Some don't have any of these instruments
Today, we gather to honor and celebrate the remarkable legacy of Prince. He was much more than a pop culture icon; he was a trailblazer, a multi-instrumentalist, a prolific songwriter, a renowned producer, and an actor. As the LA Times put it, he was “our first post-everything pop star,” becoming a figure who transcended the barriers of genre, race, gender, and commercial success.
Throughout his extensive career spanning four decades, Prince captivated audiences with his unforgettable stage presence, iconic fashion choices, and limitless talent. Whether it was guitar drums, bass, or keyboards, he mastered countless musical instruments effortlessly. Combined with his extraordinary vocal range, which spanned from falsetto to baritone, music truly became his playground. This allowed him to reshape and push the boundaries of various genres, including the celebrated Minneapolis sound that blended funk, rock, synth-pop, and new wave.
At the tender age of seven, Prince wrote his first song, and by the time he turned 18, he achieved platinum success, setting the stage for a remarkable musical journey. With over 39 studio albums and an impressive collection of accolades, Prince sold over 100 million records worldwide. It seemed as though his career would continue to flourish, but unfortunately, his life was tragically cut short, leaving the world mourning the loss of a true legend.
Prince's influence on culture can be seen not only in his distinctive and extravagant fashion choices, but also in his extensive discography and diverse body of work. Yet, one of the most striking aspects of his generosity was his willingness to share his musical gifts with others. He wrote numerous songs for fellow artists and even allowed his music to be covered by other performers, often using a pen name. These songs topped the charts and became unexpected hits, further cementing Prince's impact on the world of music.
Take a look at the gallery to discover the surprisingly successful songs that you may not have realized were penned by Prince. It serves as a testament to his immense talent and enduring presence in music history.
Prince initially unveiled his version of the track entitled 'How Come U Don't Call Me Anymore?' as a B-side accompanying his successful 1982 single '1999.'
Alicia Keys featured the song on her first album 'Songs in A Minor' released in 2001.
Prince had initially written this song for his girl group, Apollonia 6. However, he ultimately chose to delay its release.
The song later became a major success for The Bangles in 1986, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, with credit given to "Christopher" as the pen name.
Who other than Prince could have penned the lyrics, "Come spend the night inside my sugar walls"?
The song was penned by Prince as under the name Alexander Nevermind for Scottish pop singer Sheena Easton. It reached No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1984.
This smooth song debuted on Prince's 1979 self-titled album.
Chaka Khan successfully revived it five years later, earning a Grammy for Best R&B Song in 1985 with her rendition.
Prince composed the initial version of this emotionally powerful song for The Family's self-titled album in 1985, released under his Paisley Park Records label.
The song achieved huge success when Sinead O'Connor covered it five years later, attaining platinum status and reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Co-written by Prince, Morris Day, and Jesse Johnson (the guitarist in the Time), this unmistakably '80s funk song achieved tremendous success.
The Time was featured in the renowned Prince film 'Purple Rain' in 1984, the same year the song became popular.
The melancholic yet provocative track first appeared on Prince's 1980 album 'Dirty Mind.'
The song gained significant popularity after Cyndi Lauper included it on her album 'She's So Unusual' in 1983.
The Fleetwood Mac singer reportedly co-wrote the song with Prince, and she allegedly attributed her inspiration for it to his hit song 'Little Red Corvette.'
The song reached No. 5 on the 1983 Billboard Hot 100.
The talented songstress received this 1992 song as a gift from Prince.
In her self-titled album, Dion showcased the gift accompanied by her stunning voice.
Prince and Madonna collaborated on a royal slow jam, which was recorded in Minnesota's Paisley Park Studio for her 1989 album 'Like a Prayer.'
They had to write it remotely, according to Madonna's later explanation, "I had to be in L.A. and he couldn't leave Minneapolis, and honestly, I couldn't tolerate Minneapolis."
Prince created a girl group that included Patricia Kotero, Brenda Bennett, and Susan Moonsie. They released a self-titled album, with this track also being released as a single.
'Be Yourself,' Patti LaBelle's renowned 1989 album, features a song written and produced by Prince.
The song reached the sixth spot on the Billboard R&B chart.
The song was originally created by Prince for Morris Day and the Time, and it was featured on their 1981 debut album.
The song was subsequently covered by the girl group TLC for the soundtrack of the 1993 film 'Poetic Justice.' It quickly became a major hit for the group and was even featured in their subsequent greatest hits album.
Prince and Martika co-wrote this song, which reportedly started out as a hymn that the 'Toy Soldiers' singer had written in a notebook.
Prince's talent for songwriting and production transformed it into a chart-topping hit for 'Martika's Kitchen,' her 1991 album.
Originally intended to be recorded by his girl group Apollonia 6, this song ultimately became the title track and closing song on Sheila E.'s debut solo album, as a result of Prince's friendship with her.
The duo had a longstanding and successful collaboration. Their track reached No. 7 on the US pop charts and No. 1 on the US dance charts. It also received two Grammy Award nominations.
Prince composed this ballad using the pseudonym "Joey Coco."
The song was penned specifically for country artist Kenny Rogers and featured on his 1986 album titled 'They Don't Make Them Like They Used To.'
Published in 1990, this R&B track, written and produced by Prince, is a tribute to personal success in the big city.
The debut single from R&B singer Tevin Campbell's first album 'T.E.V.I.N.' was also his initial solo release. Quite impressive for a newcomer!
According to the story, Bush requested Prince's assistance in providing background vocals for 'Why Should I Love You?' in 1991. She apparently sent him the track, after which Prince added his vocals and...
Additionally, he incorporated various instrumental elements that steered the song in a different direction. This particular track can be found on Bush's album 'The Red Shoes' released in 1993.
He is well-known for saying: "The key to longevity is to learn every aspect of music that you can." Unfortunately, life is like a party, and parties are not meant to last long.
Hit songs you didn't know were written by Prince
The music legend wrote numerous hits for other iconic performers
MUSIC Purple rain
Today, we gather to honor and celebrate the remarkable legacy of Prince. He was much more than a pop culture icon; he was a trailblazer, a multi-instrumentalist, a prolific songwriter, a renowned producer, and an actor. As the LA Times put it, he was “our first post-everything pop star,” becoming a figure who transcended the barriers of genre, race, gender, and commercial success.
Throughout his extensive career spanning four decades, Prince captivated audiences with his unforgettable stage presence, iconic fashion choices, and limitless talent. Whether it was guitar drums, bass, or keyboards, he mastered countless musical instruments effortlessly. Combined with his extraordinary vocal range, which spanned from falsetto to baritone, music truly became his playground. This allowed him to reshape and push the boundaries of various genres, including the celebrated Minneapolis sound that blended funk, rock, synth-pop, and new wave.
At the tender age of seven, Prince wrote his first song, and by the time he turned 18, he achieved platinum success, setting the stage for a remarkable musical journey. With over 39 studio albums and an impressive collection of accolades, Prince sold over 100 million records worldwide. It seemed as though his career would continue to flourish, but unfortunately, his life was tragically cut short, leaving the world mourning the loss of a true legend.
Prince's influence on culture can be seen not only in his distinctive and extravagant fashion choices, but also in his extensive discography and diverse body of work. Yet, one of the most striking aspects of his generosity was his willingness to share his musical gifts with others. He wrote numerous songs for fellow artists and even allowed his music to be covered by other performers, often using a pen name. These songs topped the charts and became unexpected hits, further cementing Prince's impact on the world of music.
Take a look at the gallery to discover the surprisingly successful songs that you may not have realized were penned by Prince. It serves as a testament to his immense talent and enduring presence in music history.