The Evolution of Prince

Rest in peace to a legend.

The Evolution of Prince  - April 21, 2016: the day we lost one of music's most prolific and brilliant minds. Prince Rogers Nelson passed away at the age of 57 years old. The impact he will leave on this planet will echo forever. Prince gave us decades of iconic music, fashion and polite protests, setting a precedent for anyone who dare call themselves an artist. Read on for a breakdown of the fantastic voyage to his legendary, purple-tinged throne. Rest well, Prince. We will miss you terribly. — Kathy Iandoli, Alex Gale, Dominique Zonyeé (@DominiqueZonyee), and BET Staff (Photo: Courtesy Columbia Records) 

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The Evolution of Prince  - April 21, 2016: the day we lost one of music's most prolific and brilliant minds. Prince Rogers Nelson passed away at the age of 57 years old. The impact he will leave on this planet will echo forever. Prince gave us decades of iconic music, fashion and polite protests, setting a precedent for anyone who dare call themselves an artist. Read on for a breakdown of the fantastic voyage to his legendary, purple-tinged throne. Rest well, Prince. We will miss you terribly. — Kathy Iandoli, Alex Gale, Dominique Zonyeé (@DominiqueZonyee), and BET Staff (Photo: Courtesy Columbia Records) 

A Star Is Born - Prince Rogers Nelson was born June 7, 1958, in Minneapolis to John L. Nelson, a jazz pianist and songwriter, and Mattie Shaw, a jazz singer. He was named after his father, whose stage name was Prince Rogers.(Photo: Courtesy thesource.com)

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A Star Is Born - Prince Rogers Nelson was born June 7, 1958, in Minneapolis to John L. Nelson, a jazz pianist and songwriter, and Mattie Shaw, a jazz singer. He was named after his father, whose stage name was Prince Rogers.(Photo: Courtesy thesource.com)

In Control - After making his first demo at the age of 17, Prince signed a deal with Warner Bros., who gave him substantial creative control. He released his debut, For You, in 1978. Prince produced, arranged, composed and played all 27 instruments on the album and wrote all songs except for the hit "Soft and Wet," which had lyrics co-written by early collaborator Chris Moon.  (Photo: Suzie Gibbons/Redferns)

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In Control - After making his first demo at the age of 17, Prince signed a deal with Warner Bros., who gave him substantial creative control. He released his debut, For You, in 1978. Prince produced, arranged, composed and played all 27 instruments on the album and wrote all songs except for the hit "Soft and Wet," which had lyrics co-written by early collaborator Chris Moon. (Photo: Suzie Gibbons/Redferns)

The Breakthrough - In October 1979, Prince released his self-titled breakthrough album, which hit platinum in the wake of his classic hits "Why You Wanna Treat Me So Bad?" and "I Wanna Be Your Lover.”  (Photo: Courtesy Columbia Records)

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The Breakthrough - In October 1979, Prince released his self-titled breakthrough album, which hit platinum in the wake of his classic hits "Why You Wanna Treat Me So Bad?" and "I Wanna Be Your Lover.” (Photo: Courtesy Columbia Records)

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Game Changer - In 1980 and 1981, respectively, Prince released two of his masterworks, Dirty Mind and Controversy. With their heavy use of synthesizers, drum machines and classic rock/doo-wop influences, the albums were hugely influential, altering the course of 1980s pop music and establishing Prince as a true genius. (Photo: Frank Micelotta/Getty Images)

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1999 - In late 1982, The Purple One released his amazing double album 1999, which sold over 3 million copies and was boosted by purple classics like "Little Red Corvette" and the title track, which, along with Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean," was one of the first videos by a black artist to break through into rotation on MTV. Prince was ascending to his throne.(Photo: Frank Micelotta/Getty Images)

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1999 - In late 1982, The Purple One released his amazing double album 1999, which sold over 3 million copies and was boosted by purple classics like "Little Red Corvette" and the title track, which, along with Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean," was one of the first videos by a black artist to break through into rotation on MTV. Prince was ascending to his throne.(Photo: Frank Micelotta/Getty Images)

Prince in Purple Rain - The eccentric rocker's first cruise on the big screen was in a vehicle custom made to showcase his talents. Though considered an outrageous and experimental film, Purple Rain went on to gross nearly $100 million and proved Prince's global star power.(Photo: Courtesy Warner Bros Pictures)

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A Pop God Is Born - Prince became a pop god with the release of 1984's Purple Rain and the accompanying semi-autobiographical film. One of the best albums of all time, packed with unforgettable hits, the LP sold more than 13 million copies in the U.S. alone while the film topped the box office. (Photo: Courtesy Columbia Records)

Chart Topper - After ruling the Billboard charts yet again for three weeks in a row with 1985's Around the World in a Day, Prince  released Parade, which doubled as the soundtrack for his second film, Under the Cherry Moon, and featured the timeless single "Kiss."  (Photo: M. Caulfield/WireImage.com)

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Chart Topper - After ruling the Billboard charts yet again for three weeks in a row with 1985's Around the World in a Day, Prince  released Parade, which doubled as the soundtrack for his second film, Under the Cherry Moon, and featured the timeless single "Kiss." (Photo: M. Caulfield/WireImage.com)

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New Beginnings - Years after disbanding his long-time band, The Revolution, Prince formed the New Power Generation with a new troupe of skilled players. With their input, he released his thirteenth album, 1991's Diamonds and Pearls, which featured four hit singles, including the title track and "Cream." (Photo: Stuart Wilson/Getty Images)

Prince Performs at the 2006 BET Awards, 3121, Dead at 57

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The Artist Formerly Known as Prince - In 1993, Prince changed his stage name to the Love Symbol, a combo of the signs for male and female. Because the symbol had no known pronunciation, he was often referred to as "The Artist Formerly Known as Prince.”

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Freedom - In 2000, Prince's contract with Warner expired after years of beefing with the label — punctuated by him frequently appearing with the word "Slave" written on his face. To mark the occasion, Prince reverted to his old stage name and began releasing albums independently through his website.  (Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

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Freedom - In 2000, Prince's contract with Warner expired after years of beefing with the label — punctuated by him frequently appearing with the word "Slave" written on his face. To mark the occasion, Prince reverted to his old stage name and began releasing albums independently through his website. (Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

The Prince and the Queen - In 2004, Prince signed a one-album deal with Columbia Records to release Musicology. The funky LP was his best selling project in years, bolstered by an impressive arena tour of the same name and a powerful Grammy performance with Beyoncé. The tour and album helped Prince earn $56.5 million, making him the highest earning musican that year. (Photo: Frank Micelotta/Getty Images)

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The Prince and the Queen - In 2004, Prince signed a one-album deal with Columbia Records to release Musicology. The funky LP was his best selling project in years, bolstered by an impressive arena tour of the same name and a powerful Grammy performance with Beyoncé. The tour and album helped Prince earn $56.5 million, making him the highest earning musican that year. (Photo: Frank Micelotta/Getty Images)

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Half-Time Takeover - In 2007, Prince performed at the Super Bowl halftime show. The show was seen by 140 million television viewers, the largest audience of his life, and is widely considered one of the best Super Bowl performances ever.  (Photo: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient - Prince - 2010’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Prince was treated to some incredible tributes, and put on an incredible performance himself.(Photo: Frank Micelotta/PictureGroup)

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Prince Goes World Wide Web - Though he slowed the release of his albums, he stayed connected with fans with more performances, and in 2013, Prince debuted new videos via two new sites, 3rdeyegirl.com and Prince2013.com, and he joined Twitter. (Photo by Frank Micelotta/PictureGroup)

Prince x Warner Bros. Records - The "Purple One" turned green when he signed a $100 million deal with Warner Bros. Records in 1992. Prince became the highest paid pop artist in the industry, receiving $10 million per album, in addition to becoming an executive of two of his own labels with the deal.(Photo: Christopher Polk/Getty Images for Clear Channel)

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It Ain't Over - In 2014, Prince continued to push back against the game. He sued bootleggers and, for the fans, he's got a new deal to release new music. But don't expect any curse words. The "P---y Control"  singer said he abandoned cursing on songs to opt for a more "regal" sound.(Photo: Christopher Polk/Getty Images for Clear Channel)

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Prince Official - Last year he also dropped not one, but two albums simultaneousl: Art Official Age and Plectrumelectrum with his all-female band 3rdeyegirl. Both collections came in in the Top 10 of the Billboard 200, naturally.(Photos: NPG/Warner Bros)

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Prince Official - Last year he also dropped not one, but two albums simultaneousl: Art Official Age and Plectrumelectrum with his all-female band 3rdeyegirl. Both collections came in in the Top 10 of the Billboard 200, naturally.(Photos: NPG/Warner Bros)

Breakfast Can Wait - This year, Prince took a stand for the people of Baltimore (and elsewhere) in the wake of the death of Freddie Gray. He released a song and wailed on the guitar during his Dance Rally 4 Peace.The Purple One definitely reigns. Happy Birthday, Prince!(Photo: Michael Tran/FilmMagic)

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Breakfast Can Wait - This year, Prince took a stand for the people of Baltimore (and elsewhere) in the wake of the death of Freddie Gray. He released a song and wailed on the guitar during his Dance Rally 4 Peace.The Purple One definitely reigns. Happy Birthday, Prince!(Photo: Michael Tran/FilmMagic)

On Public Perception: - "I don't really care so much what people say about me because it usually is a reflection of who they are. For example, if people wish I would sound like I used to sound, then it says more about them than it does me." (Photo: Michael Putland/Getty Images)

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Prince's Swan Song - On September 7, 2015, Prince released what would be his final project, HITnRUN Phase One, initially exclusive via Tidal. The album was then released on CD a week later.  (Photo: Michael Putland/Getty Images)

On His Longtime Fans: - "When you don't talk down to your audience, then they can grow with you. I give them a lot of credit to be able to hang with me this long, because I've gone through a lot of changes, but they've allowed me to grow, and thus we can tackle some serious subjects and try to just be better human beings, all of us."(Photo: Ebet Roberts/Redferns)

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Prince Joins Instagram - Prince did us all the honor of joining Instagram in October of 2015, and with his account he posted photos of rare moments in his life. The account was affectionately referred to as "Princestagram."  (Photo: Ebet Roberts/Redferns)