Prince’s Midnight Obsession: The Two Legends Who Shaped His Iconic Sound

Prince, the pop maestro whose name became synonymous with innovation, was possessed by an unyielding creative vision from a young age. His journey into the music world began early—at just 19 years old, he wrote, arranged, produced, and performed his entire debut album For You (1978). This level of self-sufficiency would continue throughout his career, culminating in chart-toppers like Purple Rain and 1999, where he not only controlled every aspect of the recording process but also redefined the boundaries of pop and funk.

With his unmatched musical talent and boundless work ethic, Prince spent the 1980s creating an extraordinary catalog of music, releasing nine studio albums alongside collaborations with other artists like The Family, known for the original version of “Nothing Compares 2 U.” But as much as he created his own groundbreaking work, Prince was not isolated in his artistic influences. In fact, he found inspiration in artists whose sounds he admired and whose styles he occasionally tried to emulate in his formative years.

Prince’s musical background was rich with influence. Born in Minneapolis to jazz singer Mattie Della and pianist John Lewis Nelson, his environment was one steeped in musical tradition. He was exposed early to the artistry of songwriting, with his singer-sister Tyka Nelson also serving as a musical influence. His father’s performances left a lasting impact on him: “It was great, I couldn’t believe it. People were screaming. From then on, I think I wanted to be a musician,” he recalled, marking the beginning of a lifelong pursuit of musical greatness.

Despite his massive success and reputation as an original, Prince was always open about the artists he admired. Initially, he kept his musical tastes close to the chest, stating in 1979 that he didn’t have time to listen to others, claiming it could be a distraction. However, this stance evolved over time, and in a 1997 interview with Mojo, Prince was candid about his love for artists like D’Angelo, Björk, and the Cocteau Twins, acknowledging that musicians are “family,” and that he was inspired by the work of others.

But perhaps most interestingly, Prince revealed the two legends whose sounds he once tried to imitate during his youth—Carlos Santana and Boz Scaggs. Reflecting on the late-night KQRS radio station in Minneapolis, Prince shared, “That was the bomb station. I’d stay up all night listening to it. That’s where I discovered Carlos Santana, Maria Muldaur, and Joni Mitchell. Was I influenced by that?… Sure I was. Back then, I always tried to play like Carlos or Boz Scaggs.”

Prince’s admiration for Santana was clear in his guitar work, especially on Purple Rain, where his soul-stirring guitar solo echoed the fiery passion of Santana’s style. Similarly, Boz Scaggs’ diverse musical catalog, which spanned multiple genres, resonated with Prince’s own eclectic tastes, influencing his approach to blending different styles.

These revelations about Prince’s early influences offer a fascinating glimpse into the development of his sound. Though known for his fiercely original artistry, Prince was not immune to the magnetic pull of musical greats. His admiration for Santana and Scaggs was not just about imitation but about learning from their mastery, reflecting Prince’s broader approach to his art: a constant search for musical brilliance, no matter where it came from.

For an artist who constantly redefined what pop music could be, these influences are a reminder of Prince’s humility and his recognition that even the greatest musicians stand on the shoulders of those who came before them. Whether it was the scorching guitar solos of Santana or the genre-defying versatility of Boz Scaggs, these legends left an indelible mark on Prince’s iconic sound, shaping him into the musical powerhouse that changed the world.