince|title=See the Purple Special, the Last Guitar Made for Prince |last=Fanelli |first=Damian |website=guitarworld|date=April 21, 2017|access-date=February 22, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gusguitars.com/news.php?news_id=34|title=Gus Guitars latest news...|website=Gus Guitars |access-date=February 22, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2016/06/the-man-who-made-prince-last-guitar-purple-special|title=The Strange and Lucky Tale of the Man Who Made Prince's Last Guitar|first=Nick|last=Mafi|website=HWD|date=June 23, 2016|access-date=February 22, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.guitarworld.com/gear/guitar-prince-left-behind|title=The Guitar That Prince Left Behind|first=Leslie|last=Swiantek|website=guitarworld|access-date=February 22, 2019}}</ref>

== Legal issues == === Pseudonyms === In 1993, during negotiations regarding the release of ''[[The Gold Experience]]'', a legal battle ensued between Warner Bros. and Prince over the artistic and financial control of his musical output. During the lawsuit, Prince appeared in public with the word "slave" written on his cheek.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/prince-fought-big-labels-ownership-artistic-control-n560161|title=Prince Fought Big Labels For Ownership, Artistic Control|date=April 21, 2016|work=[[NBC News]]|access-date=May 5, 2016|first=Lisa Kay|last=Davis}}</ref> He explained that he had changed his name to an unpronounceable symbol to emancipate himself from his contract with Warner Bros., and that he had done it out of frustration because he felt his own name now belonged to the company.{{sfn|Heatley|2008|p=191}}<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wznUAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA63|title=Pop Cult|page=63|access-date=December 23, 2017|isbn=9780826445926|last1=Till|first1=Rupert|date=December 2, 2010|publisher=A&C Black}}</ref>

Prince sometimes used pseudonyms to separate himself from the music he had written, produced or recorded, and at one point stated that his ownership and achievement were strengthened by the act of giving away ideas.<ref name="bass player">{{cite news|last1=Coryat|first1=Karl|title=His Highness Gets Down|url=http://www.bassplayer.com/artists/1171/remembering-prince-his-highness-gets-down-cover-story/57724|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160506235643/http://www.bassplayer.com/artists/1171/remembering-prince-his-highness-gets-down-cover-story/57724|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 6, 2016|access-date=July 25, 2020|work=Bass Player magazine|date=November 1999}}</ref> Pseudonyms he adopted, at various times, included ''Jamie Starr'' and ''The Starr Company,'' ''Joey Coco'', ''Alexander Nevermind'', and ''Christopher.''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ferrier |first=Aimee |date=March 8, 2023 |title=The songwriting pseudonyms of Prince and the songs he wrote |url=https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/songwriting-pseudonyms-of-prince/ |access-date=April 20, 2026 |website=faroutmagazine.co.uk |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Patton |first=Alli |date=January 23, 2023 |title=A Look Behind Prince's Songwriting Pseudonyms |url=https://americansongwriter.com/learn-princes-songwriting-pseudonyms/ |access-date=April 20, 2026 |website=American Songwriter |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Thompson |first=Erica |title=The List: Prince's alter egos and aliases |url=https://www.columbusmonthly.com/story/entertainment/music/2016/05/19/the-list-prince-s-alter/23014057007/ |access-date=April 20, 2026 |website=Columbus Monthly |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Copyright issues === On September 14, 2007, Prince hired international Internet-policing company [[Web Sheriff]] and filed a lawsuit against online platforms [[YouTube]] and [[eBay]], after they hosted his copyrighted material.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Prince To Sue YouTube, eBay Over Unauthorized Content|magazine=Billboard |date=September 14, 2007|access-date=May 6, 2016 |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1049302/prince-to-sue-youtube-ebay-over-unauthorized-content}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Prince takes on YouTube over clips|work=[[The Times]]|location=London |date=September 13, 2007 |url=http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article2447862.ece|access-date=May 5, 2016 |first=Fiona |last=Hamilton|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080907001725/http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article2447862.ece|archive-date=September 7, 2008}}</ref> In October, [[Lenz v. Universal Music Corp.|Stephanie Lenz filed a lawsuit against Universal Music Publishing Group]] claiming that they were abusing copyright law after the music publisher had YouTube take down Lenz's home movie in which the Prince song "Let's Go Crazy" played faintly in the background.<ref>{{cite web |last=Francescani |first=Chris |title=The Home Video Prince Doesn't Want You to See|publisher=ABC News |date=October 26, 2007 |url=https://abcnews.go.com/TheLaw/story?id=3777651&page=1|access-date=May 5, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media|last=Lenz|title="Let's Go Crazy" #1|date=February 7, 2007|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1KfJHFWlhQ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/N1KfJHFWlhQ |archive-date=December 11, 2021 |url-status=live|access-date=March 30, 2016|first=Stephanie}}{{cbignore}}</ref> On November 5, several Prince fan sites formed "Prince Fans United" to fight back against legal requests which, they claim, Prince made to prevent all use of photographs, images, lyrics, album covers, and anything linked to his likeness.<ref>{{cite news |last=Gibson |first=Owen |title=Prince threatens to sue his fans over online images|work=The Guardian |date=November 7, 2007 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2007/nov/07/musicnews.topstories3 |access-date =July 18, 2009}}</ref> Prince's lawyers claimed that this constituted [[copyright infringement]]; Prince Fans United said that the legal actions were "attempts to stifle all critical commentary about Prince"; Prince's promoter [[Anschutz Entertainment Group|AEG]] stated that the only offending items on the three fansites were live shots from Prince's 21 nights in London at [[the O2 Arena]] earlier in that year.<ref>{{cite web |title=Prince 'not suing fans': Singer hits back at fansite claims |work=NME |date=November 9, 2007 |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/prince-270-1341613 |access-date=November 27, 2017}}</ref>

At the 2008 [[Coachella|Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival]], Prince performed a cover of [[Radiohead]]'s "[[Creep (Radiohead song)|Creep]]"; however, immediately afterward, he forced YouTube and other sites to remove footage that fans had taken of the performance, despite Radiohead's request to leave it on the website.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.stereogum.com/10102/prince_is_being_a_creep_radiohead_tell_him_hes_a_l/news/ |title= Prince Is Being A "Creep," Radiohead Tell Him He's A Loser |publisher=StereoGum |date=May 30, 2008 |access-date=December 6, 2014}}</ref>

In 2010, Prince declared that "the internet is completely over", elaborating five years later that "the internet was over for anyone who wants to get paid{{nbsp}}... tell me a musician who's got rich off digital sales".<ref name="Petridis" />

In 2013, the [[Electronic Frontier Foundation]] granted Prince the inaugural "Raspberry Beret Lifetime Aggrievement Award"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eff.org/takedowns/prince-raspberry-beret-lifetime-aggrievement-award |title=The Raspberry Beret Lifetime Aggrievement Award |publisher=Eff.org |date=May 7, 2013 |access-date=August 31, 2013}}</ref> for what they said was abuse of the DMCA takedown process.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2013/05/prince-inducted-takedown-hall-shame-new-lifetime-aggrievement-award |title=Prince Inducted into Takedown Hall of Shame With New Lifetime Aggrievement Award | Electronic Frontier Foundation |publisher=Eff.org |date=May 7, 2013 |access-date=August 31, 2013}}</ref>

In January 2014, Prince filed a lawsuit, titled ''Prince v. Chodera,'' against 22 online users for direct copyright infringement, unauthorized fixation, contributory copyright infringement, and bootlegging.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Opam |first=Kwame |date=January 27, 2014 |title=Little red lawsuit: Prince sues 22 people for pirating his songs |url=https://www.theverge.com/2014/1/27/5350268/little-red-lawsuit-prince-sues-22-people-for-pirating-his-songs |access-date=March 21, 2026 |website=The Verge |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Prince v. Chodera – Prince Sues His Fans |url=https://pietzlawfirm.com/prince-v-chodera-prince-sues-his-fans |access-date=March 21, 2026 |website=pietzlawfirm.com}}</ref> Several of the users were fans who had shared links to bootlegged versions of Prince concerts through social media websites like Facebook.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://entertainment.time.com/2014/01/27/prince-sues-facebook-users-bootlegged-concerts/|title=Prince Files Lawsuit Against Facebook Fans Over Bootlegged Concerts |magazine=Time|access-date=September 30, 2014|date=January 27, 2014|first=Lily|last=Rothman}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/jan/27/prince-sues-internet-users-alleged-bootleg-recordings |title=Prince sues internet users for total of $22m over alleged bootleg recordings |first=Sean |last=Michaels |work=The Guardian |access-date=September 30, 2014|date=January 27, 2014}}</ref> The next day, he dropped the lawsuit without prejudice.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Jonze |first=Tim |date=January 29, 2014 |title=Prince drops $22m in lawsuits against fans and Facebook users |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/jan/29/prince-drops-22-million-lawsuit-fans-facebook-pretzelbodylogic |access-date=March 21, 2026 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>

Prince was one of a small handful of musicians to deny [["Weird Al" Yankovic]]'s requests to parody his music.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.weirdal.com/archives/faq/|title=Frequently Asked Questions|first=Weird Al|last=Yankovic|website="Weird Al" Yankovic}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/prince-weird-al-yankovic-michael-jackson-7460907/|title='Weird Al' Yankovic Says Prince Turned Down at Least 4 Parody Ideas, But Michael Jackson Was 'Very Supportive'|first=Lauren|last=Craddock|date=August 3, 2016|magazine=Billboard}}</ref>{{Efn|Despite not being legally required to do so, "Weird Al" Yankovic usually requests permission from a songwriter to parody their song.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Kaufman |first=Gil |date=July 22, 2022 |title=10 Artists Who've Turned Down 'Weird Al' Yankovic Parodies |url=https://www.billboard.com/lists/weird-al-yankovic-musicians-who-rejected-parodies/ |access-date=April 20, 2026 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref>}} By Yankovic's account, he had done so "about a half-dozen times" and has been the sole artist not to give any explanation for his rejection beyond a flat "no".<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Watercutter |first=Angela |date=June 20, 2011 |title=Alpocalypse Now: 'Weird Al' Yankovic Says 'Twitter Saved My Album' |url=https://www.wired.com/2011/06/weird-al-yankovic-alpocalypse/ |access-date=November 2, 2025 |magazine=Wired |language=en-US |issn=1059-1028}}</ref>

== Personal life == [[File:20150502-PaisleyParkStudio.jpg|thumb|[[Paisley Park]], Prince's home and recording studio in Chanhassen, Minnesota]]

Prince had seven siblings, six of whom were half-siblings. As Prince had no will, the six siblings who survived him at the time of his death could inherit his estate.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/princes-siblings-heirs-estate-judge-rules/story?id=47513584|title=Prince's 6 siblings are heirs to his estate, judge rules|publisher=ABC News|date=May 19, 2017|access-date=November 5, 2024}}</ref> As of November 2024, only three of them, half sisters Sharon and Norraine Nelson, and half brother Omarr Baker, are still living.<ref name="estatesheirs">{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2024-11-05/prince-sister-dead-tyka-nelson-dies|title=Tyka Nelson, songwriter and singer who was Prince's only full sibling, dies at 64|first=Nardine|last=Nelson|work=Los Angeles Times|date=November 5, 2024|access-date=November 5, 2024}}</ref> However, only the two surviving half sisters still have shares in Prince's estate.<ref name="estatesheirs" />

Prince's half sister Lorna died in 2006. Another half-brother, Alfred Jackson, died in August 2019.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2019/08/29/alfred-jackson-half-brother-heir-musician-prince-dies-66/215|title=Prince's half-brother and heir Alfred Jackson dies at 66|first=Bryan|last=Alexander|work=USA Today|date=August 29, 2019|access-date=November 5, 2024}}</ref> On September 3, 2021, John R. Nelson, Prince's eldest half brother, died.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.startribune.com/prince-s-brother-one-of-his-remaining-family-heirs-dies/600094009|title=Prince's brother, one of his remaining family heirs, dies|first=Katy|last=Read|work=Star Tribune|date=September 4, 2021|access-date=November 5, 2024|archive-date=December 3, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203114226/https://www.startribune.com/prince-s-brother-one-of-his-remaining-family-heirs-dies/600094009|url-status=dead}}</ref> On November 4, 2024, musician [[Tyka Nelson]], who was Prince's only full sibling,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-entertainment-business-music-arts-and-entertainment-b7bcc90e42904f679c07158bf5e851a3|title=Prince's Sister Says Late Singer Had No Known Will|first1=Ryan|last1=Nakashima|first2=Steve|last2=Karnowski|publisher=Associated Press|date=April 26, 2016|access-date=November 5, 2024}}</ref> died.<ref name="tykadies">{{cite news|url=https://www.startribune.com/tyka-nelson-prince-minneapolis-dakota/601174673|title=Prince's sister Tyka Nelson dies at 64|first=Joe|last=Bream|work=Star Tribune|date=November 4, 2024|access-date=November 5, 2024|archive-date=November 9, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241109204738/https://www.startribune.com/tyka-nelson-prince-minneapolis-dakota/601174673|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="tykarip">{{cite news|url=https://people.com/tyka-nelson-prince-sister-dead-age-64-cousin-confirms-8739864|title=Prince's Sister Tyka Nelson Dies at 64, Cousin Confirms|first=Jack|last=Irvin|work=People|date=November 5, 2024|access-date=November 5, 2024}}</ref> In July 2021, Omarr Baker and late half brother Alfred Jackson's interest would sell all of the shares they owned of Prince's estate to [[Primary Wave (company)|Primary Wave Music]], while Tyka Nelson would sell 90%.<ref name="estatesheirs" /><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.startribune.com/big-music-firm-controls-half-of-princes-estate-as-case-winds-down/600081132?refresh=true|title=Big music firm controls half of Prince's estate as case winds down|first1=Mike|last1=Hughlett|first2=Jon|last2=Bream|work=Star Tribune|date=July 25, 2021|access-date=November 5, 2024|archive-date=November 8, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241108214639/https://www.startribune.com/big-music-firm-controls-half-of-princes-estate-as-case-winds-down/600081132?refresh=true|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Relationships=== Prince was romantically linked with many women over the years, including [[Kim Basinger]], [[Madonna]], [[Vanity (singer)|Vanity]], [[Jill Jones]], [[Sheila E.]], [[Carmen Electra]], [[Susannah Melvoin]], [[Ophélie Winter]] and [[Sherilyn Fenn]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/artists/prince-his-life-in-pictures/denise-matthews/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/artists/prince-his-life-in-pictures/denise-matthews/ |archive-date=January 10, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Prince, one year on: his life and death in pictures|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|date=April 21, 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref name="bbc.com">{{Cite news|date=September 23, 2020|title=Prince's Sign O' The Times: An oral history|publisher=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-54203180}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/love-for-prince-turned-kim-basinger-into-rebel-116042500305_1.html|title=Love for Prince turned Kim Basinger into rebel|newspaper=Business Standard India|date=April 25, 2016|via=Business Standard}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/prince-and-madonna-end-decades-long-feud-254612/|title=Prince and Madonna End Decades-Long Feud|first1=Us|last1=Weekly|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|date=January 20, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/ashley-gail-terrell/some-guys-send-you-flower_b_12053212.html|title='Some Guys Send You Flowers, Prince Gives You Albums': An Interview With Jill Jones|author=Terrell, Ashley Gail|date=September 27, 2016|work=[[HuffPost]]|access-date=September 27, 2016}}</ref> Susannah Melvoin recalled how, around the time of ''Sign o' the Times'', "Wendy [Melvoin, her twin sister] and Lisa [Coleman] and I lived together and we would have [Prince] stay at our place. We became really close. He got to be in a family of three women, and we got to have our Prince. Not many people had that kind of relationship with him."<ref name="bbc.com" />

In 1990, he saw 16-year-old dancer [[Mayte García]] standing outside his tour bus and referred to her as his "future wife" when pointing her out to bandmate Rosie Gaines. García began working as one of his backup singers and dancers after graduating from high school. They were married on February 14, 1996, when he was 37 and she was 22.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ultimateprince.com/prince-valentines-day-wedding/#:~:text=Prince%20said%20that%20foundation%20stayed,attended%20when%20he%20was%20younger.|title=A Look Back at Prince's Valentine's Day Wedding |date=February 14, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/music/living-with-prince-i-think-it-s-time-you-got-birth-control-1.3035015|title=Living with Prince: 'I think it's time you got birth control'|first=Catherine|last=Conroy|newspaper=The Irish Times}}</ref> According to García, she and Prince had a son named Amiir, who was born on October 16, 1996. Amiir died a week after being born due to [[Pfeiffer syndrome]]. Attempts by publications to independently verify the child's name, birth, and cause of death proved difficult due to Prince's focus on privacy. The distress of losing a child and García's subsequent miscarriage took a toll on the marriage, and the couple divorced in 2000.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Kennedy |first=Dana |author2=Sinclair, Tom |date=December 20, 1996 |title=Prince's Saddest Song |url=https://ew.com/article/1996/12/20/prince-surrounded-mystery/ |url-status=live |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205135733/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,295564,00.html |archive-date=December 5, 2014 |access-date=May 12, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Prince Book: Mayte Garcia on How the Death of Their Son Doomed the Marriage |url=https://people.com/music/prince-mayte-garcia-would-have-stayed-together-son-amiir-death/ |access-date=October 22, 2023 |website=People Magazine |language=en}}</ref>

Prince married Manuela Testolini, a Canadian businesswoman of Italian and Egyptian descent, in a private ceremony in 2001.<ref>{{cite news |title=Prince's Toronto connections cherished by city |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/prince-toronto-1.3546973 |access-date=February 3, 2020 |work=[[CBC News]] |date=April 21, 2016}}</ref> They separated in 2005 and filed for divorce in May 2006,<ref>{{cite web |last=Levy |first=Daniel S. |title=Prince's Wife, Manuela (Partner of five years), Filed for Divorce|work=People |date=July 27, 2006 |url=https://people.com/celebrity/princes-wife-manuela-filed-for-divorce/|access-date=May 4, 2016}}</ref> which was finalized in October 2007.<ref>{{cite web |title=Newly Released Divorce Documents Shine Light On Prince's 2nd Marriage|work=[[CBS News]] |date=January 13, 2017 |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/prince-divorce-documents/|access-date=January 11, 2024}}</ref>

===Religious beliefs=== Prince was an observant religious person from childhood and throughout his life. An abiding love of God and [[Jesus]] were recurring themes in his work, often closely intertwined with romance, sexuality and sensuality on songs such as "I Would Die 4 U" and albums such as ''Lovesexy''. In March 2016, while discussing his childhood during a show in [[Oakland]], he told the audience: {{Blockquote|I wanted to be like my father and I loved everything he loved—my mother, the Bible, and music.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Walters |first1=Barry |title=Prince Channels Liberace at Tour Kick-Off in Oakland |url=https://pitchfork.com/thepitch/1038-prince-channels-liberace-at-tour-kickoff-in-oakland/ |access-date=21 January 2024 |work=Pitchfork |date=29 February 2016}}</ref>}}

A complete recitation of the [[Lord's Prayer]] featured in the full-length album version of his 1981 hit "Controversy". His 1984 track "Darling Nikki", while dealing with explicit subject matter involving an encounter with a sex worker, contained the following backward message: "Hello, how are you? I'm fine, 'cause I know that the Lord is coming soon. Coming, coming soon."<ref>{{cite book |last1=Poundstone |first1=William |author-link1=William Poundstone |title=Big Secrets |publisher=Houghton Mifflin |year=1986 |isbn=0-395-45397-6 |location=Boston |page=231}}</ref>

Prince became a [[Jehovah's Witnesses|Jehovah's Witness]] in 2001 as a result of his friendship with bassist [[Larry Graham]], who was also a Witness. He did not consider it a conversion but a "realization", comparing his connection with Graham to [[Morpheus (The Matrix)|Morpheus]] and [[Neo (The Matrix)|Neo]] in ''[[The Matrix]]''. He attended meetings at a local [[Kingdom Hall]] and occasionally knocked on people's doors to discuss his faith.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Hoffman |first=Claire |title=Soup With Prince |magazine=The New Yorker |date=November 24, 2008 |url=https://www.newyorker.com/talk/2008/11/24/081124ta_talk_hoffman|access-date=May 5, 2016}}</ref><ref name="wsjhagertyaudi">{{cite news|last1=Hagerty|first1=James R.|last2=Audi|first2=Tamara|title=Prince's Little-Known Life|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/princes-little-known-life-1461542745|access-date=April 27, 2016|work=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|date=April 24, 2016}}</ref> His newfound faith would also heavily influence his 2001 album ''[[The Rainbow Children]]''. The CD edition of his 2003 instrumental album ''N.E.W.S'' contained an [[Adobe Flash]] file that slowly displayed the words "He Causes 2 Become" when the disc was inserted into a computer, being a reference to the name of [[Jehovah]] in Witness theology.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Divine Name in the Hebrew Scriptures |url=https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/appendix-a/tetragrammaton-divine-name/ |website=JW.org |access-date=January 23, 2024}}</ref>

Shortly after he became a Witness, former bandmates Wendy Melvoin and Lisa Coleman reached out to him for a potential reunion of The Revolution. Melvoin claims he declined due to her [[lesbian]] and [[Jewish]] identities, then asked her to hold a press conference in which she would disavow homosexuality and become a Jehovah's Witness herself. She resigned herself to never hearing from him again.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Hoffman |first1=Claire |title=Prince's Life as a Jehovah's Witness: His Complicated and Ever-Evolving Faith |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/features/prince-jehovahs-witness-life-7348538/ |access-date=January 23, 2024 |magazine=Billboard |date=April 28, 2016}}</ref> However, Prince later reunited with Melvoin in 2004 to perform a stripped-back acoustic version of the song "Reflection" on PBS' ''[[Tavis Smiley (TV series)|Tavis Smiley]]'' late-night talk show,<ref>{{cite web |title=Prince and Wendy reunite for TV |url=https://goldiesparade.co.uk/prince-and-wendy-reunite-on-tv/ |website=Goldies Parade |date=February 20, 2004 |access-date=January 23, 2024 |archive-date=January 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240122231012/https://goldiesparade.co.uk/prince-and-wendy-reunite-on-tv/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> and subsequently performed "Purple Rain" with her and Coleman at the [[Brit Awards 2006]]. Anti-[[gay marriage]] comments were attributed to him in 2008, but were later denied by his management<ref>{{cite news |last1=Elan |first1=Priya |title=Can Prince really be anti-gay marriage? |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2008/nov/20/prince-gay-marriage |access-date=January 23, 2024 |work=The Guardian |date=November 20, 2008}}</ref> and walked back by him personally, later stating "I have friends who are gay, and we study the Bible together."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Powers |first1=Ann |title=My Night with Prince |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-jan-11-ca-prince11-story.html |access-date=January 23, 2024 |newspaper=LA Times |date=January 11, 2009}}</ref> Despite his ambiguous, contradictory and evolving personal convictions throughout his lifetime, Prince is often considered a [[gay icon]] by his fans for his influence on music, fashion and culture in a manner infused with religious themes.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kornhaber |first1=Spencer |title=Prince: Gay Icon, Whether He Wanted to Be or Not |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2016/04/prince-gay-homophobia-conservative-liberal-progress/479502/ |access-date=January 23, 2024 |work=The Atlantic |date=April 22, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Reiss |title=Years after his death, Prince's queer legacy and influence on LGBTQ+ culture is as muddled as ever |url=https://www.thepinknews.com/2020/04/21/prince-gay-lgbt-ally-legacy/ |access-date=January 26, 2024 |work=Pink News |date=April 21, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Reynolds |first1=Chelsea |title=I'm a gender and sexuality scholar. Here's how the media blew it on Prince. |url=https://www.vox.com/2016/4/24/11495344/prince-queer-theory |access-date=January 26, 2024 |work=Vox |date=April 24, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Nathan |title=The Queer Legacy of Prince |url=https://www.out.com/music/2016/4/22/queer-legacy-prince |access-date=January 26, 2024 |work=Out |date=June 7, 2016}}</ref>

García said of Prince's religious beliefs: "He was always a spiritual seeker ... fascinated in all possibilities to integrate the [[Astrological sign|signs of the zodiac]] and [[third eye]] and [[reincarnation]] into the Christian beliefs his [[Baptists|Baptist]] mother and Seventh-day Adventist father had exposed him to."<ref>{{cite book|last=Vogel|first=Joseph|author-link=Joseph Vogel (author)|date=2019|title=This Thing Called Life: Prince, Race, Sex, Religion, and Music|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Nl9LDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA150|edition=Reprint|publisher=[[Bloomsbury Academic]]|page=150|isbn=978-1-5013-3398-9}}</ref> At the time of his death, Prince's display picture on [[X (social network)|Twitter]] was an illustration of him with both eyes closed and a third eye on his forehead open.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lopez |first1=Napier |title=Prince's Twitter icon has become an instant tribute to the late artist |url=https://thenextweb.com/news/princes-twitter-honors-passing |access-date=January 23, 2024 |work=The Next Web |date=April 21, 2016}}</ref>

===Political beliefs and activism=== Prince rarely expressed partisan political beliefs directly for the majority of his career. However, he did not shy away from political themes and commentary in early songs such as "[[Partyup]]", "[[Controversy (Prince album)|Ronnie, Talk to Russia]]"—which directly addressed then-President [[Ronald Reagan]]—"[[America (Prince song)|America]]", and "[[Sign o' the Times (song)|Sign o' the Times]]". "[[Money Don't Matter 2 Night]]" was partly a protest against the [[Gulf War]]. His 2002 song "[[One Nite Alone...|Avalanche]]" contained the lyric "[[Abraham Lincoln]] was a racist" and discussed the [[Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution|Thirteenth Amendment]]. In 2004, the music video for his single "[[Cinnamon Girl (Prince song)|Cinnamon Girl]]" depicted a young Muslim woman facing [[Islamophobia]] and racial abuse and then detonating a suicide bomb in a crowded airport, before revealing it had all been a dream.<ref>{{cite news |title=Prince Video Courts Controversy |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/prince-video-courts-controversy/ |access-date=January 23, 2024 |publisher=CBS News |date=October 15, 2004}}</ref>

In a 2009 interview with [[Tavis Smiley]], when asked for his opinion on the recent election of Barack Obama, Prince replied that he did not vote for him and had never voted. He also expressed a belief in the [[chemtrail conspiracy theory]] during the same interview.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Keeps |first1=Daniel |title=Prince Does Rare TV Interview, Talks Obama, Chemtrails On PBS |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/prince-does-rare-tv-interview-talks-obama-chemtrails-on-pbs-105463/ |access-date=January 23, 2024 |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=April 28, 2009}}</ref>

Towards the end of his life, Prince was a supporter of [[Black Lives Matter]]. According to [[Al Sharpton]], he donated to the family of [[Trayvon Martin]] in 2012 and later arranged for [[Killing of Eric Garner|Eric Garner]]'s family to attend one of his concerts.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Burke |first1=Kerry |title=Prince was a humanitarian who privately donated money to family of Trayvon Martin |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2016/04/21/prince-was-a-humanitarian-who-privately-donated-money-to-family-of-trayvon-martin/ |access-date=January 23, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |date=September 14, 2018}}</ref> Before handing out the Grammy for Best Album in 2015, he told the audience, "Albums—remember those? Albums still matter. Albums, like books and black lives, still matter."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gajewski |first1=Ryan |title=Grammys 2015: Prince Says Black Lives "Still Matter" |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/music-news/grammys-prince-says-black-lives-771588/ |access-date=January 23, 2024 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=February 8, 2015}}</ref> He organized a "Rally 4 Peace" concert in the city of [[Baltimore]] in the aftermath of the [[killing of Freddie Gray]].<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Keeps |first1=Daniel |title=Prince Books Rally 4 Peace Concert in Baltimore |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/prince-books-rally-4-peace-concert-in-baltimore-233303/ |access-date=January 23, 2024 |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=May 6, 2015}}</ref> The following day, he released a single entitled "Baltimore" with lyrics that mentioned Gray and [[Killing of Michael Brown|Michael Brown]]. The music video for "Baltimore" featured footage of Black Lives Matter protests in the city, and closed with a message from Prince: {{Blockquote| The system is broken. It's going to take the young people to fix it this time. We need new ideas, new life.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Minsker |first1=Evan |title=Prince's "Baltimore" Video Features Scenes From Baltimore Protests |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/60468-princes-baltimore-video-features-scenes-from-baltimore-protests/ |access-date=23 January 2024 |work=Pitchfork |date=21 July 2015}}</ref>}}

===Animal rights=== Prince was an [[animal rights]] activist who followed a [[vegan]] diet for part of his life but later described himself as vegetarian.<ref name="Shemo-1997">{{cite web|first=Catherine Censor|last=Shemo|title=A Prince of a Guy|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PAQAAAAAMBAJ&q=prince+interview&pg=PA83|work=[[Vegetarian Times]]|access-date=May 6, 2016|pages=79–83|date=October 1997}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQbqNl_lacg&t=4m21s |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/rQbqNl_lacg |archive-date=December 11, 2021 |url-status=live|title=Prince at Lopez Tonight|date=April 15, 2011|access-date=April 21, 2016|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.today.com/food/stage-prince-was-passionate-quirky-food-lover-too-t87881|first=Tracy|last=Saelinger|title=Off stage, Prince was a passionate and quirky food lover, too|date=April 22, 2016|work=[[Today (U.S. TV program)|Today]]|access-date=May 5, 2016}}</ref> He previously adhered to a [[Pescetarianism|pescetarian]] diet in the 2000s,<ref>{{Cite web|date=February 9, 2017|title=After-parties and Inside Paisley Park!|url=https://theiconicprince.wordpress.com/2017/02/09/after-parties-and-inside-paisley-park/|access-date=September 14, 2021|website=The Iconic Prince|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=I Was Prince's Private Chef|url=https://www.foodandwine.com/news/i-was-princes-private-chef|access-date=September 14, 2021|website=Food & Wine|language=en}}</ref> and, according to an interview with the ''[[Vegetarian Times]]'', Prince first expressed curiosity in removing meat from his diet around 1987 when he ceased eating all [[red meat]].<ref name="Shemo-1997" /> Prince required Paisley Park guests and staff to maintain a vegetarian diet or pescetarian diet while present in order to keep the environment meatless. In honor of Prince's personal ethos, Paisley Park continues to require that individuals leave the premises if they would like to eat meat.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Rose|date=June 7, 2018|title=Prince's Strict Food Rules Are Still in Force at Paisley Park|url=https://www.thedailymeal.com/prince-estate-vegetarian-staff-paisley-park|access-date=August 28, 2021|website=The Daily Meal|language=en}}</ref> The [[liner notes]] for his album ''Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic'' featured a message about the cruelty involved in [[wool]] production.<ref>{{cite news |title=Six things about Prince you forgot or never knew |newspaper=[[The Kansas City Star]] |date=April 21, 2016 |access-date=April 21, 2016 |url =http://www.kansascity.com/news/nation-world/national/article73097702.html|first=Elizabeth|last=Koh}}</ref>

===Philanthropy=== Prince did not speak publicly about his charitable endeavors. The extent of his activism, philanthropy, and charity was only publicized after his death, and much of it remains undocumented.<ref name="Anonymous Activism, Philanthropy & Charity">{{cite web |url=https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/4/22/1518865/-The-breadth-and-power-of-Prince-s-activism-begins-to-be-revealed-after-his-death |title=The breadth and power of Prince's activism begins to be revealed after his death |website=[[Daily Kos]] |date=April 23, 2016 |access-date=April 23, 2016 |author=Einenkel, Walter}}</ref>

In 2001, he anonymously donated $12,000 to the [[Louisville Free Public Library]] system to keep the historic [[Louisville Free Public Library, Western Colored Branch|Western Branch Library]]—the country's first full-service library for African-Americans—from closure.<ref name="Anonymous $12,000,000 donation to the Western Branch Library">{{cite web |url=https://insiderlouisville.com/lifestyle_culture/music/prince-may-have-helped-save-louisville-library-from-closure/ |title=Prince made secret donation to support Louisville's historic Western Branch Library in 2001 |publisher=Insider Louisville |date=April 21, 2016 |access-date=April 22, 2016 |author=Chipman, Melissa |archive-date=April 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160422020623/http://insiderlouisville.com/lifestyle_culture/music/prince-may-have-helped-save-louisville-library-from-closure/ |url-status=usurped}}</ref> That same year, he anonymously paid off the medical bills of drummer [[Clyde Stubblefield]], who was undergoing cancer treatment.<ref name="pr-stubblefield">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7348492/prince-funky-drummer-clyde-stubblefield-medical-bills|first=Monique|last=Melendez|title=Prince Paid Off 'Funky Drummer' Clyde Stubblefield's Medical Bills|magazine=Billboard|date=April 27, 2016|access-date=May 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505015438/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7348492/prince-funky-drummer-clyde-stubblefield-medical-bills |archive-date=May 5, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2015, he conceived and launched [[Van Jones##YesWeCode|YesWeCode]], paying for many [[hackathon]]s outright and performing musical acts at some of them.<ref name="Anonymous Activism, Philanthropy & Charity" /><ref name="Inspiration for #YesWeCode">{{cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/news/2016/04/21/prince-van-jones-yeswecode-qeyno-labs-silicon-valley-diversity/83346648/ |title=Prince remembered as innovator, advocate for Black youth |work=USA Today |date=April 21, 2016 |access-date=April 22, 2016 |author=Guynn, Jessica}}</ref> He also helped fund the [[Green for All]] initiative.<ref name="Anonymous Activism, Philanthropy & Charity" />

According to Australian musician [[Ed Le Brocq]]'s autobiography ''Danger Music'', written about Le Brocq's time as a music teacher in [[Afghanistan]], Prince had "quietly donated to [[Mary MacMakin|PARSA (Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Services for Afghanistan)]] for years", which had funded [[Afghanistan Scout Association#Revival|the revival of the Afghanistan Scout Association]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Ayers |first1=Eddie |title=Danger Music |date=2017 |publisher=Allen & Unwin |page=111}}</ref>

== Achievements == {{Main|List of awards and nominations received by Prince}}

Prince sold at least 100 million records worldwide,<ref name="Hanrahan">{{cite news |last=Hanrahan |first=Mark |date=October 26, 2017 |title=Purple reigns at London exhibition charting Prince's career |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-music-prince/purple-reigns-at-london-exhibition-charting-princes-career-idUSKBN1CV2CN |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221151325/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-music-prince/purple-reigns-at-london-exhibition-charting-princes-career-idUSKBN1CV2CN |archive-date=December 21, 2019 |access-date=October 26, 2017 |publisher=[[Reuters]]}}</ref> ranking him among the [[List of best-selling music artists|best-selling music artists of all time]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/snyde/ny-john-legend-alicia-keys-prince-grammy-salute-tv-special-20200109-ijqevqkalzfqrg2doasqy627la-story.html|title=John Legend, Beck, Juanes and Alicia Keys on board for 'Grammy Salute to Prince' TV special|last=Daniels|first=Karu F.|website=New York Daily News|date=January 9, 2020 |access-date=January 19, 2020}}</ref> He was inducted into the [[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]] in 2004, the [[UK Music Hall of Fame]] in 2006, the [[National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame]] in 2016, and [[Songwriters Hall of Fame]] in 2024.<ref name="SoulTracks-2016" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pbs.org/kcet/tavissmiley/archive/200904/20090427.html|title=Tavis Smiley|date=April 27, 2009|publisher=PBS |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090505210657/http://www.pbs.org/kcet/tavissmiley/archive/200904/20090427.html|archive-date=May 5, 2009}}</ref> In 2016, he was posthumously honored with a [[Doctor of Humane Letters]] by the [[University of Minnesota]].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://time.com/4366863/prince-honorary-doctorate-university-of-minnesota/|title=Prince Will Receive an Honorary Doctorate From University of Minnesota|last=Lang|first=Cady|date=June 13, 2016|magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]|access-date=February 4, 2020|archive-date=November 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191121115425/https://time.com/4366863/prince-honorary-doctorate-university-of-minnesota/|url-status=dead}}</ref> He was inducted into the [[Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame]] in 2022.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Nazareno|first=Mia|date=December 17, 2021|title=Smokey Robinson, Berry Gordy, Jr. & More to Be Inducted at 2022 Black Music and Entertainment Walk of Fame|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/smokey-robinson-black-music-entertainment-walk-of-fame-2022-1235012202/|access-date=February 17, 2022|magazine=Billboard|language=en-US}}</ref> Prince was named the 14th greatest guitarist of all time by ''Rolling Stone'' in 2023.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=October 13, 2023 |title=The 250 Greatest Guitarists of All Time |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-guitarists-1234814010/prince-33-1234814247/ |access-date=October 14, 2023 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}}</ref>

[[File:Prince & Revolution - First Avenue Stars.jpg|thumb|Stars honoring Prince and his band the Revolution on the outside mural of the Minneapolis nightclub First Avenue]]

He has won seven [[Grammy Award]]s, seven [[Brit Awards]], six [[American Music Awards]], four [[MTV Video Music Award]]s, an [[Academy Award]] for [[Academy Award for Best Original Score|Best Original Song Score]] for the film ''Purple Rain'', and a [[Golden Globe Award]].<ref>*{{cite web|url=https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=Prince+Grammy+Awards&oq=Prince+Grammy+Awards&gs_l=psy-ab.3..35i39k1j0i67k1j0j0i22i30k1l7.6338.6338.0.6633.1.1.0.0.0.0.83.83.1.1.0....0...1.1.64.psy-ab..0.1.82....0.6IJlA1fzRdQ|title=Prince {{ndash}} Past Grammy Awards|website=Google.co.uk}} *{{Cite web|url=https://www.brits.co.uk/history/shows/1992|title=History|website=BRIT Awards|language=en|access-date=June 10, 2019|archive-date=August 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190803104934/https://www.brits.co.uk/history/shows/1992|url-status=dead}} *{{cite web|url=https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=prince%2C+american+music+awards&oq=prince%2C+american+music+awards&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l5.3039j0j7|title=Prince, American Music Awards}} *{{Cite web|url=https://www.inquisitr.com/3463769/mtv-vmas-why-was-there-no-prince-or-david-bowie-tributes/|title=MTV VMAs: Why Was There No Prince Or David Bowie Tribute?|website=inquisitr.com|first=Georgia|last=Makitalo|date=August 30, 2016|access-date=June 10, 2019}} *{{cite web|url=http://www.oscars.org/awards/academyawards/oscarlegacy/1980-1989/57nominees.html|title=Nominees & Winners for the 57th Academy Awards|publisher=Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100309202540/http://www.oscars.org/awards/academyawards/oscarlegacy/1980-1989/57nominees.html|archive-date=March 9, 2010|access-date=May 12, 2016}} *{{cite web|url=http://www.goldenglobes.org/browse/film/26062|title=Golden Globe Awards|publisher=Golden Globes |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091215211445/http://www.goldenglobes.org/browse/film/26062|archive-date=December 15, 2009|access-date=February 27, 2010}}</ref> Two of his albums, ''Purple Rain'' and ''Sign o' the Times'', received the [[Grammy Award for Album of the Year]] nominations. ''1999'', ''Purple Rain'' and ''Sign o' the Times'' have all been inducted into the [[Grammy Hall of Fame]].<ref name="GRAMMY.com-2019" /> At the [[28th Annual Grammy Awards|28th Grammy Awards]], Prince was awarded the [[28th Annual Grammy Awards|President's Merit Award]].<ref name="GRAMMY.com-2019">{{Cite web|url=https://www.grammy.com/artists/prince/5675|title=Prince|date=November 19, 2019|website=GRAMMY.com|language=en|access-date=November 24, 2019}}</ref> Prince was also honored with the [[American Music Award for Achievement]] and [[American Music Award of Merit]] at the [[American Music Awards of 1990]] and [[American Music Awards of 1995]] respectively. At the [[2013 Billboard Music Awards|2013 ''Billboard'' Music Awards]], he was honored with the [[Billboard Icon Award|''Billboard'' Icon Award]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-01-24-ca-550-story.html|title=A Fountain of Youth at the American Music Awards : Pop Music: Milli Vanilli, New Kids on the Block, Bobby Brown, Paula Abdul and Janet Jackson win a popularity contest.|first=Dennis|last=Hunt|date=January 24, 1990|website=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US|access-date=November 24, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/events/bbma-2013/1510642/prince-to-be-honored-at-billboard-music-awards-on-may-19|title=Prince to Be Honored at Billboard Music Awards on May 19|magazine=Billboard|access-date=November 24, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://goldiesparade.co.uk/prince-awards/|title=Prince's Awards – Grammys, Brit Awards|website=Goldies Parade|language=en-GB|access-date=November 24, 2019|archive-date=June 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200612051417/https://goldiesparade.co.uk/prince-awards/|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2019, the 1984 film ''Purple Rain'' was added by the [[Library of Congress]] for preservation in the [[National Film Registry]] for being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".<ref name="Chow">{{cite magazine|last=Chow|first=Andrew R.|date=December 11, 2019|title=See the 25 New Additions to the National Film Registry, From Purple Rain to Clerks|url=https://time.com/5747503/national-film-registry-2019-additions/|magazine=Time|location=New York, NY|access-date=December 11, 2019|archive-date=October 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211026041943/https://time.com/5747503/national-film-registry-2019-additions/|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2025, Prince received the [[Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fox9.com/news/longtime-friend-calls-lifetime-achievement-grammy-prince-full-circle-moment |title=Longtime friend calls Lifetime Achievement Grammy for Prince 'full circle moment' |work=Fox 9 KMSP |author=Maury Glover |date=February 2, 2025 |access-date=February 1, 2026}}</ref>

Prince is honored with a star on the outside mural of the Minneapolis nightclub First Avenue,<ref name="FirstAveStars">{{cite web|author=|title=The Stars|url=http://first-avenue.com/about/thestars|access-date=May 10, 2020|website=First Avenue & 7th Street Entry|archive-date=April 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200418135117/https://first-avenue.com/about/thestars|url-status=dead}}</ref> recognizing performers that have played sold-out shows or have otherwise demonstrated a major contribution to the culture at the iconic venue.<ref name="StarTribune2019">{{cite news|last=Bream|first=Jon|date=May 3, 2019|title=10 things you'll learn about First Avenue in new Minnesota History Center show|work=[[Star Tribune]]|location=Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota|url=https://www.startribune.com/10-things-you-ll-learn-about-first-avenue-in-new-minnesota-history-center-show/509374312/|access-date=May 10, 2020|archive-date=March 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308123225/https://www.startribune.com/10-things-you-ll-learn-about-first-avenue-in-new-minnesota-history-center-show/509374312/|url-status=dead}}</ref> According to journalist Steve Marsh, receiving a star "might be the most prestigious public honor an artist can receive in Minneapolis".<ref name="MSPMag2019">{{cite news|last=Marsh|first=Steve|date=May 13, 2019|title=First Avenue's Star Wall|work=Mpls.St.Paul Magazine|location=Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota|url=http://mspmag.com/arts-and-culture/first-avenue-star-wall/|access-date=May 10, 2020}}</ref> The Revolution also has a star on the mural, to the immediate right of Prince's. Originally painted silver like the other stars on the mural, Prince's star was repainted in gold leaf during the night of May 4, 2016, about two weeks after Prince's death.<ref name="StarTribune2016goldstar">{{cite news|last=Farniok|first=Ben|date=May 5, 2016|title=Prince gets a gold star at First Ave|work=[[Star Tribune]]|location=[[Minneapolis-St. Paul]]|url=https://www.startribune.com/prince-gets-a-gold-star-at-first-ave/378281421/|access-date=May 26, 2020|archive-date=October 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027071344/https://www.startribune.com/prince-gets-a-gold-star-at-first-ave/378281421/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Originally anonymous, the artist was revealed a few months later to be graphic designer and graffiti artist Peyton Russell, who had worked for Prince at his club Glam Slam in the 1990s and wanted to pay tribute.<ref name="MSPMag2016">{{cite news|last=Wood|first=Drew|date=December 5, 2016|title=The Man Who Made It Gold|work=Mpls.St.Paul Magazine|location=Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota|url=http://mspmag.com/arts-and-culture/the-man-who-made-it-gold/|access-date=May 29, 2020}}</ref>

== Discography == {{Main|Prince albums discography|Prince singles discography|New Power Generation|Madhouse (band)|l4 = Madhouse}}

{{See also|Category:Albums produced by Prince (musician)|l1=Albums produced by Prince|Category:Songs written by Prince (musician)|l2=songs written by Prince}}

{{div col|colwidth=20em}} '''Studio albums''' * ''[[For You (Prince album)|For You]]'' (1978) * ''[[Prince (album)|Prince]]'' (1979) * ''[[Dirty Mind]]'' (1980) * ''[[Controversy (Prince album)|Controversy]]'' (1981) * ''[[1999 (Prince album)|1999]]'' (1982) * ''[[Purple Rain (album)|Purple Rain]]'' (1984) * ''[[Around the World in a Day]]'' (1985) * ''[[Parade (Prince album)|Parade]]'' (1986) * ''[[Sign o' the Times]]'' (1987) * ''[[Lovesexy]]'' (1988) * ''[[Batman (album)|Batman]]'' (1989) * ''[[Graffiti Bridge (album)|Graffiti Bridge]]'' (1990) * ''[[Diamonds and Pearls]]'' (1991) * ''[[Love Symbol]]'' (1992) * ''[[Come (Prince album)|Come]]'' (1994) * ''[[The Black Album (Prince album)|The Black Album]]'' (1994){{efn|''The Black Album'' was meant to be released in 1987 but was canceled after Prince had a bad experience with [[MDMA|ecstasy]].<ref name="black album">{{cite web|last1=Price|first1=Simon|title=Battle Of The Black Album: Jay-Z vs Metallica vs Prince|url=http://thequietus.com/articles/19922-metallica-jay-z-prince-black-album|website=[[The Quietus]]|date=March 24, 2016 |access-date=February 2, 2017}}</ref>}} * ''[[The Gold Experience]]'' (1995) * ''[[Chaos and Disorder]]'' (1996) * ''[[Emancipation (Prince album)|Emancipation]]'' (1996) * ''[[Crystal Ball (box set)#Crystal Ball|Crystal Ball]]'' (1998) * ''[[The Truth (Prince album)|The Truth]]'' (1998) * ''[[The Vault: Old Friends 4 Sale]]'' (1999) * ''[[Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic]]'' (1999) * ''[[The Rainbow Children]]'' (2001) * ''[[One Nite Alone...]]'' (2002) * ''[[Xpectation]]'' (2003) * ''[[N·E·W·S (Prince album)|N·E·W·S]]'' (2003) * ''[[Musicology (album)|Musicology]]'' (2004) * ''[[The Chocolate Invasion]]'' (2004) * ''[[The Slaughterhouse]]'' (2004) * ''[[3121]]'' (2006) * ''[[Planet Earth (Prince album)|Planet Earth]]'' (2007) * ''[[Lotusflow3r (album set)|Lotusflow3r]]'' (2009) * ''[[Lotusflow3r (album set)|MPLSound]]'' (2009) * ''[[20Ten]]'' (2010) * ''[[Plectrumelectrum]]'' (2014) * ''[[Art Official Age]]'' (2014) * ''[[Hit n Run Phase One|HITnRUN Phase One]]'' (2015) * ''[[Hit n Run Phase Two|HITnRUN Phase Two]]'' (2015) * ''[[Welcome 2 America]]'' (2021) {{div col end}}

'''Collaborative albums''' * ''[[Madhouse (band)#Discography|8]]'' (1987) (with [[Madhouse (band)|Madhouse]]) * ''[[Madhouse (band)#Discography|16]]'' (1987) (with Madhouse) * ''[[Gold Nigga]]'' (1993) (with [[New Power Generation|the New Power Generation]]) * ''[[Exodus (New Power Generation album)|Exodus]]'' (1995) (with the New Power Generation) * ''[[Newpower Soul]]'' (1998) (with the New Power Generation) * ''[[Crystal Ball (box set)|Kamasutra]]'' (1997) (with NPG Orchestra)

'''Demo albums''' * ''[[Piano and a Microphone 1983]]'' (2018) * ''[[Originals (Prince album)|Originals]]'' (2019)

== Filmography == {{Main|Prince videography}}

{| class="wikitable sortable" |- |+ Film !Year!!Film!!Role!!Director |- |1984||''[[Purple Rain (film)|Purple Rain]]''||The Kid||[[Albert Magnoli]] |- |1986||''[[Under the Cherry Moon]]''||Christopher Tracy||Prince |- |1987||''[[Sign o' the Times (film)|Sign o' the Times]]''||Himself||Prince |- |1990||''[[Graffiti Bridge (film)|Graffiti Bridge]]''||The Kid||Prince |- |1994||''[[3 Chains o' Gold]]''|| Himself ||Prince |}

{| class="wikitable sortable" |- |+ Television !Year!!Show!!Role!!Notes |- |1997||''[[Muppets Tonight]]''||Himself||Episode 11 |- |2014||''[[New Girl]]''||Himself||Episode: "[[Prince (New Girl)|Prince]]" |- |2020||''Let's Go Crazy: Grammy Salute to Prince''||Himself (archive footage)|| |}

== Tours == {{div col|colwidth=20em}} * Prince Tour (1979–1980) * Dirty Mind Tour (1980–1981) * [[Controversy Tour]] (1981–1982) * 1999 Tour (1982–1983) * [[Purple Rain Tour]] (1984–1985) * [[Parade Tour]] (1986) * Sign o' the Times Tour (1987) * Lovesexy Tour (1988–1989) * [[Nude Tour]] (1990) * [[Diamonds and Pearls Tour]] (1992) * Act I and II (1993) * Interactive Tour (1994) * [[The Ultimate Live Experience]] (1995) * [[The Ultimate Live Experience|Gold Tour]] (1996) * [[Jam of the Year World Tour|Love 4 One Another Charities Tour]] (1997) * [[Jam of the Year World Tour]] (1997–1998) * New Power Soul Tour/Festival (1998) * Hit n Run Tour (2000–2001) * A Celebration (2001) * One Nite Alone... Tour (2002) * 2003–2004 World Tour (2003–2004) * [[Musicology Live 2004ever]] (2004) * Per4ming Live 3121 (2006–2007) * [[The Earth Tour: 21 Nights in London|Earth Tour]] (2007) * [[Prince 20Ten|20Ten Tour]] (2010) * [[Welcome 2]] (2010–2012) * Live Out Loud Tour (2013) * [[Hit and Run Tour (2014)|Hit and Run Tour]] (2014–2015) * [[Piano & a Microphone Tour]] (2016) {{div col end}}

== Books == * {{Cite book |last1=Prince |last2=Gydesen |first2=Terry |year=1994 |title=Prince Presents: The Sacrifice of Victor |location=Minnesota |publisher=Paisley Park Enterprises |isbn=9780967850115 |oclc=34307402}} * {{Cite book |last1=Prince |last2=Piepenbring |first2=Dan |year=2019 |title=The Beautiful Ones |location=New York |publisher=Spiegel & Grau |isbn=9780399589652 |oclc=1117550641}}

== See also == * [[List of artists who reached number one in the United States]] * [[List of bestselling music artists]] * [[List of dancers]] * {{annotated link|List of highest-certified music artists in the United States}} * [[Unreleased Prince projects]]

== Notes == {{Notelist}}

== References == {{reflist}}

== Sources == {{Div col|colwidth=30em}} *{{cite book |last=Austen |first=Jake |title=TV-a-Go-Go: Rock on TV From American Bandstand to American Idol |year=2005 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GYa5olqdl4UC |publisher=[[Chicago Review Press]] |isbn=1556525729}} *{{cite book |last1=Bream |first1=Jon |title=Prince: Inside the Purple Reign |date=1984 |publisher=Macmillan Publishing |isbn=9780020604105}} *{{Cite book |last=Buckley |first=Peter |title=The Rough Guide to Rock |publisher=Rough Guides Ltd |year=2003 |isbn=978-1-84353-105-0}} *{{cite book |last=Cashmore |first=Ellis |year=1997 |title=The Black Culture Industry |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HneJAgAAQBAJ |location=London |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-0415120821}} *{{cite book |last=Cole |first=George |year=2005 |title=The Last Miles: The Music of Miles Davis, 1980–1991 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=H5r-mzXMJfEC |location=[[Ann Arbor, Michigan]] |publisher=[[University of Michigan Press]] |isbn=978-0472032600}} *{{cite book |last=Corson |first=Keith |date=2016 |title=Trying to Get Over: African American Directors after Blaxploitation, 1977-1986 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EoZ5CwAAQBAJ&pg=PA196 |location=[[Austin, Texas]] |publisher=[[University of Texas Press]] |isbn=978-1477309087}} *{{cite book |last=Draper |first=Jason |year=2011 |title=Prince: Chaos, Disorder, and Revolution |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TLPo6OeYPREC |location=Milwaukee, Wisconsin |publisher=[[Hal Leonard Corporation|Backbeat Books]] |isbn=9780879309619}} *{{Cite book |last=Draper |first=Jason |title=Prince: Life & Times |year=2008 |publisher=Jawbone Press |isbn=978-1-906002-18-3}} *{{cite book |last=Gregory |first=Hugh |date=1995 |title=Soul Music A–Z |url=https://archive.org/details/soulmusicaz00greg |url-access=registration |publisher=[[Da Capo Press]] |isbn=9780306806438}} *{{Cite book |last=Gulla |first=Bob |title=Icons of R&B and Soul: An Encyclopedia of the Artists who Revolutionized Rhythm |volume=2 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YNae0zmGow4C |publisher=[[Greenwood Publishing]] |year=2008 |isbn=978-0-313-34046-8}} *{{Cite book |last=Hahn |first=Alex |title=Possessed: The Rise And Fall Of Prince |year=2004 |publisher=Billboard Books |isbn=0-8230-7749-7}} *{{cite book |last1=Hawkins |first1=Stan |last2=Niblock |first2=Sarah |year=2012 |title=Prince: The Making of a Pop Music Phenomenon |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2gbtCwAAQBAJ&pg=PT128 |location=Abingdon-on-Thames, UK |publisher=Routledge |isbn=9780754668763}} *{{Cite book |last=Heatley |first=Michael |author-link=Michael Heatley |title=Where Were You... When the Music Played? 120 Unforgettable Moments in Music History |publisher=[[Penguin Books]] |year=2008 |isbn=978-0-7621-0988-3 |url=https://archive.org/details/wherewereyouwhen0000heat}} *{{cite book |last1=Hill |first1=Dave |title=Prince: A Pop Life |date=1989 |publisher=Harmony Books |isbn=9780517572825 |url=https://archive.org/details/princepoplife00hill}} *{{cite book |last=Lavezzoli |first=Peter |year=2001 |title=The King of All, Sir Duke: Ellington and the Artistic Revolution |url=https://archive.org/details/kingofallsirduke00lave |url-access=registration |location=New York |publisher=[[Continuum International Publishing Group|Continuum]] |isbn=978-0826414045}} *{{cite book |last=Light |first=Alan |author-link=Alan Light |year=2014 |title=Let's Go Crazy: Prince and the Making of Purple Rain |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=s_-hCgAAQBAJ |publisher=[[Simon & Schuster|Atria Books]] |edition=2015 reprint |isbn=978-1476776750}} *{{cite book |last=Matos |first=Michelangelo |date=2004 |title=Prince's Sign O' the Times |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=I9moAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA57 |location=New York |publisher=[[Continuum International Publishing Group|Continuum]] |series=33 1/3 |isbn=9781441141767}} *{{cite book |last=Moskowitz |first=David V. |editor-last=Moskowitz |editor-first=David V. |title=The 100 Greatest Bands of All Time: A Guide to the Legends Who Rocked the World |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8XG9CgAAQBAJ&pg=PA483 |publisher=[[Greenwood Press]] |location=Santa Barbara, California |year=2015 |volume=2 |chapter=Prince and the Revolution (1979–1986) |isbn=978-1440803390}} *{{Cite book |last=Nilsen |first=Per |title=Dance Music Sex Romance: Prince: The First Decade |publisher=SAF |year=2003 |isbn=0-946719-64-0}} *{{cite book |last1=Perone |first1=James E. |title=The Sound of Stevie Wonder: His Words and Music |year=2006 |publisher=[[Greenwood Publishing Group|Praeger Publishers]] |isbn=0-275-98723-X |url=https://archive.org/details/soundofsteviewon00pero}} *{{cite book |last1=Reynolds |first1=Simon |author-link=Simon Reynolds |year=1990 |title=Blissed Out: The Raptures of Rock |publisher=[[Serpent's Tail]] |isbn=1-85242-199-1}} * {{cite book |last1=Ro |first1=Ronin |title=Prince: Inside the Music and the Masks |year=2011 |publisher=[[St. Martin's Press]] |isbn=978-0-312-38300-8 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=11dZsE7iGdcC}} *{{cite book |author=Touré |year=2013 |title=I Would Die 4 U: Why Prince Became an Icon |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=klG-uk8IRXEC |location=New York |publisher=[[Simon & Schuster|Atria Books]] |isbn=978-1476705491 |author-link=Touré (journalist)}} *{{Cite book |last=Uptown |title=The Vault – The Definitive Guide to the Musical World of Prince |year=2004 |publisher=Nilsen Publishing |isbn=91-631-5482-X}} * {{cite book |last1=Werner |first1=Craig |title=A Change is Gonna Come: Music, Race & the Soul of America |year=2006 |publisher=[[University of Michigan Press]] |location=[[Ann Arbor, Michigan]] |isbn=0-472-03147-3 |url=https://archive.org/details/changeisgonnacom00wern_0 |url-access=registration}} * {{cite book |last=White |first=Charles |title=The Life and Times of Little Richard: The Authorized Press |publisher=Omnibus Press |year=2003 |isbn=0-306-80552-9}} {{Div col end}}

== Further reading == *{{Cite magazine|last=Browne |first=David |date=May 5, 2016 |title=Prince in the Nineties: An Oral History |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/prince-in-the-nineties-an-oral-history-40501/ |access-date=October 1, 2023 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}} * {{Cite book |last=Jones |first=Liz |year=1998 |title=Purple Reign: The Artist Formerly Known as Prince |url=https://archive.org/details/isbn_9781559724487 |location=Secaucus, N.J. |publisher=Birch Lane Press |isbn=978-1-55972-448-7 |oclc=632309219}} * {{Cite book |last=Ro |first=Ronin |year=2016 |title=Prince: Inside the Music and the Masks |location=New York |publisher=St. Martin's Press |isbn=978-1-250-12754-9 |oclc=1054996845}} * {{Cite book |last=Wall |first=Mick |year=2016 |title=Prince: Purple Reign |location=London |publisher=Trapeze |isbn=9781409169208 |oclc=1064253410}} * {{cite news |last=Weiss |first=Sasha |title=The Prince We Never Knew |date=September 8, 2024 |newspaper=The New York Times Magazine |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/08/magazine/prince-netflix-ezra-edelman-documentary.html |url-access=subscription}}

== External links == {{sister project links|d=Q7542|c=Category:Prince (musician)|n=no|b=no|v=no|voy=no|m=no|mw=no|wikt=no|species=no|q=Prince (musician)|s=no|display=Prince}} {{wikinews|Musician Prince dies aged 57}} *{{official website}} * {{IMDb name|nm0002239|Prince}} * {{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p5182|label=Prince}} * [{{BillboardURLbyName|artist=prince|chart=all}} Prince] at [[Billboard.com]] * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SFNW5F8K9Y Performance at Rock and Roll Hall of Fame] at his induction in 2004

{{Prince|state=expanded}} {{Prince albums}} {{Prince singles}} {{Navboxes |title = [[List of awards and nominations received by Prince|Awards for Prince]] |list = {{Academy Award Best Original Score}} {{American Music Award for Favorite Soul/R&B Song}} {{American Music Award of Merit}} {{BET Award for Best Male R&B Artist}} {{Brit International Male}} {{Brit International Artist}} {{Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song}} {{Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Actor}} {{Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Director}} {{Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Original Song}} {{Grammy Award for Best R&B Song}} {{Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal}} {{Grammy Award for Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media}} {{Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award}} {{MTV Video Music Award for Best Choreography}} {{NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture}} {{NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Album}} {{NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Male Artist}} {{2004 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame}} }}

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