Prince

About this book

The life, mind, and contradictions of music's most elusive genius. In this kaleidoscopic, freewheeling biography, rock journalist John McKie explores the life and career of one of the most mysterious figures in music through the prism of his trendsetting masterpiece, the 1987 album Sign o' the Times. McKie dives into Prince's psyche through the Purple One's songs, painting the most intimate portrait of the Artist yet. Drawing on more than two hundred interviews with friends, ex-girlfriends, bandmates, recording engineers, bodyguards, personal assistants, fashion designers, and more, McKie resurrects the life of the mythic musical polymath. Revelatory stories include how Prince mastered several instruments; his relentless sleepless recording process on all his albums; his musical influences and turbulent adversaries; the volatile spats with record professionals for creative control; the legendary Super Bowl halftime show; his anonymous philanthropy; and the personal moments that amused, angered, and saddened him. Prince: A Sign o' the Times is the most panoramic book ever written about one of the most enigmatic and talented pop stars of all time. For a man who rarely let the world in, you can now see Prince like never before.