There are artists, and then there are the few pioneers that change the entire world of music. Prince was one of these trailblazers. From his musical abilities, to his image to the way his sound became one with his identity, Prince will always be remembered as one of the most influential artists in the history of popular music. Today, we’re going to take a look at how Prince changed the music scene forever.

1. Prince’s Sound

The birth of Prince’s influential career began with his music and famous “Minneapolis Sound” that lead to his first album, For You, in 1978. His mixture of rock and funk to pop and new wave music was what made him unique. No one had heard anything quite like it.

Throughout his career, Prince continued to experiment with sound and music. After seven Grammys, top of the chart singles, albums and millions of fans worldwide, it’s safe to say that Prince reigns as one of the most esteemed pop music pioneers of the 20th century.

2. His Battle with the Record Industry

Not only did Prince write songs, but he played most instruments and produced music. His hands-on approach gave creative power back to artists. By taking full control over the direction of his work, Prince was able to shape the sounds that still influence countless musicians to this very day. Prince stood up for artists everywhere who were facing tension with their record labels. He wasn’t scared to take a stand against anyone who was a threat to his art.

Even when he left his original record company, Prince stuck by his principles and released music through his own record label and sold music online. He was revolutionalised not only with his music but with his business minded approach to his craft. He stood for the rights of artists.

3. The Birth of “Prince”

Prince’s image is what made him the artist we grew to love. His image and his music were sly, sexy and provocative. His costumes, attitude and gender fluid persona pushed society’s boundaries of sexuality, style, music and personality. Whilst Ziggy Stardust was David Bowie’s persona, Prince’s was Prince.

 4. How He Changed MTV

His “Little Red Corvette” shot Prince to the top of the charts. It was at a time when African-American artists were struggling to get prominent airplay on MTV that “Little Red Corvette” broke the barrier which helped to bring in an era of diverse sounds and talents on America’s most popular music station.

 5. Purple Rain

Prince’s film, Purple Rain became synonymous with the artist for the rest of his life. Its soundtrack, featuring Prince and The Revolution, allowed the film to become the last one to win an Oscar for the Best Original Song Score and to win a pair of Grammys.

Through the film, Prince became the first artist to achieve a top-of-the-charts trifecta: a top American film, album and single all at the same time.

Needless to say, Prince’s influence on the world of music and culture won’t be phased out anytime soon. He’ll be remembered for his unique sounds and his provocative personality that made him the artist we know and love.

If you love music as much as we do, or are interested in learning and producing your own music come talk to us at Olimpus in Mosta. We have a large collection of musical instruments and equipment to get your future in music started.

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