Knock, Knock: When Prince Swapped Paisley Park for Door-to-Door Preaching

Imagine the scene: you’re at home, just going about your day, when suddenly there’s a knock on the door. You open it, expecting a typical Jehovah’s Witness cold call, but what you find is something far more unexpected. Standing in front of you is none other than Prince—a global music phenomenon known for his wild, provocative energy. At only five-foot-one, holding a Bible instead of his usual guitar, it’s the artist himself on your doorstep, offering a message about faith.

The story of Prince is a complicated and multifaceted one. In his 57 years, he seemed to live multiple lives—one as a musical genius, a virtuoso whose debut album was crafted entirely by him, with every note played across multiple instruments. His career evolved constantly, moving through pop stardom, controversial phases, and radical artistic transformations. There was even the iconic time he changed his name to an unpronounceable symbol, making a bold statement about his artistic independence. Through all this, his music was a platform for his beliefs, from political commentary to a deep connection with spirituality.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Prince’s journey, however, is the evolution of his religious beliefs. Growing up, he was deeply influenced by his parents’ devotion to God. “I wanted to be like my father, and I loved everything he loved — my mother, the Bible, and music,” Prince said of his youth. In his early music, the themes of love and devotion often blurred the lines between his artistry and spirituality, with songs like ‘I Would Die 4 U’ and hidden messages in tracks like ‘Darling Nikki’ alluding to faith.

But it wasn’t until the early 80s that his spirituality began to take a more definitive shape. His 1981 song ‘Controversy’ even included the Lord’s Prayer in its lyrics. Despite this, Prince’s relationship with religion remained ambiguous—his spirituality often mingled with his more risque and provocative lyricism, making it difficult for fans and critics alike to pin down just how devoted he truly was.

That all changed in 2001, when Prince’s spiritual journey took a new direction. He became a Jehovah’s Witness after a long-term friendship with Larry Graham of Sly and the Family Stone. But unlike typical conversions, Prince didn’t see this as a sudden transformation. “I don’t see it really as a conversion,” he explained in a 2008 interview with The New Yorker. “It’s more, you know, it’s a realization. It’s like Morpheus and Neo in The Matrix.” Prince embraced the Jehovah’s Witness faith wholeheartedly, attending meetings and—perhaps most surprisingly—participating in the classic door-to-door evangelism that is a hallmark of the religion.

For many, the image of Prince, dressed in his rock star persona, knocking on doors to share the message of God was nothing short of surreal. But for him, this was serious work. “Sometimes people act surprised, but mostly they’re really cool about it,” he once said, describing his experience as a door-to-door evangelist.

One local resident recalls his encounter with Prince and his dedication to his message, despite resistance: “I said, ‘You know what? You’ve walked into a Jewish household, and this is not something I’m interested in.’” But Prince, unphased, responded, “Can I just finish?” This moment captures the essence of his commitment—he wasn’t just going through the motions, he truly wanted to spread the message.

Who knows how many people Prince convinced to embrace his faith, but his devotion to this aspect of his life was clear. Going door-to-door with Larry Graham, a famous musician in his own right, shows how committed Prince was to his beliefs. His willingness to step away from the stage and his legendary Paisley Park mansion to engage in such humbling work shows a different side of the enigmatic artist—one that sought connection through spirituality just as much as he did through music.

Prince was always a man of contradictions, blending faith with fame, spirituality with rebellion. And though his musical legacy is what he’ll be remembered for, his door-to-door evangelism is a testament to the depth of his transformation, a spiritual commitment that rivaled the passion he once poured into his music. For Prince, it wasn’t just about being the star of the stage—it was about being a star in the service of something greater.