Prince Wasn’t Just a Genius—He Had His Own Idols: The Stars Who Shaped the Music of the Purple Rain Star

When you think of Prince, the word “genius” often comes to mind. With his electrifying performances, genre-blending sound, and boundary-pushing creativity, Prince carved out a legacy as one of the most influential musicians in history. But even a trailblazer like Prince had his own idols, artists who shaped his vision and influenced his legendary sound. These stars, across genres and decades, left a lasting impact on the Purple Rain star and helped fuel his rise to stardom.

Here’s a look at some of the artists who left their mark on Prince’s musical journey.

1. James Brown: The Godfather of Soul

Few artists commanded the stage like James Brown, and for Prince, Brown’s raw energy and unparalleled showmanship were something to aspire to. Prince once referred to James Brown as his “teacher,” and it’s easy to see why. From Brown’s dynamic footwork to his relentless pace during live performances, Prince mirrored that same captivating stage presence in his own concerts. He took the funk-driven grooves of Brown’s music and made them his own, creating songs that felt fresh while nodding to his hero’s legacy.

2. Jimi Hendrix: The Guitar Virtuoso

Prince’s guitar skills are the stuff of legends, and no one influenced his virtuosity quite like Jimi Hendrix. While the comparison between the two has been a topic of discussion for decades, Prince always acknowledged Hendrix as a key influence. Prince took Hendrix’s boundary-breaking approach to the guitar and redefined it in his own music. Whether through blistering solos or psychedelic riffs, Prince embraced the boldness Hendrix exuded while still forging his own distinctive sound.

3. Stevie Wonder: A Master of Melody and Innovation

If there was ever a musician whose multi-instrumental prowess and innovative production mirrored Prince’s, it would be Stevie Wonder. Prince often spoke of Wonder as a major influence, particularly in how he crafted melodies and harmonies. Wonder’s ability to blend soul, R&B, and pop in a way that felt timeless can be heard throughout Prince’s catalog. Both artists shared a love for pushing musical boundaries, embracing new technologies, and writing songs that connected deeply with listeners.

4. Sly Stone: The Psychedelic Funk Pioneer

Sly and the Family Stone’s fusion of rock, funk, and soul was a game-changer for Prince. He often cited Sly Stone as one of his biggest inspirations for creating music that defied genre conventions. The psychedelic funk elements that defined Sly’s music were echoed in Prince’s songs, most notably in his early albums like Dirty Mind and Controversy. Prince’s knack for creating songs that combined groove with deeper, often provocative, messages owes much to Sly’s genre-blending influence.

5. David Bowie: The Iconoclast

David Bowie wasn’t just a musical hero for Prince—he was a kindred spirit. Like Bowie, Prince never shied away from experimenting with his image, embracing gender fluidity, or reinventing himself across his career. Bowie’s persona-driven approach to rock music and his ability to shape-shift with each new album resonated deeply with Prince. Both musicians operated on the cutting edge of pop culture, bringing avant-garde ideas to the mainstream while maintaining their artistic integrity.

6. Carlos Santana: The Latin Rock Legend

While Hendrix may have been Prince’s first guitar hero, Carlos Santana had a special place in his heart as well. The Latin rock legend’s soulful, emotive playing style resonated with Prince, and it’s easy to hear Santana’s influence in Prince’s slower, more melodic solos. Tracks like “Purple Rain” display the kind of deep emotional expression and spiritual quality Santana brought to rock music—a trait that Prince embodied in his own guitar work.

7. Curtis Mayfield: The Soulful Storyteller

Curtis Mayfield was known for blending social commentary with soulful melodies, a talent that deeply influenced Prince’s songwriting. Mayfield’s music often tackled issues of love, politics, and race in a way that felt both deeply personal and universally relevant—an approach that Prince adopted in songs like “Sign o’ the Times” and “America.” Prince admired how Mayfield could create music that was both socially conscious and danceable, often striving for that same balance in his own catalog.

8. Miles Davis: The Jazz Innovator

Prince’s fascination with jazz was no secret, and at the top of his list of jazz heroes was Miles Davis. The two even shared a friendship and mutual admiration for one another’s work. Davis’ approach to improvisation, his constant evolution as an artist, and his refusal to be boxed into any one genre were all traits Prince embraced in his own music. Whether it was through the jazz-inspired undertones in songs like “The Ballad of Dorothy Parker” or his unpredictable live performances, Prince channeled the spirit of Davis in both sound and attitude.

9. Little Richard: The Rock and Roll Rebel

When it came to confidence and flair, Little Richard was a massive influence on Prince. As one of rock and roll’s earliest and most flamboyant pioneers, Little Richard pushed the boundaries of what it meant to be a rock star—both musically and visually. Prince saw in Little Richard a kind of freedom to express oneself fully, whether it was through vocal acrobatics, flamboyant costumes, or stage antics. That fearlessness helped fuel Prince’s own drive to challenge norms and create music that was unapologetically his own.

10. Marvin Gaye: The Soulful Crooner

Prince’s sensual songs like “Do Me, Baby” and “International Lover” owe much to the influence of Marvin Gaye. The way Gaye blended themes of love, desire, and vulnerability in his music resonated with Prince. Gaye’s smooth, sultry delivery, especially in tracks like “Sexual Healing” and “Let’s Get It On,” became blueprints for Prince’s exploration of sensuality in his own discography.

Prince may have been a musical icon in his own right, but he was always quick to credit the legends who came before him. These artists not only shaped the sound of the Purple Rain star but also inspired him to continue pushing boundaries, redefining genres, and creating music that resonated across generations. Through Prince’s kaleidoscope of influences, he forged a path that was uniquely his own, while always honoring the legacy of those who lit the way.