Prince: Great music — and lessons in the legalities after death.
Less than a month ago, I hung out with my eighteen year old son to introduce him to the music that shaped my life.
My son, Titus, finished high school early in order to pursue his passion of film making and photography. He and I decided he would live at home another year so I could impart to him whatever wisdom I’ve gained in life thus far. We call our sessions “man-camp.” For me, music is a big part of that education process.
And so, not long ago… I introduced him fully into the legendary music of Prince. Today, Titus and I spoke of the sudden death of Prince with sadness. My son said, “So sad dad, just when I understood why you loved his music… He’s gone.”
Such a bitter pill life can be.
But what would make a middle aged white man from Colorado love this artist so much? Well… It’s complicated and deep.
Prince and I had really nothing in common. I guess we were both human males. But after that common bond, there are really no points of similarity. Our upbringing, careers, and lives couldn’t have been more different. But the impact he had on my life and character was both powerful and long lasting.
Honestly, growing up I wasn’t a fan of him at first. My mom wouldn’t let us listen to his music because she thought he was too “lusty” (her word not mine).
But like any normal teenager, I completely ignored her “Prince” embargo and listened anyway. It didn’t take long before I was won over to his unique sound and powerful music.
It wasn’t until my very early twenties that his artistry started to take root in my soul. From that point on, my admiration of him kept on expanding.
With no real father figure to look up to as a young man, I searched for role models. Some man to explain to me how “men” should act. I believe every boy holds a need to be shown exactly how to be “a man.” For me, artists like Prince provided small glimpses in what that could be for me. Prince personified what a confident, self-assured man could be and accomplish in life.
For me, a shy, confused, and under educated boy, Prince’s audacity was a total game changer. A beacon of hope that no matter how strange some said I was… I too could grab my own place and voice in this world.
Prince lived his life in puffy sleeve shirts, high heels, and make-up. Standing only five foot two inches tall, he walked with the swagger of a giant.
He commonly said what he felt and lived life with almost no filter at all. This was both part of his genius and, at times, a curse.
In interviews I’ve seen with him over the years, I learned about his ability to play almost every instrument on earth. He held a confidence and passion about his art that was like gravity. Prince opened my mind to the fact that only when you understand the artist… Do you begin to really feel the true impact of their craft.
Learning about his childhood, fears, life, and passions helped me understand his art at far deeper levels. He wrote so many songs that others made famous. And helped many struggling artist climb from obscurity to the stage… And beyond.
I can’t honestly recall a single stretch of my existence where his music wasn’t a part of the soundtrack of my life. I know it will be a part of my life to the end.
Prince held very different viewpoints and ideologies than I do. But for a kid looking around for someone to look up to… He gave me a few clues that have turned out to be invaluable treasures in my journey through life.
Prince was completely himself.
I’ve worked to mimic that attitude in my own life, as well.
And so today, as I drove home from our offices… I rolled down my windows and played “Purple Rain” all the way home. I drove up and down streets around downtown Denver sharing my blaring music. Many people gave me knowing nodes and thumbs up. I guess we all say goodbye to our heroes in our own way.
And so, as we all bid farewell to the artist forever known as Prince… I wanted to say my goodbye and thanks, as well.
Although I never partook in the puffy sleeves, high heels, or very much of the make-up, my heart was touched by his passion, self-confidence, authenticity, and life.
We will miss you Prince.
We will miss your soul.
I’m pretty sure heaven just got a massive upgrade in their music department.
Goodnight sweet Prince. Goodnight…
By Michael Cheshire on Fb, 4/21/16 – repeated 6/05/16
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Other Notable Musicians’ Deaths…
May 2016
8: Terje Fjærn (no), 73, Norwegian orchestra conductor (“La det swinge”).
7: Amber Gurung, 78, Nepalese musician and composer (national anthem); Juana la del Revuelo, 64, Spanish Flamenco singer.
6: Rolf Schweizer, 80, German composer.
5: Akihiro Komori, 85, Japanese composer (Brave Raideen, Space Ace), kidney failure.
4: Phyllis Curtin, 94, American soprano; Bobby Curtola, 73, Canadian singer.
3: Dave Swarbrick, 75, British folk musician and singer-songwriter (Fairport Convention), emphysema.
2: Freddie Wadling, 64, Swedish singer and songwriter; Häns’che Weiss, 65, German jazz guitarist and composer.
1: Janusz Ekiert (pl), 85, Polish musicologist, music critic and publicist; Alan Wise, 63, British music promoter and artist manager.