LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Prince has been known by various names, including an unpronounceable symbol and The Artist Formerly Known as Prince. But as he turns 50 this year, the recording star adds one more to the list -- debut author.

Publisher Atria, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, said the U.S. singer was working on a book called "21 Nights," a multi-media volume based on his 21 consecutive sold-out concerts at London's O2 arena in the summer of 2007.

The book, to be released in September, will feature poetry by Prince, photographs by Hollywood's Randee St. Nicholas who was given backstage access during the concerts, and a live sessions CD from after-parties at the O2's Indigo Club with new music by Prince.

Atria said in an online statement that the book's jacket will be printed with a black and silver duotone paper-over-board and will be "elegantly sealed in a purple slip case with foil stamping and then shrink-wrapped for protection."

Prince, a native of Minneapolis who turns 50 in June, burst on the scene more than two decades ago with hit albums like 1984's "Purple Rain" and 1987's "Sign O' The Times." He is known as a music industry maverick who is fiercely protective of his music and his image.

Reuters/Nielsen

http://www.reuters.com/ar...0620080506

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