Musician, Singer. Known professionally as Prince, whose music combined elements of rock, rhythm and blues, soul and funk, among other genres, sold over 100 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling artists of all time. He has won seven Grammy Awards, a Golden Globe, and an Academy Award and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, the first year of his eligibility. In 1978, he released his debut album, 'For You,' which was followed by 'Prince' (1979), 'Dirty Mind' (1980) and 'Controversy' (1981) and found international success with the release of his 1982 album, '1999,' and went on to create the film and album 'Purple Rain' (1984). By the time he released his 11th studio album, 'Batman' in 1989, he was one of the world's most commercially successful pop artists. In 1993, he changed his name to the unpronounceable symbol, which he used until 2000. During that time, he was more frequently referred to as "the artist formerly known as Prince." In 2004, he released 'Musicology' with a tour that became the top concert draw in the United States. The album won two Grammys. His next album, '3121,' was released in 2006. That year, he wrote and performed "Song of the Heart" for the animated film 'Happy Feet,' and won a Golden Globe for the composition.

Musician, Singer. Known professionally as Prince, whose music combined elements of rock, rhythm and blues, soul and funk, among other genres, sold over 100 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling artists of all time. He has won seven Grammy Awards, a Golden Globe, and an Academy Award and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, the first year of his eligibility. In 1978, he released his debut album, 'For You,' which was followed by 'Prince' (1979), 'Dirty Mind' (1980) and 'Controversy' (1981) and found international success with the release of his 1982 album, '1999,' and went on to create the film and album 'Purple Rain' (1984). By the time he released his 11th studio album, 'Batman' in 1989, he was one of the world's most commercially successful pop artists. In 1993, he changed his name to the unpronounceable symbol, which he used until 2000. During that time, he was more frequently referred to as "the artist formerly known as Prince." In 2004, he released 'Musicology' with a tour that became the top concert draw in the United States. The album won two Grammys. His next album, '3121,' was released in 2006. That year, he wrote and performed "Song of the Heart" for the animated film 'Happy Feet,' and won a Golden Globe for the composition.

Bio by: Louis du Mort