Intro: Documentaries about Prince
Prince Rogers Nelson, known simply as Prince, was an American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1958, Prince was a prolific artist who is widely regarded as one of the greatest musicians of our time. He created his own unique sound, dubbed 'the Minneapolis sound', which blended elements of funk, rock, and pop to create a sound that was both innovative and danceable.
Prince released his debut album, 'For You', in 1978, which was followed by a string of successful albums that included the classics '1999', 'Purple Rain', 'Dirty Mind', and 'Sign of the Times'. These records showcased Prince's versatility as a songwriter and his ability to blend different musical genres seamlessly. He wrote and produced his own music, playing all the instruments himself, showcasing his versatility as a musician.
Prince was not only a great performer but also a composer who wrote songs for other artists, including Sinead O'Connor, Alicia Keys, and the Bangles. He also had a long list of music protegees that he took under his wing, including Sheila E. and Vanity 6.
Prince's genius was widely recognized, and his unique mix of musical styles and his flamboyant stage presence made him stand out amongst his peers. His legacy continues to inspire countless artists today, and his influence can be seen in the work of artists across all genres of music.
With his aliases ranging from the flamboyant The Artist Formerly Known As Prince to the symbol created to protest against Warner Bros., he captivated audiences for decades with his eclectic style and magnetic performances.
Prince was a true visionary, with a drive to create and innovate that set him apart from his contemporaries. He was passionate about his craft, and his music was a reflection of that passion. His unique blend of genres has left an indelible mark on the music industry, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations of musicians to come.
Even those who may not know all the details of his life have been moved by his incredible body of work, which is characterized by an unbelievable productivity and creativity. Watching documentaries about him and getting to know his story is a testament to all he accomplished in his sadly too short lifetime, as Prince rarely gave interviews, preferring to let his music “do the talking”. Exploring these documentaries makes it readily understood why, even after his death in 2016, Prince is still keeping the world dancing to his groove.
1. Prince Rogers Nelson Omnibus BBC Documentary - Documentaries on Prince
Join us on the BBC Omnibus Documentary from 1991 on the iconic artist, Prince. Featuring rare footage, interviews from music industry players and fellow artists, this documentary takes an in-depth look at the enigmatic performer. Get an exclusive look behind the scenes of his concerts, tours, and music video productions, as well as an inside glimpse into his legendary Paisley Park Studios. Don't miss this opportunity to discover more about the life and career of one of the greatest artists of all time.
2. Slave Trade - Prince Documentary
Elio Espana's video documentary on Prince is an inspiring story of resilience and boldness. The film details Prince's courageous fight against his record company, as he fought to reclaim control of his creative works and set a precedent for the entire music industry. His legal battle revolutionized the music industry!
3. A Behind the Scenes Documentary - Documentaries about Prince
Uncover the captivating tale of Prince! From his musical genius to his eclectic works and flamboyant stage presence, explore what drove Prince's success as an iconic singer-songwriter, actor, multi-instrumentalist, philanthropist, dancer and record producer. Dive deep into the rock star's backstory and discover the secrets behind his electrifying artistry.
4. Prince, A Purple Reign - Documentaries about Prince
Prince was a revolutionary musical artist who changed the perception of black music in the 1980s. His iconic hits such as "1999," "Kiss," "Raspberry Beret," and "Alphabet Street" made him a global sensation, and his Oscar-winning semi-autobiographical movie Purple Rain (1984) further propelled him to fame. Prince's impressive array of songs includes some of the most iconic sounds of the 80s and 90s, including “When Doves Cry,” “Cream,” “The Most Beautiful Girl in the World,” “Sign ‘O’ the Times,” “Little Red Corvette,” “7,” and more. He also tested boundaries with explicit sexual lyrics and flamboyant live performances.
Contributors to this documentary include Revolution guitarist Dez Dickerson, Paisley Park label president Alan Leeds, hip-hop legend Chuck D and Prince 'Mastermind' and UK soul star Beverley Knight. They explore how Prince revolutionised black music with his psychedelic Around the World in a Day album to his masterpiece Sign O' The Times and experiments with hip-hop and jazz.
Prince was an enigmatic creative force whose journey continued right up to his passing in April 2016 at age 57. This documentary is an exploration into his life as one of the most ambitious songwriters of his generation.
5. Last Year of a Legend - Prince Documentaries
Dive into the life of the iconic funk-rock star Prince with this captivating documentary. Delving into his final year and beyond, we'll explore his surprise performance at the White House in 2015 until his unexpected death in 2016 due to a fatal fentanyl overdose at only 57 years old. Let us take you inside Prince's Paisley Park recording studio and home in Minnesota and uncover the untold story of his last days.
6. Where is the Funk? How Prince Created the Minneapolis Sound (feat. Jellybean Johnson of The Time) - Prince Documentary
Journey to Minneapolis to uncover the thrilling story of the legendary electro-funk scene known as The Minneapolis Sound! Join LA on-site with Jellybean Johnson, the groundbreaking musician from The Time who helped craft the pioneering sound, and get his exclusive insight on how Prince, Jimmy Jam, and Terry Lewis revolutionized an entire genre. And you won’t want to miss LA’s amazing original composition created in the Minneapolis style – it’s a musical experience not to be missed! Get ready for an unmissable journey through music history and find out why Prince was so important for the development of The Minneapolis Sound.
Documentaries about Prince: Conclusions
If you are eager to know more about the life and music of Prince and his legacy, then you should watch the six documentaries we listed above. If you enjoyed this content, don’t forget to share it!
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