May 28, 2004

Parallel Paths: Similarities abound for pop legends Madonna, Prince

By Spencer Patterson

LAS VEGAS SUN

On the surface, pop superstars Madonna and Prince appear to have little in common. Different genders. Different races. Different musical styles - both in the studio and onstage.

Dig a bit deeper, however, and you'll discover the pair have actually traveled along extraordinarily similar, parallel courses throughout their well-documented careers.

Both were born in the summer of 1958, within about 800 miles of each other in the upper Midwest.

Both soon opted to be identified by a single name.

Early in their careers both Madonna and Prince were as famous for stirring controversy as for sending hit singles up the charts.

But soon, both made critical breakthroughs with their music - Prince with 1984's "Purple Rain" and Madonna with 1986's "True Blue" - earning respect to go with their legions of fans worldwide.

Both have been divorced, and both are now married for the second time.

Recently, Prince and Madonna have both discovered new religions, which have altered their views about the world.

In the new century, both have also achieved legendary status, earning recognition for their accomplishments with a variety of honors.

Best of all for Southern Nevada music fans, both will be in town this weekend. Prince plays at 9 p.m. Saturday at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in conjunction with "Tiger Jam VII," then returns to the venue at 9 p.m. Sunday for a concert of his own.

Madonna performs at 8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Tickets to all four concerts were close to selling out at press time.

Through Prince is touring behind April release "Musicology," his 2004 shows have featured the return of many of his biggest hits, which he claims he will officially "retire" at tour's end.

Madonna's "Re-Invention Tour," which comes on the heels of last year's "American Life" album, also reportedly includes most of the singer's best-known material. Following is a look at the stars' parallel paths:

Midwest connection

Prince

Prince was born in Minneapolis on June 7, 1958. He retains a close relationship with his hometown, though he reportedly recently bulldozed one of his two homes in the area and moved to Toronto. He maintains a Minneapolis recording studio, the Paisley Park complex.

Diehard fans still visit Prince-centric sites in the Twin Cities, including Minneapolis' Central High School and First Avenue, the club featured in the 1984 film "Purple Rain."

Madonna

Madonna was born in Bay City, Mich. - about 100 miles north of Detroit - on Aug. 16, 1958. Her family soon relocated to nearby Pontiac, and the future singing star attended one year of college at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, studying modern dance before dropping out.

Madonna then moved to New York City, where she still maintains one of four residences (along with London, Los Angeles and Miami). Her father, Silvio "Tony" Ciccone, remains in Michigan, where he owns and operates the Ciccone Vineyard and Winery in Suttons Bay in northern Michigan.

Name games

Prince

Born Prince Rogers Nelson, Prince adopted his familiar one-name moniker before releasing his first album, 1978's "For You."

On his 35th birthday -- June 7, 1993 -- Prince announced plans to legally change his name to the unpronounceable symbol which first appeared as the title to his 1992 album (generally referred to as "The Love Symbol Album"). Media outlets began referring to the musician as either "the artist formerly known as Prince" or simply "The Artist."

On May 16, 2000, Prince announced his intention to become "Prince" again to mark the completion of his final contract with Warner Bros. records.

"On Dec. 31, 1999, my publishing contract with Warner/Chappell expired, thus emancipating the name that I was given before birth, Prince, from all long-term, restrictive documents," he said at a May 2000 news conference. "I will now go back to using my name instead of the symbol I adopted as a means to free myself from undesirable relationships."

Madonna

Though many assume Madonna is an adopted stage pseudonym, she, like Prince, has had her famous name since birth.

Born Madonna Louise Veronica Ciccone, she began going simply by Madonna around age 23, a few years before recording her self-titled first album.

Though legend has it she dropped the "Ciccone" because it sounded too similar to the Italian word for "fat man" (ciccione), Madonna explained the move more simply in a January 1999 interview with CNN's Larry King.

"When I started making records, Madonna Ciccone seemed too long and complicated, and I just got stuck with Madonna," she said. "It seemed completely natural. It means so many things. But I just felt like it was a very good stage name. And everybody actually thought it was a theatrical name that I took on."

Playing taboo

Prince

Prince quickly earned a reputation for tackling taboo subjects in his lyrics, including references to incest, oral sex, masturbation and group sex on his first few albums.

In 1984 a Cincinnati couple expressed concerns over Prince's content at a local PTA meeting. That effort helped jump-start a nationwide censorship movement, which eventually spawned the now-familiar "Parental Advisory" warning label.

Four years later several national retailers refused to stock Prince's 1988 album, "Lovesexy," deeming his nude portrait on the cover to be too revealing. And in 1991 he bared his backside on live television, arriving onstage for MTV's "Video Music Awards" in his infamous "butt-out" pants.

"Back when I made sexy tunes, the sexiest thing on TV was 'Dynasty,' " Prince recently told London tabloid The Mirror. "If you watch it now, it's like 'The Brady Bunch.' "

Madonna

Madonna is almost without equal in her ability to create a stir offstage.

Her most controversial episodes include: fueling the abortion debate with 1986's "Papa Don't Preach"; 1990's sexually charged "Blonde Ambition Tour" (captured on the "Truth or Dare" documentary); the 1992 release of X-rated photo collection "Sex"; her open-mouthed kiss with Britney Spears at last year's MTV "Video Music Awards"; and the anti-war stance of last year's "American Life" single.

Madonna's videos have also created firestorms over the years, most notably those for 1989's "Like a Prayer" and 1990's "Justify My Love." The first -- which included burning crosses and other contentious motifs -- prompted Pepsi to delete a TV commercial featuring the singer, while the second was banned by MTV for its adult content.

Along with Prince, Madonna was also among the "filthy 15" musical acts initially singled out by Tipper Gore's Parents Music Resource Center in 1985.

"Ultimately, I don't want to just be provocative for the sake of being provocative," Madonna told the "Today" show's Matt Lauer in an interview last week.

Critical breakthroughs

Prince

Though several of Prince's early albums are now hailed as classics, his true breakthrough came with his sixth record, 1984's landmark "Purple Rain."

The album reached No. 1 on both the Billboard 200 and Billboard's R&B/Hip-Hop charts, spawned four Top 10 singles ("Let's Go Crazy," "Purple Rain," "When Doves Cry" and "I Would Die 4 U") and established Prince as one of America's most talented songwriters.

Madonna

Madonna's first two records cemented her celebrity with pop hits such as "Holiday," "Lucky Star," "Like a Virgin" and "Material Girl." But it wasn't until 1986's "True Blue" that the critics began coming around.

The album proved Madonna wasn't just a party girl, housing forays into several musical styles, from the Latin-pop of "La Isla Bonita" to the lyrically moving "Papa Don't Preach."

Role playing

Prince

In addition to 1984's "Purple Rain," Prince has played a lead role in two notable movies, 1986's "Under the Cherry Moon" and 1990's "Graffiti Bridge," a "Purple Rain" sequel. Both films were also directed by Prince.

Madonna

Madonna has appeared in more than a dozen movies including 1996's "Evita," for which she received the 1997 Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture, Comedy or Musical.

Among her other films: "Desperately Seeking Susan" (1985), "Shanghai Surprise" (1986), "Who's That Girl?" (1987), "Dick Tracy" (1990), "A League of Their Own" (1992), "Four Rooms" (1995), "The Next Best Thing" (2000) and "Swept Away" (2002).

Knot in time

Prince

Prince was married for the second time, on New Year's Eve 2001, to then-25-year-old Manuela Testolini, a former employee at the musician's Paisley Park studios.

Prince's 1996 marriage to first wife Mayte Garcia lasted roughly four years, ending in divorce. He has no children.

Madonna

Madonna also married for a second time recently, getting hitched with British film director Guy Ritchie in a Dec. 22, 2000, ceremony. Ritchie was 32 years old at the time.

Madonna's 1985 marriage to first husband Sean Penn lasted less than four years, ending in divorce. Madonna has two children: a girl, Lourdes, fathered by personal trainer Carlos Leon, and a boy, Rocco, fathered by Ritchie.

Path to legend

Prince

Prince might not have been taken seriously early in his career, but all that has changed in recent years. The Purple One is now considered one of the world's foremost live performers, a top-tier guitarist and a superb songwriter.

In March his career achievements were honored with an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

An excerpt from Alicia Keys' induction speech: "Songs so powerful that you are changed forever, songs that make you laugh and cry, think and dance, songs that made me look at songwriting as stories that are untold passions dying to be heard. He is the inspiration that generations will return to until the end of time."

Madonna

Once written off as a novelty act, Madonna is now regularly touted as a seminal artist in the development of dance and pop music. Her obvious influence stretches from teen stars such as Spears and Jessica Simpson to rock stars, including Gwen Stefani.

In 2002 Madonna turned down a lifetime achievement award at the British Music Awards, reportedly because she felt it would signify that her best years as an artist had passed.

New religion

Prince

Prince was baptized as a Jehovah's Witness sometime after his 2001 marriage to Testolini. A recent story in London tabloid The Mirror described the musician going door-to-door in Minneapolis, inquiring, "Would you like to talk about Jesus?"

Prince's new religion has affected his musical approach. He no longer performs racy numbers such as "Darling Nikki" or "Gett Off." It has also changed his perspective on culture.

"All you see on television are debased images," he told Rolling Stone recently in support of the Federal Communications Commission's recent broadcasting crackdown. "You saw the Super Bowl. I don't even need to say any more about it. And who produced that? (MTV) That should tell you something right there."

Madonna

Starting around 1997, Madonna affiliated herself with an esoteric form of spirituality known as Kabbalah, often referred to as "Jewish mysticism."

"It's a belief system that gives you tools to deal with life," she explained on the "Oprah Winfrey Show" last September. "There are a lot of principles in Kabbalah that resemble concepts in Christianity or in Buddhism."

As a result, Madonna no longer performs on Friday nights.

And MJ has named his pet snake Madonna and two of his kids Prince.

Actually there are also similarities with MJ too...but they didn't mention those.

Both have facial moles.

Riiiight.


Utter bullshit. The guy was what's commonly referred to as a "critic's darling" very early in his career, and didn't have to wait till Purple Rain for his breakthrough. That happened with 1999, PR just sent him through the stratosphere.

Prince started it all b4 Madoona. the writer does'nt even say that they both were on WB. If u go back Madoon's style is straight Vanity 6 and Mary Jane Girls with the Lace and pearls and wearing a cross. Look at P's encore performance of "i will die4u/Baby i'm a star" from PR Live and the white lace outfit P's pimpn. From the songs 2the thongs Madonna has been influenced by P her predecessor and label mate and pretty much copied his controversial ways from lyrics 2 shock and starting a record label after P did it! P did the whole spiritual and sexual thing b4 Madonna did it. I just can't believe that people and critics did'nt pick up on it back in the day!

ELBOOGY said:

Now Madonna is suing WB and there have been speculation and been reported(billboard) that her Maverick label is in financial trouble. So now without a new cd out Madonna's out touring and charging $300.00 4 her top ticket and again did'nt hear about a Madonna tour until after P announced a major tour. Well i guess if u're going 2 copy some1 y not copy the best!

Interesting article.I often discuss with "grown folks" the Prince,Michael,Madonna connection.All 3 are 80's Pop Icons born in the midwest in 1958(MJ was born in Gary,Indiana).Take a look at their individual evolutions:

Prince went from his royal badness to the artist formerly known as Prince to Jehovah Witness,husband and rock and roll hall of famer.

Madonna went from the material girl to the queen of contoversy to record company mogul to wife/mother and author of childrens books.

And last but not least,Michael Jackson started out a child prodigy in the seventies, became the King of Pop in the 80's.Became known as Wacko Jacko in 90's for a number of reasons.And is now preparing to defend himself against child molestation charges in the 21st Century.

Who is the most talented,the most successful,the most balanced and well adjusted person?Not sure,but as a 30-something entertainment buff,It's been a pleasure and an honor to watch,listen and learn.

larryluvlife said:

most talented:Prince
most succesful:Madonna
most balanced:Madonna or Prince
well adjusted:Madonna

there you go

Call me crazy but Madonna and Michael are only pop idols with little talent. I liked Madonna, Michael and Prince when I was young. Now that I am older I see how much more talent that Prince has over the other 2. He can sing, dance, play instruments,write,produce,act.....He is Funk,Rock,Blues,R&B,Pop all in one. He is way more charismatic than Madonna & Michael. No matter where they were born or how they marketed themselves in the past, Prince is the real thing.

Shanti = PEACE

marian said:

Most succesful how? Madonna's label is in financial straights right now, and she is'nt free from the system. She's a high priced prostitute 4 the label she's on! And by the way their careers are'nt over so your premature in your answer. I've read in numerous reviews of P's tour that the real King of PoP has regained his throne. Now Madonna might b the Queen of something but right now P is totally on point right now and at the end of the year his concert will b observed as the concert of the year even with the Material Girl in the mix!

okay, i tried reading the whole article but it just seemed kinda silly. especially in teh very begining when the author was saying that both prince and madonna were born in 1958 and 800 miles apart in the midwest. 800 miles is a lot of damn miles.

ELBOOGY said:

So Madonna is a "high-priced prostitute 4 the label she's on",huh? Well,then you must also be talking about nearly EVERYONE who's a recording artist,because the last time I checked,they're all signed to major record companies too.And don't forget,even Prince is using the services of a major record label this time around,which is the main reason his new CD is a hit.

DavidEye said:

This is why people outside of Prince fans are always surprised when they discover that Prince is a top flight musician because of this asscoiation with Madonna or MJ..... There is nothing similar about Prince and that woman other than these completely irrelevant coincidences..

shanti0608 said:

I agree, and Im sure Madonna would do also if you were to ask, that Prince by far and a way has the most musical talent out of the three. However there are other areas that Prince doesnt excel. His music videos are among the worst ive ever seen given the quality of songs he releases. Madonna however produces videos that are visionary. The number of iconic images she has created over the years is multiple, yet if you asked most, they would only really remember prince from the Purple Rain era. His management of his own career has sucked big time, many, many bad decisions and balls ups.

I've followed the careers of all three, and now I get the most enjoyment from Princes music without a doubt. I stopped following Michael Jackson around the time of the HIStory album, but I still love Madonna. As a performer and pop artist I truly believe that no one surpasses her as the complete package. As a musician however I would go for Prince every time. He is a musical genius, the other two are not.

Madonna is a genius at PR (be that in choosing the right stylists, producers, co-writers, directors, photographers). She is the only one who has managed to evolve her act. Now some may say that this is not talent, but why isnt it. She is a good singer, a good dancer, she is interesting, she makes great (innovative) music.

I think the most amazing thing that there is even a debate about this when the facts are irrefuteble. The only thing you can talk about when comes to Prince or Madonna is when it comes to star power and that's when the similarites end... Kind of a insult to Prince's ability.....

CrozzaUK said:

U make a great and important point. P has never liked doing video's and he really does'nt put out as much as MJ or Madonna on the Technical side and spend upwards of $400,000.00 to a million dollars. And thats y i think people give them the edge over P. But P trumps them in Live performance!

DavidEye said:

Yeah P is using them but not getting used like he was with WB. He's not under contract for so many more cd's and like what Madonna's going thru now with WB saying she does'nt owe them as much money as they estimated and WB says she owes a ton bcuz her label is losing $$$$$! And your 2nd point is also correct that if the label owns your Masters then u will basically b pimped just like P back in the day! But P has total control over his career now whereas Madonna &MJ don't. They owe big time!

CrozzaUK said:

Correction! She does'nt make music she borrows and chooses it just like MJ does. All three a talented but if i have 2 choose 1 or the so called best i have 2 go with P hands down everytime just by the fact that P could produce himself and does it all and the other 2 can't!