Jul 17, 2025 12:44 PM
DownBeat’s 73rd Annual Critics Poll: One for the Record Books
You see before you what we believe is the largest and most comprehensive Critics Poll in the history of jazz. DownBeat…
Prince (1958–2016)
(Photo: Courtesy Warner. Bros.)Prince, a singer-songwriter who mixed r&b, funk, rock and jazz elements into a style all his own, has died at the age of 57. His publicist confirmed the news to the Associated Press, which sent out an announcement via Twitter. He passed away on April 21 at his Paisley Park home and studio in suburban Minneapolis.
Born Prince Rogers Nelson on June 7, 1958, in Minneapolis, he spent his entire career based in the Minneapolis area.
His debut album was the 1978 Warner Bros. release For You.
Prince reached the peak of his popularity with the 1984 film Purple Rain and the soundtrack of the same name. The album won a Grammy in the category Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal. The soundtrack score also earned Prince an Oscar.
A very prolific artist, Prince released albums frequently over the past 20 years, including 39 studio discs.
Famous for being a studio wizard who could play multiple instruments, Prince explored the artistic freedom that came along with being able to record whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted, in his extensive Paisley Park studio.
During past two years, his albums included Art Official Age, HitnRun Phase One and HitnRun Phase Two.
Neil Portnow, the president and CEO of The Recording Academy, issued the following statement: “Our GRAMMY family is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of seven-time GRAMMY Award winner Prince. Today, we remember and celebrate him as one of the most uniquely gifted artists of all time. Never one to conform, he redefined and forever changed our musical landscape. Prince was an original who influenced so many, and his legacy will live on forever. We have lost a true innovator and our sincerest condolences go out to his family, friends, collaborators and all who have been impacted by his incredible work.”
Prince was inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004. To visit his biography page at the museum’s website, click here.
James Brandon Lewis earned honors for Artist of the Year and Tenor Saxophonist of the Year. Three of his recordings placed in the Albums of the Year category.
Jul 17, 2025 12:44 PM
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