Prince, the iconic ’80s and ’90s superstar who shunned publicity for most of his life, received a dose of immortality in New York City with the addition of a plaque in his honor on the famed Apollo Theater’s Walk of Fame. Were he alive, he likely would have shunned the ceremony.
The singer, real name Prince Rogers Nelson, died from a prescription drug overdose at his Paisley Park recording studio and home in Chanhassen, Minn. in April. He was 57.
The musically gifted performer signed his first recording contract with Warner Bros. when he was just 18, His debut album For You hit the streets in 1978.
His sophomore album, self-titled, Prince, a year later went platinum. It certified him as an emerging superstar. He was best known for his sexually charged lyrics and a musical style drew from funk, dance, and rock influences.
Members of his New Power Generation band, musicians Meli’sa Morgan, Andy Allo, Maceo Parker and Jonelle Procope, president and CEO of the Apollo Theater, unveiled the plaque in his honor.
Artists spanning generations are honored on the walk. The include such luminaries as Michael Jackson, Ella Fitzgerald, James Brown and Aretha Franklin.
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| Apollo Theater Honors Singer Prince (Click Photos to Enlarge!) |
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Keith Girard four decades of experience as an award-winning reporter, editor-in-chief, and senior media executive. Keith’s career began in Washington, D.C., where he was a reporter for The Washington Post and a contributing editor for Regardie’s and Washingtonian magazines. He also worked as a writer/producer in CNN’s Washington Bureau and has written one book on the U.S. Marines in the Gulf War.