Highlights
Located on the sidewalks of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street in Los Angeles, The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a globally recognized milestone celebrating the legacy and achievements of notable figures in the entertainment industry. It pays homage to actors, musicians, directors and other influential artists, with nearly 2,800 stars. Each year, only one posthumous star is awarded with a mandatory two year waiting period.
Prince: A Musical Legend
Known to the world simply as Prince, Prince Rogers Nelson was a musical legend whose influence encompassed decades. Born in Minneapolis on June 7, 1958, Prince emerged as a precocious talent, blending funk, rock, R&B and pop to create his unique “Minneapolis sound.” His career, which began in the late 1970s, was marked by pioneering albums, electrifying performances and a fiercely independent spirit.
Prince’s discography includes timeless classics such as “Purple Rain,” “1999 ,” and “Sign o’ the Times.” His 1984 album “Purple Rain,” accompanied by a film of the same name, propelled him to global superstardom. The album sold over 25 million copies globally and earned Prince an Academy Award for Best Original Song Score.
Prince was a trailblazer in artist rights, beyond his commercial success. He famously changed his name to an unpronounceable symbol in the 1990s to protest his record label’s control over his music, underscoring the importance of artistic freedom and ownership.
Prince’s untimely death on April 21, 2016, at the age of 57 from a fentanyl overdose, left a void in the music world. Despite his passing, his legacy endures through his vast body of work and the impact he had on countless artists and fans.
Joining the Ranks of Legends
Prince’s upcoming investiture into the Hollywood Walk of Fame places him among an elite group of posthumous honorees. Fellow luminaries such as Ray Liotta, Luciano Pavarotti, Carrie Fisher and Jenni Rivera have recently received this honor. Prince joins a diverse lineup of new inductees from the recording industry, including Fantasia , Depeche Mode, Los Bukis, The B- 52s, Green Day , The Isley Brothers, Busta Rhymes, George Strait, Keith Urban and WAR.
Other entertainment figures announced for star honors this year include Jane Fonda, John Carpenter, David Beckham, Emilio Estevez, Colin Farrell, Bill Nye, Molly Shannon and Screen Actors Guild president Fran Drescher.
Celebrating Prince’s Legacy
Over the last weekend, the First Avenue nightclub in Minneapolis, famously featured in “Purple Rain,” hosted a massive celebration in honor of Prince. Fans gathered to honor the artist’s contributions to culture and music. The festivities included visits to Electric Fetus, Prince’s favorite music store, where enthusiasts expanded their collections of Prince memorabilia.
A new musical version of “Purple Rain” is all set to debut in Minneapolis before its run on Broadway in spring 2025. This production promises to introduce Prince’s iconic music to a new generation of enthusiasts while rekindling the magic of longtime fans.
