A complete history of The Purple One...

For many years Per Nilsen has been a foremost authority on Prince. In this in-depth study of the man and his music, he assesses the years prior to the change of name to a symbol - a period which many consider to be the most productive and musically satisfying. Through interview material with many ex-band members and friends Nilsen paints a portrait of Prince's reign as the most exciting black performer to emerge since James Brown. In this behind the scenes documentary we get to the heart and soul of a funk maestro.

Illustrated with unseen photos and drawing on over 300 hours of new interviews with band members, producers, friends, former lovers and associates, this revealing biography traces the artist's life from his humble Minneapolis roots through controversial stardom to his eventual rejection of the Prince persona. The book also analyses the artist's defiant celebrations of sexuality and his complex affinity for the opposite sex, while presenting an informed critical appraisal of his work that ultimately gives a deeper understanding of a truly enigmatic musician, songwriter, and performer.

ISBN 0946 719 23 3
288 pages - illustrated - Paperback

DANCE MUSIC SEX ROMANCE
Prince: The First Decade

Per Nilsen

The definitive study of one of contemporary music's most gifted, creative, driven, and mysterious artists.

Per Nilsen, is editor of the dedicated magazine Uptown, and author of the acclaimed Prince: A Documentary.

"Forget the 90s, the silly name change and the rubbish music. During the previous decade, Prince made a handful of albums which marked him out as arguably the greatest artist of the era. These are the years that Per Nilsen expertly documents in DanceMusicSexRomance. Musicians, friends and former managers offer valuable insight into the fun-sized genius's modus operandi. Trainspotterish, yet also funny, this will inspire much rummaging around for that old copy of Purple Rain." Q Magazine

"Per Nilsen presents a serious and well-researched study of Prince from his teenage debut up through the release of Sign O' The Times. Nilsen writes with a steady hand: his account based on countless interviews and meticulous research, remain critical, despite his tremendous respect and appreciation of the artist."
Publishers Weekly

£12.95 plus postage