Prince and the Community Roots of the Minneapolis Sound

• In Event: Prince Rogers Nelson and the Black Past, Place, and Future

Abstract

The musical genius of Prince Rogers Nelson (multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, producer and icon) cannot be overstated. For nearly four decades his sonic interventions have transformed popular music and transcended distinctions of genre and musical style. The individual genius of Prince, nevertheless, is indicative of the artistic brilliance of the community out which he emerged – Minneapolis, Minnesota. This paper examines Prince’s experiences with community-rooted arts education and relationships with local networks of musicians in the Minneapolis. In addition to the profound influence of family members -- especially his father, jazz pianist John Nelson [also known as Prince Rogers] -- Prince received extensive musical training and performance opportunities in the public schools, as well as mentorship and collaboration with local musicians via public sphere and social activist institutions. The examination of this dimension of Prince’s musical journey seeks to contribute to the wider project of re-conceptualizing notions of arts education and civic engagement.

Author

• Scot Brown, UCLA