Prepare to be Astonished: 7 Incredible Things Prince Has Never Done in His Entire Life

Prince Rogers Nelson, known mononymously as Prince, was an enigmatic figure in the world of music. With his flamboyant style, incredible talent, and boundary-pushing persona, he left an indelible mark on pop culture. However, there were some things this icon never did in his lifetime, which might surprise even his most ardent fans. Here are seven things Prince never did:

1. Conform to Industry Standards

Prince was renowned for his refusal to conform to the norms of the music industry. He fiercely protected his artistic freedom, often clashing with record labels. His decision to change his name to an unpronounceable symbol in the 1990s was a bold statement against the control Warner Bros. had over his music. He fought for ownership of his master recordings and was a pioneer in advocating for artists’ rights.

2. Perform as an Opening Act

From the start of his career, Prince never took the stage as an opening act. His debut tour in 1979 saw him headlining right away, a testament to his confidence and belief in his own artistry. This determination to always be the main event underscored his self-assuredness and belief in his unique sound and performance style.

3. Settle in One Genre

Prince’s music was a kaleidoscope of genres, blending rock, pop, funk, R&B, and more into his unique sound. He never limited himself to one style, constantly evolving and experimenting with different musical landscapes. This genre-fluid approach allowed him to innovate and influence a wide array of artists across various musical fields.

4. Publicly Embrace Technology

While Prince was a forward-thinking musician, he was notoriously skeptical about technology’s role in music distribution. He was one of the first major artists to release an album exclusively online, yet he was also known for his disdain for the internet and digital downloads. Prince believed in the traditional values of music consumption, such as buying physical albums and attending live performances.

5. Allow Explicit Content in His Lyrics

Despite his provocative image and boundary-pushing performances, Prince was cautious about explicit content in his music. He preferred suggestive, metaphorical language over overtly explicit lyrics. His approach was more about the art of suggestion, leaving much to the listener’s imagination and ensuring his music maintained a certain level of sophistication.

6. Collaborate Extensively with Other Major Artists

Unlike many of his contemporaries, Prince rarely collaborated with other big-name artists. He preferred to create and produce his own music, maintaining full control over his creative process. Though he wrote songs for other artists and occasionally collaborated, such instances were rare and carefully chosen.

7. Lead a Predictable Lifestyle

Prince’s life was anything but predictable. Known for his eccentricity and reclusiveness, he cultivated an air of mystery around his personal life. He shunned the typical celebrity lifestyle, often retreating to his Paisley Park estate where he could create music in solitude. His unpredictable nature extended to his public appearances, performances, and even his fashion, making him a perpetual enigma to fans and the media alike.

Prince’s legacy is defined as much by what he did as by what he didn’t do. His refusal to adhere to conventions, coupled with his relentless pursuit of artistic integrity, ensured that he remained an extraordinary figure in the music industry. These seven things he never did highlight the unique path he carved out for himself, solidifying his status as an icon who truly did it his way.