Prince’s Hidden Inspirations Exposed: Why He Didn’t Follow the Crowd

Prince Rogers Nelson, one of music’s most enigmatic figures, was known for his boundary-pushing artistry and fiercely independent vision. A man who stood apart from the mainstream, Prince not only shaped the sound of his era but also inspired future generations to think outside the box. Yet, despite his immense influence, very little was known about who—if anyone—he looked up to as a musician.

Prince’s career was defined by his unique blend of funk, rock, soul, and pop, and he built a reputation for himself as one of the most original and daring artists in history. His persona, often shrouded in mystery, left many wondering: did Prince follow the trends of the time? Was he inspired by any of his musical peers, or did he operate in a creative vacuum, untethered by the influences that shaped the rest of the industry?

As it turns out, the answer is a little bit of both.

A Reluctant Admirer

Unlike many artists who openly cite their influences, Prince was reluctant to do so. In fact, he was famously evasive about his musical inspirations. In an interview with Far Out magazine, he once said, “I haven’t had a lot of time to develop a favourite artist. I try not to listen to too many people. It’s distracting.” This admission reveals a crucial part of Prince’s creative process: he didn’t want to be influenced by the work of others. Instead, he was fiercely committed to cultivating his own sound, untouched by outside noise.

This approach, while unusual for a musician of his caliber, is what allowed Prince to create such a distinct and groundbreaking catalog. His refusal to conform to industry trends or be overly inspired by his contemporaries led to a sound that was all his own. His music, from the hypnotic grooves of “When Doves Cry” to the electric energy of “Kiss,” is a testament to his ability to craft something entirely original, free from external influence.

The Few Musicians Who Made an Impact

Although he distanced himself from external influence, Prince wasn’t entirely immune to the music that moved him. In fact, he did mention a few artists whose work left a lasting impression. As a teenager, he was particularly drawn to Joni Mitchell, though this influence is not directly audible in his music. The fact that Mitchell’s style didn’t bleed into Prince’s sound speaks to his commitment to crafting something uniquely his, even while admiring others.

In more rare instances, Prince spoke about what drew him to certain artists. “I crave great musicianship,” he once explained, revealing that he was most inspired by the quality of an artist’s musicianship rather than their genre or popularity. For Prince, the technical and creative mastery behind an artist’s work was what mattered most.

“I don’t care who provides it,” he continued. “I’ve got no problems saying I dig D’Angelo. Or some of the things that Björk does…the Cocteau Twins…musicians, we’re family. I hope young musicians learn from me—my mistakes too—the way I learned.”

This acknowledgment of artists like D’Angelo, Björk, and the Cocteau Twins reveals Prince’s deep respect for innovation and artistry, regardless of genre. He was never one to be boxed in by a particular style, and the musicians he admired shared his penchant for pushing boundaries and redefining what music could be.

A Legacy of Boldness

Prince’s approach to music and artistry was one of fearless independence. He didn’t follow trends, and he didn’t let the popular sounds of the time dictate his direction. Instead, he followed his own compass, listening to the music that moved him and creating a body of work that continues to inspire and captivate. His refusal to conform to the norms of the music industry is what made him such a revolutionary figure.

What sets Prince apart from other musicians is that his influence wasn’t limited to the obvious sources of inspiration. Rather than adhering to the familiar, he crafted his own path and, in doing so, encouraged others to do the same. His legacy isn’t just one of musical excellence—it’s also one of boldness, independence, and the courage to be unapologetically oneself.

For fans, understanding Prince’s musical influences offers a deeper look into the mind of a man who was always thinking beyond the ordinary. While he didn’t follow the crowd, he created a path that others would follow, a testament to the timeless power of originality and musicianship.

Prince may have been elusive about his musical heroes, but in the end, he became a hero to countless artists who admire his ability to blaze his own trail. His music wasn’t just a product of his influences; it was the result of his insatiable desire to innovate and redefine what was possible in music. And that, perhaps, is the most profound influence of all.