Lawless Entertainment May 2016 | Page 5

Prince Got His Name From His Father .
Prince ’ s full name is actually Prince Rogers Nelson — he ’ s named after his father , John Lewis Nelson , whose stage name was Prince Rogers . Prince ’ s father performed as a jazz musician in the popular group Prince Rogers Trio . Prince dedicated the song “ A Case of U ,” from his album “ One Nite Alone ” to his father upon his death in 2001 at age 85 .
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“ I named my son Prince because I wanted him to do everything I wanted to do ,” Nelson said in a 1991 interview . What ’ s In A Name ?
Prince was known to take on a variety of different personas — an act that defined him as a performer and funk icon . When writing songs for other artists , Prince took on several pseudonyms throughout his career , including “ Jamie Starr and the Starr Company ,” and “ Paisley Park ,” for which his 1985 record label was named .
Oscars , Grammys and … a Razzie ?
Prince won an Oscar for “ Best Musical Score ” for the hit film “ Purple Rain ,” in 1985 . The hit 1984 film was accompanied by an album of the same name — which took home a Grammy for best musical score . The “ Purple Rain ” film was also nominated for a Golden Globe .
“ Purple Rain ” became one of the most notable achievements of Prince ’ s career — even coining some laughable moments . The track “ Sex Shooter ” actually won a Razzie for “ Worst Original Song ” in 1985 .
“ Purple Rain ” is repeatedly referred to as one of the greatest albums of all time , with Time magazine ranking it as the 15th best album of all time in 1993 .
“ Purple Rain ” was Prince ’ s 6th studio album . His 38th and 39th studio album , “ HITnRUN ” Phases I and II , were released in 2015 .
More Than Just A Singer .
Prince was known to have been a more dynamic artist , mastering singing , acting , songwriting and instrumentals . Prince wrote his first song , titled “ Funk Machine ,” on his father ’ s piano when he was only seven years old . The artist was also known to have played synthesizer , harmonica and several types of percussion instruments .
Even the way he manipulated his vocals were an act of artistry — the singer had a wide , agile range , shifting from full , deep baritones to high , lofty falsettos with fluidity and ease .
Celebrity Love Connections .
Prince was known for his sexually-charged performances onstage — but the artist was also connected to several celebrity love affairs with stars like Madonna and Carmen Electra . Prince was married twice — more recently to Manuela Testolini Nelson ( they divorced in 2007 ) and earlier to Mayte Garcia ( divorced in 2000 .)
Prince had one child , named “ Boy Gregory ,” but he died shortly after birth .
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