Prince: The life story you may not know

Lester Cohen/WireImage // Getty Images Looking back at Prince’s four-decade career, it’s clear that when he signed his record deal with Warner Bros. at just 18 years old that he was destined to lead an influential trajectory. From a young age, Prince Rogers Nelson, better known mononymously as Prince, was certain of his talents. And once he hit the stage, so was the rest of the world. His commitment, liberation, and vision came through in his Minneapolis Sound–a genre blending a sonically experimental mix of funk, synth-pop, and wailing electronic guitar riffs–that positioned him to become one of music’s most respected and recognizable artists. Throughout his career, he would challenge how he presented himself to the world, whether that be with his androgynous style or his artistry that knew no bounds. He was always striving for originality in his work. This was evident in his acting, writing, and production. His influence would go beyond music–the prolific musician and producer’s sharp-eyed outlook on life and creative independence would make him one of the most iconic visionary geniuses of his time. To recognize his achievements, Stacker compiled a list of 25 things about Prince’s life you may not know. To do so, we reviewed memoir accounts, newspaper articles, archives, and official documents. You may also like: The richest rock stars 1958: Born in Minneapolis PhotoQuest // Getty Images Prince Rogers Nelson, better known mononymously as Prince, was born on June 7, 1958, in Minneapolis. His father, John L. Nelson, was a jazz pianist in the Prince Rogers Trio, and his mother, Mattie Shaw, performed in the band as a singer. It was the band’s name that inspired Prince’s. 1977: Signs to Warner Bros. for debut album Richard E. Aaron // Getty Images In 1977, Prince signed to Warner Bros. Records at 18 years old. The next year, Prince released his debut album, “For You.” He is credited with writing and performing everything himself. The album peaked at #163 on the Billboard 200. After a long public dispute and split in 1996, he would later re-sign with the label in 2014 and obtain ownership of his classic catalog. 1983: Recording at First Avenue Jim Steinfeldt // Getty Images In 1983, Prince and the Revolution recorded portions of the “Purple Rain” soundtrack live on stage at First Avenue nightclub in Minneapolis. The infamous recording occurred during a benefit concert for the Minnesota Dance Theatre. 1984: ‘Purple Rain’ Ross Marino // Getty Images In 1984, the film “Purple Rain,” directed by Albert Magnoli and based on the Prince and the Revolution album of the same name, became a box-office hit. Prince played a loosely based character of himself in the cult musical drama. He also worked with costume designers Louis Wells and Marie France to create his iconic androgynous looks in the movie. 1984: ‘The Glamorous Life’ Icon and Image // Getty Images Prince co-produced drummer and collaborator Sheila E.’s 1984 debut album, “The Glamorous Life.” The entire album was recorded in a week at Sunset Sound in Los Angeles. You may also like: 30 stars who hit their stride late in life 1985: Oscar win Bettmann // Getty Images Prince’s hit song “Purple Rain” won an Oscar for Best Original Song Score at the 1985 ceremony, making him the first and last Black person to win the award. The category was retired the next year. In his Oscar speech, Prince told the audience: “This is very unbelievable. I could never imagine this in my wildest dreams.” 1985: Paisley Park