Thirty-five years ago this month, Prince’s iconic ‘Purple Rain shocked Hollywood, delighted moviegoers and thrust Prince in mega-stardom – breaking barriers in the process.
Remembering Prince
Remembering Prince (1958 – 2016):

Prince and the B-Sides: a love story
Unlike other artists, the songs that Prince chose as B-sides were gems and never deemed throwaways or filler.
Paisley Park partners with Minneapolis Public Schools for new arts education program
Through a structured program, MPS students will be offered admission-free tours and music education experiences, helping to equalize opportunity and access for students who may not otherwise have the ability to experience the late legend’s creative grounds.
Prince in concert: an experience like no other
Nearly thirty years later, it remains one of the most thrilling experiences of my entire life. Prince took us to church that night, as he did with everyone on that 44-city tour across three continents.
The U of M to honor Prince
The late, legendary Prince will receive another posthumous honor: a Doctor of Humane Letters degree from the University of Minnesota. Prior to Prince’s passing, the U of M had planned to present the iconic entertainer with the honorary degree in recognition of his extraordinary talent and influence, as well as his role in shaping the […]
Prince is often called a modern-day Mozart
Many of us are familiar with Prince-penned hits recorded by Chaka Khan, Stephanie Mills, Stevie Nicks, Patti LaBelle, and Sheena Easton, among numerous others. Plus, all the notable tracks he wrote for other veterans of the Minneapolis Sound, including The Time, André Cymone, Vanity 6, and Sheila E. But did you know he also wrote for the likes of Joe Cocker, Kenny Rogers, Celine Dion, and Candy Dulfer?
‘Purple Music’ to plumb the rich depths of Minneapolis’ musical legacy
This column will lift up the stories of others who played a critical role in the development of the Minneapolis Sound, stories which otherwise may have been lost to history. More than anything, “Purple Music” is simply a space to honor our hometown hero, his meaning to us, and his meaning to the world.
Paint the town purple — Prince events in the Twin Cities and beyond
The Twin Cities and beyond will be awash in purple this week as Prince fans mark the two-year anniversary of the music legend’s April 21, 2016 passing. The University of Minnesota symposium and panel discussions are at capacity, but there’s still plenty to do to celebrate the Purple One’s legacy. Below we’ve compiled a list of a […]
Sheila E., The Revolution, and Morris Day and the Time brave cold to salute Prince (photos)
A bitter cold draped “Salute to Prince” night at Super Bowl Live in downtown Minneapolis on Monday evening. It was cold enough that the singers seemed unable to perform without mentioning the dire weather. But even with the frigid four-degree temperature steadily dropping into the night, the cold couldn’t stop attendees from dancing and reminiscing. […]
Prince-inspired art coming to Southside utility boxes
Residents of the Central neighborhood in Minneapolis will soon see a bit more purple, as Prince-inspired artwork is set to launch on select utility boxes next month. The initiative entitled Project Purple was created and funded by the Central Area Neighborhood Development Organization (CANDO), and has been in the works since Prince’s passing in April of […]
Local journalist’s ‘Gold Experience’ details dismissed period of Prince’s career
Jim Walsh has been a Prince fan since the ’80s. So in 1993, when he went to Pioneer Press as a music critic, it was an opportunity for him to focus his work on the music legend. The result of 11 years of covering the artist has produced Gold Experience: Following Prince in the ’90s, […]
Reflections on Prince live in concert
Legendary artist still in top form at last show (This story was originally published June 2, 2016) It was a clear departure from his previous live performances over the years, but his Thursday night concert in Atlanta is one Kenya Taylor will never forget. “The minute he walked out on stage, everybody lost it. He sat […]
In memory and celebration of Prince: art, parties & music, music, music!
Editor’s note: Please find our 2018 list here. The Twin Cities will be full of celebrations this week to honor the life and legacy of Prince, leading up to the one-year anniversary of his passing, April 21. The celebrations will include Minneapolis landmarks lit up in purple April 20-21. Some events have already sold out, but there’s still plenty of purple […]
Paisley Park will mark anniversary of Prince’s death with four-day celebration
It was announced Tuesday, November 28, that Paisley Park will mark the one-year anniversary of Prince’s death with a celebration to honor his legacy. Entitled “Celebration 2017,” the four-day event kicks off April 20, 2017 at Prince’s Paisley Park in Chanhassen. According to the press release, the event will bring together artists who have worked closely […]
Finality of Prince’s death comes too soon in Paisley Park tour
Better it should follow the celebration of his work “Uptown,” “Calhoun Square”: the late musician Prince was known for writing songs that spoke of areas around his Twin Cities hometown. But none were more significant than “Paisley Park.” On October 6, Prince’s Chanhassen home was opened for fans to tour. The massive white structure made up […]
Prince’s Paisley Park now a permanent museum
Paisley Park, once the private estate and production complex of late Minnesota musical icon Prince, is now a permanent museum. On October 24, the Chanhassen City Council unanimously voted to rezone the property to allow for ongoing public tours starting October 28. The family and estate of the late singer announced August 24 that the property would be opened […]
PHOTOS | Sheila E. honors Prince’s legacy of giving with Purple Philanthropy benefit concert
Percussionist, singer/songwriter and longtime Prince protégé and musical collaborator, Sheila E., paid homage to Prince and his legacy of charitable giving with the “Purple Philanthropy” concert at Minnesota Orchestra Hall Oct. 23. Sheila’s father, jazz percussionist Pete Escovedo, members of Prince’s family, ex-wife Mayte and other Prince associates, plus young local musicians, joined her on stage to […]
PHOTOS/VIDEO | Sheila E. unites with Mpls. mayor, local nonprofit to continue Prince’s philanthropic efforts
Percussionist, singer/songwriter and longtime Prince protégé and musical collaborator, Sheila E., officially announced today her plans for a concert at Minnesota Orchestra Hall to honor Prince and his charitable contributions to the community. The concert entitled “Purple Philanthropy Sheila E. Benefit Concert” scheduled for October 23, will kick off a season of fundraising to carry […]
UPDATED | Prince tribute concert planned for Oct. 13 at Xcel Energy Center
UPDATE: More details were released today about what is being billed as “The Official Prince Tribute Concert” planned by his estate. According to the press release, Stevie Wonder will headline an all-star line up that includes “Christina Aguilera, Chaka Khan, John Mayer, Tori Kelly, Anita Baker, Doug E. Fresh, Luke James, Bilal, Mint Condition along with Prince’s […]
Unite in Purple to honor Prince at Minnesota State Fair August 26
The Minnesota State Fairgrounds will be bathed in purple August 26 to honor Minnesota’s native son, the late musical legend Prince. Organizers are asking attendees to come together in their best purple attire and Prince gear and enjoy rides and buildings lit up in purple. There will be Prince music, tributes, and covers at various […]
