Which year do you think was the one, more than any other, that set the foundation for Prince being one of the best musical artists of the last 100 odd years, in terms of the breaking point, the moment when he knew he could tear up the books and make us re write and re think of the way we do things.

Would it be for example 1977, when he got warner brothers to sign him, 1980, no need to explain that one, 1982, the official breakthru, 1984 becoming the international superstar and so on.

Curious on what your thoughts will be, as I have recently had some light hearted serious discussions about music with friends that are really into music, but in their 20´s, and regardless of what gerne of music they are into, there seems to be a great respect for Prince, although most dont really listen to his music, but all of them, have some memories where they thought, wow, who is this lunatic

Out of the last one hundred years you know that it is 1958...A man like Prince is born with it.

I think it's got to be 1984, and When Doves Cry... I think is when everyone really sat up and took notice - I mean the 'world'! How different it was, the video, and then Purple Rain on it's heels, and Purple Rain itself.....that's when he became entrenched in people's minds (and hearts!) I always think it's funny in the film, when he's in the dressing room listening to the cassette of 'Lisa & Wendy's' PR, he's supposed to be considering it, but there's a split second when the camera goes from the tape recorder to his face, and it's in his eyes... he KNEW that was going to be IT! HUGE! He quickly recovers from it, but it's there, I LOVE that bit... Oh and When Doves Cry, just seemed to 'talk' to so many people, nearly everyone could relate to that song in one way or another, I remember it going round and round in my head for years and years, 'Maybe I'm just like my mother...'

Oh, but maybe what set the foundation for it all was 1999, what year was that? 1982? Well, at least you've got me thinking now Whitnail....
[Edited 7/16/08 22:17pm]