I just read the article 'Prince bans dentist from covering Purple Rain' (http://www.nme.com/news/prince/38815)

Please explain this to me: He didn’t own the masters to his own songs during his contract with Warner Bros. Did this mean that Warner had the right to decide what and when to publish his songs, who could perform them, do covers, sample, etc.?

And does he own these masters today? And if so, how?

I really don't understand these business deals either...knowing that before Prince...other musicians have had the same problems...

I don't know the answer to your question...although, Money has the power to control people and munipulate many a situation...