Before growing to become one of the more recognizable figures of the international music and pop culture community, Prince came from humble beginnings. Born Prince Rogers Nelson in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to a pianist father and a jazz singer mother, Prince was named after his father, who adopted the stage name Prince Rogers--performing with and fronting a jazz group dubbed the Prince Rogers Trio. Spurred on by both his parents, Prince began to develop a strong interest in a music at a young age, and by the time he turned 7 he had written his first song, "Funk Machine," on his father's piano. Continuing to refine his musical palate and polish his songwriting approach, Prince created a demo tape of original songs in 1976 and was quickly noticed by Minneapolis-based businessman Owen Husney, who signed Prince at the age of 17. Shortly thereafter Husney helped Prince land a recording contract with Warner Bros. Records. While Prince released his debut album, For You, in 1978, he didn't receive mainstream cultural recognition until his self-titled sophomore album was released in 1979. Throughout the 1980s, Prince would go on to cement his standing as one of the more iconic music figures with his provocative style, brash guitar playing and unmistakable voice. The legendary performer passed away at his Paisley Park compound in Minneapolis on April 21, 2016.
