So we all know who Prince's own biggest influences are... James Brown, Santana, Sly & The Family Stone, Stevie Wonder, Joni Mitchell, Miles Davis, Jimi Hendrix etc...

So to clarify where Prince is coming from musically, let's list and discuss some of the classic albums and old school artists that inspired Prince to make his own masterpiece albums...

This could be fun to gather all of his own musical favorites and perhaps also make some of us discover some great music that came before Prince...

An obvious example, I'd say Prince listened a lot to Stevie Wonder's albums "Innervisions" and "Talking Book", judging from tracks like "Higher Ground" and "Superstition" often being covered by Prince.

Prince being a fan of Sly Stone and Larry Graham is also well-known, so classic albums such as "Stand" and "Fresh" are favorites for sure.

But apart from the more obvious influences, what artists and albums that inspired Prince could we list here?

What Santana album(s) do you think are most Prince-ey?

Are there any lesser-known musicians that Prince was influenced by? Any quotes of Prince name-dropping unexpected favorite artists?

g clinton

the bar kays

the brothers johnson

just off the top of my head

Sorry, I can't contribute, I'm clueless here. I know some music of Stevie Wonder & Santana and have obviously heard of Jimi H.& Miles Davis, but have never followed their music. It's so bad, I was on an MJ forum and had as my quote "when the power of love over comes the love of power there will be peace in this world." - unknown.

A friendly poster told me it was a quote of Jimi Hendrix. I don't even listen to his music. so I felt kind of silly! Still like the quote though.

OHIO PLAYERS
Kool & The Gang
Zapp
Gapp Band
Earth Wind & Fire
Rufus & Chaka Khan
Fleetwood Mac
Mahalia Jackson
Billy Cobham
Elvis
Gustav Mahler

etc

Stevie Ray Vaughn. P totally jacked his guitar tone and licks for The Ride.