After achieving monumental success and seeing many of his dreams come true, Prince faced the question of what comes next. At just 26 years old, he may have pondered this after “Purple Rain” catapulted him to global superstardom virtually overnight in 1984. Although his rise was gradual—”Purple Rain” was his sixth album—his fame surged during a summer marked by the release of “Ghostbusters,” the Los Angeles Olympics, and “Born in the U.S.A.”
Musical careers evolved more slowly back then, and Prince’s progression was no exception. He debuted as an R&B loverman with 1978’s “For You,” gradually incorporating pop, new wave, and provocative lyrics over the following years. One of the first Black artists featured on MTV, his “1999” album and its videos showcased his diverse talents, impressing those beyond his core fan base. This album’s gradual ascent from its 1982 release set the stage for “Purple Rain,” bolstered by video play and extensive touring, the pressures of which inspired the inter-band conflicts depicted in the film. This era also marked his embrace of rock music, expanding his appeal to mainstream white audiences.
After “Purple Rain,” Prince faced the daunting task of following up a defining moment in his career. The rapid rise to fame and the pressures that came with it may have led him to reconsidering his trajectory, ultimately choosing a path away from the supercharged spotlight he had created.
