THE MAJESTICAL ESSENCE OF PRINCE written by KAMERON DAVIE

Prince Rogers Nelson was one of the most prolific, influential, innovative artist of our time. A true iconic force who pioneered modern music with his enormous talent, impeccable creativity, and rare artistry. His mega-selling sound of controversial, sensual, and overly erotic lyrics blended funk, soul, pop, rock and dance that revolutionized the entire music industry. His music challenged the status quo that sparked national debate helping inspire the creation of parental advisory labels. Prince rewrote the rule book on how music was produced, arranged and composed. His genius musicianship transcended many generations. Allowing him the luxury of achieving legendary status long before his untimely departure at the young age of 57. The evolution of Prince was indeed a gamechanger.

Prince was an advocate for artist’s rights, a trendsetter, and a risk taker that went from signing his first recording contract in his teens to becoming one of the bestselling artist in music history. He sold more than 100 million albums worldwide and was honored with an induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004. Prince was an Oscar winning composer, Golden Globe and seven time Grammy Award winner. Ranking #27 on the Rolling Stone list of "100 Greatest Artists" and named "The Most Influential Artist of the Rock & Roll Era." He was also widely known for his epically exhilarating live performances. With his unforgettable 2007 half-time show at Super Bowl XLI being highly regarded as one of "The Greatest Most Impressive Live Performances Ever," according to Billboard.com. Prince was born on June 7th, 1958 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. His early mastery of music was a result of his parent’s musical background. He began learning a wide range of instruments composing his first song on his father's piano at age 7.

Throughout his early school years, he honed his musical talents in local bands with many of his childhood friends Jimmy Jam, Morris Day, Andre Cymone and Dez Dickerson. A singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and record producer, Prince secured his first demo at 17 with interest from many record companies. Shortly thereafter, Prince was given complete artistic control to produce his own albums when he signed a six figure deal with Warner Bros. Records in 1977. And the rest was musical history. Rarely lacking in confidence Prince wrote, produced, arranged, composed and played all 27 instruments on his first album "For You" in 1978, which peaked at #178 on the Billboard Top 200 chart. His follow up album "Prince" went platinum in 1979, which continued his ever growing success and popularity. In 1984, Prince released “Purple Rain,” the widely successful semiautobiographical cult classic film.

He also produced the film’s soundtrack which sold more than 13 million copies remaining at #1 for 24 consecutive weeks topping the Billboard 200 chart yet again. Ranking the album #72nd of the “500 Greatest Albums of All Times,” according to Rolling Stone. Throughout his illustrious career, Prince went on to release several hundred songs under his name and pseudonyms. Prince penned songs for many other artists that also achieved worldwide success such as: "Nothing Compares to You" Sinead O'Conner, "Manic Monday" The Bangles, "Stand Back" Stevie Nicks, “I Feel for You" Chaka Khan, and "The Glamorous Life” for his protégé́Sheila E., just to name a few. In addition, he produced sound tracks for films “Batman" 1989 and Spike Lee's 1996 phone sex comedy "Girl 6" lending new and classic tracks to the movie. Prince was fiercely protective over his independence. In 1993, he famously battled Warner Bros. Records over the control of his name and masters after a hugely successful run of more than 20 years.

During the negotiation of his freedom from the label Prince changed his name to an unpronounceable symbol that represented love. Insisting that the record company turned him into a prisoner he wrote the word "slave" on his face in protest of not owning his work. During this time, he rapidly began producing several albums to be released from his contract obligations. After his recording contract expired in 2000, Prince finally regained control of his name and eventually his entire music catalog in a landmark deal with Warner Bros. Records in 2014. The deal according to Billboard.com, “Marked a new era as the ability to terminate master recording copyright after 35 years.” In 2015, Prince inked an exclusive deal with Tidal, the musicstreaming service backed by Jaz-Z. Tidal now exclusively streams his entire music catalog releasing his 38th and final album on September 7th, 2015. The enormous impact of Prince's life and legacy will live on forever. He leaves the world behind with gifts of dozens of albums and a vault of unreleased recordings. Prince was a huge musical innovator that will forever be known for his eclectic works of art and magnifying performances.

President Barack Obama mourned his recent passing as "a remarkable lost." He said “Prince was a true cultural icon." “He was extraordinary, creative and original and will continue to inspire people for many years to come.”

"A strong spirit transcends rules" - Prince

written by KAMERON DAVIE