Prince Rogers Nelson, arguably the most famous musician from the North Star State, was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on June 7, 1958. After high school, Prince immersed himself into music, and within a decade, became an entertainment phenom. His legacy on the music scene still reverberates today.
Prince’s musical genius as a musician, composer, innovator, and a cultural icon resulted in thousands of songs and dozens of albums, His illustrious catalog of work includes the huge hit album Purple Rain and the critically acclaimed Sign of the Times, amongst others.
Prince died of an accidental overdose of fentanyl at the age of 57.
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July 26, 1984 - Twin Cities film critic Phil Anderson shares his review of the film Purple Rain, which was made by famous local musician Prince. Anderson describes it as a musical story of characters.
November 12, 1984 - MPR’s Gary Eichten gets music critic Jon Bream’s take on the music phenomenon of Prince and the genius of his artistry.
December 26, 1984 - MPR’s Stephen Smith profiles Prince Rogers Nelson. Segment includes interview with critic Jon Bream, author of the book "Prince: Inside the Purple Reign," and local evangelists who find Prince’s music offensive.
May 21, 1986 - MPR’s Jim Bickal presents a profile of the 1986 Minnesota Music Awards. Bickal describes the elaborate scene, talks with a limo driver, interviews an unimpressed Soul Asylum, and hears from a disgruntled guest. Segment also highlights Prince accepting honor as first charter member of the Minnesota Music Academy.
September 10, 1987 - MPR’s Mike Mulcahy reports on a tour of Prince’s Paisley Park by visiting foreign officials as a way to promote the Twin Cities.
September 15, 1988 - MPR’s Bill Wareham talks with Gary Eichten about Prince’s September 14th concert at Met Center in Bloomington. Wareham shares his thoughts of experience and of the Minnesota artist.
June 13, 1989 - MPR’s Mike Mulcahy reports on rock star Prince's theatrical songs for the Tim Burton movie “Batman.” Mulcahy interviews individuals in the music industry about album release.
December 28, 1990 - MPR’s Bill Wareham reports on the twenty-year anniversary of First Avenue, and it’s importance on the local music scene. Wareham interviews musicians who share their personal memories of the venue.
November 19, 1996 - Jim Walsh, music critic for the St. Paul Pioneer Press, provides commentary on release of Prince three-disc album Emancipation. The three hours of music contains all new material created over the previous year. It is the first record for artist since he left Warner Brothers music label.
November 21, 2003 - An interview Jim Walsh, music critic for City Pages, about Prince’s career and selection as one of the 2004 inductees for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.