CHARACTERS
Prince would have turned 65 today, trivia you may not have known
Prince Rogers Nelson was born in Minneapolis (USA) on 7 June 1958 into a family of musicians: his father was a pianist and composer, while his mother was a jazz singer.
Throughout his career, Prince distinguished himself for his unique voice timbre, but also for his extraordinary talent with the guitar.
Here are five interesting facts about Prince, who left us on 21 April 2016, when he was found dead in a lift inside the Paisley Park complex, his historic residence located in Chanhassen, near Minneapolis.
Prince left us seven years ago, today he would be 65 years old
Prince Rogers Nelson was born in Minneapolis (USA) on 7 June 1958 into a family of musicians: his father was a pianist and composer, while his mother was a jazz singer. Throughout his career, Prince distinguished himself for his unique voice timbre, but also for his extraordinary talent with the guitar. Here are five interesting facts about Prince, who left us on 21 April 2016, when he was found dead in a lift inside the Paisley Park complex, his historic residence located in Chanhassen, near Minneapolis.
The extraordinary success and record of "Purple Rain"
Prince is also and above all remembered for the beautiful multimedia project 'Purple Rain'. Yes, because 'Purple Rain' is not only a wonderful song, but also an intense film starring 'The Kid', a young singer who performs in a nightclub, played by Prince himself, who of course also wrote the soundtrack. Thanks to this (musical and film) work, Prince simultaneously reached number one in the singles, album and film charts: before him, only the Beatles had managed this.
During his career Prince wrote more than 600 songs
Just like the Beatles, Prince was one of the most prolific songwriters ever, having written more than 600 songs, both for himself and for other artists: the musician composed his first song, 'Funk Machine', when he was only seven years old, while playing his father's piano. Prince is, for example, the author of the famous 'Nothing Compares 2 U', brought to success by Sinéad O'Connor and also reinterpreted by Chris Cornell. Other hits such as 'I Feel For You' by Chaka Khan and 'How Come You Don't Call Me Anymore' by Alicia Keys were also written by the singer.
The extraordinary Paisely Park
Just like the Beatles, Prince was one of the most prolific songwriters ever, having written more than 600 songs, both for himself and for other artists: the musician composed his first song, 'Funk Machine', when he was only seven years old, while playing his father's piano. Prince is, for example, the author of the famous 'Nothing Compares 2 U', brought to success by Sinéad O'Connor and also reinterpreted by Chris Cornell. Other hits such as 'I Feel For You' by Chaka Khan and 'How Come You Don't Call Me Anymore' by Alicia Keys were also written by the singer.
The Greatest Halftime Show of All Time
On 4 February 2007, Prince performed in Miami in what is, according to many, the best performance ever at the Super Bowl Halftime Show. The singer-songwriter gave a sensational live performance from start to finish, but the most memorable moment was the final part, when Prince sang the famous 'Purple Rain' on his guitar in the pouring rain: the whole stadium sang along with him, in a mystical and magical moment that also earned him the number one spot on Billboard's list of the best Halftime Shows of all time.
Prince hated being filmed on cell phones during concerts
Although Prince was among the first to realise the potential of the Internet for promoting his music and for online sales on his website, he did not particularly appreciate smartphones. In fact, he hated that the audience recorded his performances during concerts. Confirming this, in 2014 the guitarist sued 22 fans, who were accused of posting videos of one of his live performances online without consent.
From the past
23/03/2024
The music world, but more specifically the rock 'n' roll environment, has always been a place inhabited by cursed artists, bizarre characters, suffering personalities and misunderstood geniuses. The lives of these great artists have often not been easy, and have also given rise to many legends.
The famous 27 Club, for example, is said to have been born out of a pact with the devil. But also the rock stars' passion for drugs gave rise to many urban legends that are still believed to be true by many people today.
It is difficult to say how much truth there is in these tales, but it is undeniable that the stories told have, over the years, increased the myth of the cursed poet, the wild rocker and the 'fast life'.
Curiosities
22/03/2024
For various reasons, some bands, as well as some singers, force themselves to stop playing certain songs live, including some of their biggest hits.
Among these bands are Beatles, who, for example, have never played at least ten songs from their entire repertoire live.
The Beatles, of course, are not the only musicians who have had this peculiarity. The same goes for other great artists such as David Gilmour, AC/DC, but also R.E.M. Here are some of the songs that musicians have never performed (or ever again performed) live.