I can’t tell you every Prince song ever made off the top of my head, but I can tell you my favorites. I can tell you how I felt when I first heard them. In the end, isn’t that what matters, the impact that the artist had on you?
Unlike most Prince fans, I didn’t get my first taste of the “Artist formally known as Prince” until I was well into my teens. He had already changed his name three times and sold millions of records.
So…I was a little behind.
I first heard “Purple Rain” while I was at a friend’s house. He happened to be watching the movie, and I began to find myself entranced. I found myself soaking in the songs even more than the storyline. I watched as Apollonia gazed longingly, while Prince serenaded the audience with “The Beautiful Ones “. I fell in love with “I would die 4 u “. I watched as he sauntered onto the stage and sang “Darling Nikki “, and by the time he got ready to sing “When Doves Cry “, I was a goner.
I wish I could say that I went on to buy every Prince record after watching that movie, but I’d be lying. My finances weren’t stable enough for that type of dedication. However, I did purchase all the Prince that I could afford.
Alicia Keys introduced me to “How come you don’t Call Me?”. She praised Prince as one of her “great inspirations”. Now, I avait to hear the original recording by Prince. The song was absolutely amazing. I found it on iTunes and listened to it for days.
I was in college by the time I first heard “I Wanna be Your Lover “. I was stressed out about finals and looking for good music to cheer me up. This song helped me dance away a whole night of studying! I’m not sure if it helped me pass the class, but it sure allowed me to have a good night.
Recently, I purchased his last album and listened to it for a week straight. Everywhere I went, Prince followed me…or should I say, he led me. He kept me in a good mood when things felt chaotic. I listened to the song “Breakfast Can Wait” while cooking; I ended up burning all of my food! I didn’t care. There was a new Prince album to become acquainted with.
I was at home yesterday afternoon when I found out about his passing. A friend of mine sent me a message to let me know. I ended up scouring the internet, hoping it was a hoax. Prince was larger than life! He couldn’t be gone! I had only just begun to truly appreciate him as an artist. He just won the rights to his music, and he had concerts planned. This couldn’t be it, but here I am, 24 hours later, after a whole night of listening to every Prince song I could get my hands on.
I sit here and I think.
A light has dimmed.
An angel has gained its wings.
There must be one hell of a concert going up above the cloud.
