Prince

Prince Rogers Nelson, famously known as Prince, was a singer, songwriter and musician who rose to fame in the 1970s. He became a world renowned star with hit songs like “Purple Rain,” “When Doves Cry” and “Kiss.” His music blended rock, funk, pop and R&B, which helped showcase his legendary guitar skills. Influenced by his jazz musician father, Prince began playing instruments at a young age and formed his first band, Grand Central, as a teenager. In 1977, he secured a record deal with Warner Bros. Records. and released his debut album, For You, in 1978, launching his prolific career.

Across his 39 albums, Prince received numerous accolades, including eight Billboard Music Awards, including the Billboard Icon Award in 2015, seven Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.

Known for his fierce advocacy for artist control, he famously changed his name to a symbol, demanded ownership and eventually went independent to protest against record label restrictions. He released his final album on Warner Bros. Records, titled Chaos and Disorder, in July 1996, and Prince dropped his first independent album, titled Emancipation, on his NPG Records label the following November.

In 1985, Prince was engaged to musician Susannah Melvoin, but they ultimately split before saying “I do.”

He went on to marry his backup singer Mayte Garcia in 1996. They met in 1990 and he became her legal guardian the following year when she was 17. They started dating in 1992, and Garcia gave birth to their son, Amiir, in 1996. Their son was born with Pfeiffer syndrome type 2, leaving him unable to breathe on his own. He died six days after his birth. Prince and Garcia divorced in 2000.

Prince later married Manuela Testolini in 2001. They divorced in 2007.

On April 12, 2016, Prince died from an accidental overdose of fentanyl at his Paisley Park estate in Chanhassen, Minnesota at age 57.