A bit of food for thought. Prince's commercial peak was from 1982 through 1985, with the absolute climax being Purple Rain and the year 1984. I am speaking, not so much from an artistic perspective, but in terms of radio play, recordings sold, and sold out concert venues and other measures of commercial success.

Was this time ripe for Prince? Could Prince have been more successful in another era or decade, or was 1984 and P a fit?

Points to ponder: Prince was a forerunner on MTV. I think the vids of Little Red Corvette and 1999 were some of the first few to be played by MTV (more in terms of black music, but also a new forum for music to be heard, in particular by younger ones)

MTV adored bold imagery, Prince had that, much like Pat Benetar, Madonna, David Lee Roth, Lauper, and of course , Micheal

BUT, a counterpoint could be that Prince's overly flamboyant persona and imagery hurt him commercially , especially in the long run. Many people to this day, I believe, dismiss him because of his flamboyancy during his peak years.

Would Prince have been better peaking during the disco era, along with such acts as Earth, Wind and Fire, James Brown, and Joni Mitchell.(Assuming that his age was not a factor). Image may not have been such an obvious factor, and without the extensive media glare, his different image may have been more of a drawing factor, as in curiosity, or word of mouth. (ie you gotta see this guy in concert)

What about Prince peaking in the early 90s alongside Nirvana. Maybe he could have stuck out like a sore thumb, and been a counterpoint to the Pearl Jams of this time.

Maybe now would have been a great time with today's overly processed and mediocre music (I am feeling old).

Maybe Jughead and Willing and Able could have been absolute smashed if released during the era of Public Enemy and Run DMC>

Who knows?!

Climax?

it's a serious? but i would say that Prince rocked hard in the 80's like he was supposed 2. along w/ MJ, Madonna...he ruled that. In fact, he outshone them because of his versatile talent, and musical ability.

the weird thing about his arrogance is that it didn't work 4 him the way it did 4 Little Richard or say James Brown. They could boast freely & it fit their image, but Prince tried the same & ended up looking like an asshole.

the sad thing is that with the 2 elders, just mentioned, it was part of their image...whereas I think Prince is very caught up on his self. he really ended up looking vain.

just my thoughts.

ReverendHubert said:

Yeah, gotta agree Prince did appear very self-absorbed. I am sure he was pretty wrapped up in himself. Not only because of the success, but also his insecure, shy personality, (Moreso at that time) led him to feel the spotlight moreso. It is funny how Brown and Ali became such icons for their arrogance,or shows of superiority. Don't even think of these 2 as egos skipping out of control.

My Brother has'n't climaxed yet.