For Immediate Release:

March 17, 2004

Contact: Rance E. Huff
(718) 287-8762/Brooklyn
(212) 788-7352/City Hall
(718) 207-1158/Cell

Clarke Honors Prince

NEW YORK, NY- Councilmember Yvette D. Clarke (D-Brooklyn) presented a New York City Council Proclamation to music legend Prince to commemorate the 20th anniversary of his historic album and film “Purple Rain”. The presentation was made privately at the conclusion of his concert at Club Black, Manhattan on Monday, March 15. Earlier that evening, Prince was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to present this proclamation to Prince,” stated Councilmember Clarke, who observed the concert as Prince’s guest. “Not only on behalf of the millions of his fans in this City and the residents of the 40th Council District, but as a long-time fan myself. Prince is, without a doubt, one of the most influential figures in modern music history. His unparalleled ability to fuse funk, pop and rock music has redefined the boundaries of musical genres. As a prodigiously talented singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer, Prince stands alone as the greatest creative musical genius of this generation.”

Prince humbly accepted the award from Councilmember Clarke, in a private ceremony along with members of his family, and thanked the City of New York for their support.

He was born Prince Rogers Nelson on June 7, 1958 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and he spent his childhood teaching himself to play bass, guitar and drums. He formed his first band as a teenager and landed his first recording deal with Warner Records at the age of 19. As the youngest producer in that company’s history, Prince released his debut album, “For You” in 1978, and he went on to release critically acclaimed albums- “Prince”, “Dirty Mind”, “Controversy”, “1999”, “Diamonds & Pearls”, “Emancipation” and “Rave Un2 The Joy Fantastic”.

Prince went on to establish music history with the release of the “Purple Rain” soundtrack in 1984, which sold over 10 million copies and spent 20 weeks at the top of the charts. The hit singles from the album, such as “When Doves Cry”, “I Would Die 4U” and “Purple Rain”, were defining moments in music history. The film itself redefined how Hollywood would make musical films, while also winning an Academy Award for best original score.

Prince has continued to stay on the cutting edge of music by not only releasing his own successful albums but also producing chart hits for other artists. He also has redefined the genre of live concert performances with his tireless energy and creative sets. Additionally, Prince has given back to the community by championing various humanitarian causes, lending not only his fame and fortune, but his time as well.

The legendary Prince, who today continues to dazzle audiences as a timeless hit maker, is a testament to the courage and determination of the human spirit. He has been honored the world-wide with numerous awards and accolades and has truly earned the title of undisputed king of the music world.

NOTE:

No images of the presentation were recorded, as per Prince’s policy.

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Someone has to say it. [b]"All the critics love U in New York"

what a neat story!
respect...respect
thanks for sharing this.

Very nice, thank you for sharing.
Man, i'm so proud to be a Prince freak!!!

bluelight said:

awww I love your avatar

that very last line is hilarious... its like that same old spooky bitch prince.... that we love.

We NY people Love Prince and Respect his Efforts. He shoulda movedto Ny years ago. I'm so Happy for him..Congratualtions.

Its great that he's being honoured in so many ways at the mo. Especially 4 young fans like me. Though i find it interesting that they list EMancipation and RAve as "critically acclaimed" yet dont include Sign O' The Times and Lovesexy?

prince took over the month of march

u go boy!