The death of singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer, and actor Prince Rogers Nelson, better known as Prince, was an unpleasant surprise. We were born the same year, and that is disheartening. Worse is the notion he’ll not be making more music.
The death of singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer, and actor Prince Rogers Nelson, better known as Prince, was an unpleasant surprise. We were born the same year, and that is disheartening. Worse is the notion he’ll not be making more music.
I’ve enjoyed his hits since shortly after high school. Over four decades, he cranked out tunes that have stood the test of time. What’s more, he made a lasting impression on the culture. Expressing regret at his passing were voices as diverse as President Obama, Eric Clapton, Blake Shelton, Celine Dion, Katy Perry, Samuel Jackson, Katie Couric, Ellen DeGeneres, and Justin Timberlake.
A repeated hit maker, he also sported a signature style. The frills, ruffles, and platform shoes he wore made him stand out, but he carried himself with a certain dignity. His records and shows displayed inspired song craft and showmanship; live performance videos show a remarkable precision in his staging and a powerful ability to lay down a groove. At wedding receptions or parties, the man’s music compelled my body to get up and dance.
In addition to his own chart-toppers, Prince wrote hits for others as far back as 1982. Artists who found big success with Prince compositions include Vanity 6 (“Nasty Girl”), Stevie Nicks (“Stand Back”), Morris Day & The Time (“Jungle Love”), Sheila E. (“The Glamorous Life” and “A Love Bizarre”), Chaka Khan (“I Feel for You”), Sheena Easton (“Sugar Walls”), The Bangles (“Manic Monday”), Patti Labelle (“Yo Mister”), Alicia Keys (“How Come You Don’t Call Me Anymore”),and Sinead O’Connor (“Nothing Compares 2 U”).
Prince’s touch was also magic in bolstering the career of pop singer Tom Jones, who, after adding Prince’s “Kiss” to his Las Vegas show, soon recorded his own version with the avant-garde group, Art of Noise. The result got Jones on MTV for the first time, and a new generation met the Welsh singer.
I picked up the guitar years ago. I never got great at it, but had fun strumming along with friends or recordings and occasionally writing a song. What little I know about music making gave me great respect for what Prince did.
He seemed in total command of his skills as an instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter. What is more, he seemed completely comfortable with his creative gifts, and he was absolutely generous in sharing them.
It seems he was magnanimous in other ways too, anonymously donating huge sums to a host of deserving causes, including the Louisville Free Public Library, the group YesWeCode, dedicated to helping low income children learn computer programming, and Green for All, an organization aimed at helping people out of poverty while building a green economy.
Perhaps his generosity will continue. There is speculation that scores of Prince’s recordings remain unreleased. I selfishly hope we get to hear a lot more of his inspired work.
Nice to spend time on Earth with you, Brother Nelson. Thanks for sharing; we will think of you on the dance floor.
Pat Grimes, a former South Bay resident, writes from Ypsilanti, Mich. He can be reached at pgwriter@inbox.com
