Prince (musician) Bio: Age, Wife, Kids, Cause Of Death, Net Worth, Songs, Albums, Real Name, Movies

Biography

Prince, born Prince Rogers Nelson on June 7, 1958, and passing on April 21, 2016, was a celebrated American singer, songwriter, musician, record producer, and actor. Renowned for his electrifying live performances and flamboyant stage presence, he boasted a remarkable vocal range that spanned several octaves. His music blended funk, rock, R&B, new wave, soul, and pop, establishing him as one of the most influential musicians of his era.

Raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Prince was a self-taught multi-instrumentalist and formed his first band, Grand Central, at 17. His debut album, “Prince,” was released in 1978, but it was his sixth album, “Purple Rain” (1984), and its accompanying film that propelled him to superstardom. Iconic tracks such as “When Doves Cry,” “Let’s Go Crazy,” and “Purple Rain” became defining hits of the 1980s.

Prince was known for his prolific output, releasing over 39 studio albums, many of which he produced independently. His career was marked by a fierce commitment to artistic control, and he often released music on his own terms after disputes with record labels over creative control and ownership.

Prince
Wiki Facts & About Data
Real Name:	Prince Rogers Nelson
Stage Name:	Prince
Born:	7 June 1958 (age 57 years old)
Place of Birth:	Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
Died:	21 April 2016 (age 57 years), Paisley Park, Chanhassen, Minnesota, United States
Nationality:	American
Education:	Bryant Junior High School, Central High School
Height:	157 cm
Parents:	John L. Nelson, Mattie Della Shaw Baker
Siblings:	Tyka Nelson, Omarr Baker, Norrine Nelson, Duane Nelson, Alfred Jackson, Sharon L. Nelson, Lorna L. Nelson, John R. Nelson
Spouse:	Manuela Testolini (m. 2001-2006), Mayte Garcia (m. 1996-1998)
Girlfriend • Partner:	Ananda Lewis (2001), Emma Samms, Misty Copeland (2010), Heidi Mark (1991), Tatiana Thumbtzen (1990), Cat (1988), Susanna Hoffs (1986), Sheena Easton (1985), Judith Hill (2014-2016), Bria Valente (2007-2012), Nona Gaye (1993), Troy Byer (1992), Carmen Electra (1990-1991), Kim Basinger (1989), Jackie St. Clair (1986), Devin DeVasquez (1985), Sherilyn Fenn (1985), Vanity (1982-1983), Susan Moonsie (1980-1985), Jill Jones, Andy Allo, Susannah Melvoin (1985-1986), Sheila E. (1978)
Children:	Amiir Nelson, Boy Gregory
Occupation:	Musician • Instrumentalist
Net Worth:	$200 million-$300 million (USD)

Early Life & Education

Prince Rogers Nelson was born on June 7, 1958, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. He was of African American descent with a blend of African, Italian, and Jewish heritage. Raised in a Seventh-day Adventist household, Prince‘s personal beliefs evolved over time to incorporate various spiritual influences.

His father, John L. Nelson, known as “Prince Rogers,” was a pianist and songwriter, while his mother, Mattie Della Shaw Baker, was a jazz singer and social worker. Prince had several half-siblings: Sharon Nelson and Duane Nelson from his father’s other relationships and Tyka Nelson and Omarr Baker from his mother’s and father’s sides, respectively. His siblings are Tyka Nelson, Omarr Baker, Norrine Nelson, Duane Nelson, Alfred Jackson, Sharon L. Nelson, Lorna L. Nelson, and John R. Nelson.

Prince attended Bryant Junior High School and Central High School in Minneapolis. Recognized early for his musical talent, he left high school before graduating to focus on his music career, although he received some homeschooling and later took a few college courses.

Career

Prince Rogers Nelson‘s career is one of music history’s most prolific and influential. He displayed his musical talent from a young age and taught himself multiple instruments. At 19, he signed with Warner Bros. Records and released his debut album “For You” in 1978. While it wasn’t a commercial success, it highlighted his multi-instrumental abilities and songwriting.

His third album, Dirty Mind (1980), introduced more provocative themes, a trend that continued with Controversy (1981). His breakthrough came with 1999 (1982), featuring hits like “Little Red Corvette” and the title track.

“Purple Rain” (1984) was a defining moment, achieving immense success as both an album and film soundtrack. It elevated Prince to global superstardom with hits such as “When Doves Cry” and “Purple Rain,” earning him an Academy Award. Throughout the 1980s, he released innovative albums like “Around the World in a Day” (1985), “Parade” (1986), and “Sign o’ the Times” (1987), the latter often hailed as one of his finest works.

In the 1990s, Prince clashed with Warner Bros. over creative control, famously adopting an unpronounceable symbol as his stage name to assert his independence. Despite these disputes, he released critically acclaimed albums such as “Diamonds and Pearls” (1991) and “Come” (1994). After leaving Warner Bros., he continued to release music independently, including “Emancipation” (1996).

In the 2000s, Prince remained prolific, exploring various genres with albums like “Musicology” (2004) and “3121” (2006). Known for his legendary live performances, he often played unannounced shows, maintaining a deep connection with his audience.

Social Media

• Instagram: Prince (@prince)
• IMDb: Prince

Personal Life

Prince Rogers Nelson‘s life was as vibrant and complex as his music career. He married dancer and singer Mayte Garcia in 1996, who was 22 at the time, while Prince was 37. Their marriage was marked by the tragic loss of their son, Boy Gregory, who died a week after birth due to Pfeiffer syndrome. This profound loss deeply impacted both. The couple separated in 1998 and annulled their marriage in 2000.

Prince married Manuela Testolini in 2001, shortly after his divorce from Garcia. Testolini, then 25, worked for Prince‘s charity. Their marriage ended in 2006 but remained amicable.

Prince had one child, Boy Gregory, with Mayte Garcia, who tragically passed away shortly after birth. Standing at around 5’2″, Prince was known for his high-heeled boots, which were more a fashion statement than a necessity.

Prince was engaged to Susannah Melvoin (1985–1986) and Sheila E. (1978). He also had relationships with Judith Hill (2014–2016), Bria Valente (2007–2012), Nona Gaye (1993), Troy Byer (1992), Carmen Electra (1990–1991), Kim Basinger (1989), Jackie St. Clair (1986), Devin DeVasquez (1985), Sherilyn Fenn (1985), Vanity (1982–1983), Susan Moonsie (1980–1985), Jill Jones, and Andy Allo.

Prince was rumored to have had encounters with Misty Copeland (2010), Heidi Mark (1991), Tatiana Thumbtzen (1990), Cat (1988), Susanna Hoffs (1986), Sheena Easton (1985), Ananda Lewis (2001), and Emma Samms.

Cause of Death

Prince, the legendary musician, died on April 21, 2016, at the age of 57 from an accidental overdose of fentanyl, a potent opioid painkiller. This tragic event occurred at his Paisley Park estate in Minnesota. The overdose was ruled accidental, with fentanyl toxicity believed to result from self-administered medication, possibly mistaken for another drug.

Prince had been dealing with significant pain, likely due to years of intense performing, which led him to use pain medications like Percocet. The fatal dose of fentanyl came just days after he had been revived from an opioid overdose during a flight, highlighting his struggle with pain management. Despite his condition, he performed his last concert in Atlanta on April 14, 2016, ending with “Purple Rain.”

The investigation revealed that Prince had been consulting with medical professionals about his pain and had visited a doctor the day before his death. No criminal charges were filed, as it was determined that he was likely unaware he was taking fentanyl.

Net Worth

At the time of his death, Prince Rogers Nelson‘s net worth was estimated between $200 million and $300 million. This wealth came from his extensive music catalog, live performances, record sales, publishing rights, and various business ventures.

Renowned for his prolific output and ownership of the masters to much of his music, Prince‘s net worth was significantly bolstered by these assets. His estate, including Paisley Park Studios, continues to generate income through new releases, licensing deals, and the enduring popularity of his music.

Discography

• Purple Rain (1984) – Perhaps his most famous album, featuring hits like “When Doves Cry,” “Let’s Go Crazy,” and “Purple Rain.”
• Sign o’ the Times (1987)—Widely acclaimed for its musical diversity and depth, this album includes tracks like “Sign o’ the Times” and “If I Was Your Girlfriend.”
• 1999 (1982) – Known for its title track and “Little Red Corvette,” this album solidified his reputation as a musical innovator.
• Dirty Mind (1980) – A groundbreaking album for its bold themes and sound, featuring tracks like “When You Were Mine” and “Dirty Mind.”
• Around the World in a Day (1985) – Showcasing a psychedelic turn with hits like “Raspberry Beret” and “Pop Life.”
• Parade (1986) – The soundtrack to the film “Under the Cherry Moon,” includes “Kiss” and “Mountains.”
• Lovesexy (1988) – Known for its spiritual and sexual themes, with tracks like “Alphabet St.” and “Glam Slam.”
• Diamonds and Pearls (1991) – Featuring the hit “Cream” and the introduction of the New Power Generation.
• Musicology (2004) – A return to form, with the title track being a standout.
• Emancipation (1996) – A triple album released after he departs from Warner Bros., symbolizing his newfound freedom.
• Controversy (1981) – Includes the title track and “Sexuality,” further pushing musical boundaries.
• The Gold Experience (1995)—Released under his symbol name, it includes “The Most Beautiful Girl in the World.”
• Come (1994) – Noted for its minimalist cover and tracks like “Pheromone.”
• 3121 (2006) – His final album was released during his lifetime, featuring “Black Sweat” and “Te Amo Corazón.”