The musician’s resolve to make music on his own terms saw a career peppered with commercial disputes – many of which now seem remarkably prescientAs with his art,Prince’s presence within the music industry was a mix of solid genius and commendable folly.
The Minneapolis artist signed to Warner Bros Records aged 17 and subsequently wrote, produced and played every instrument on his debut album, and 1978’s For You. In doing so,he set out his stall early; here was a musical prodigy who did everything on his own terms and would kowtow to no one. Warner had immense faith and stuck with him through six years and six albums until he scored his first No 1 album, 1984’s Purple Rain. That faith was repaid by years of phenomenal sales but eventually resulted in the most controversial artist/label topple-out in history.Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com