PRINCE, the legendary singer, songwriter, and guitarist, left an indelible mark on the music industry.
His iconic single ‘Purple Rain’ remains timeless and continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
However, he was more than just a singer and songwriter—he was also a highly skilled instrumentalist who reportedly played 27 instruments during his lifetime. Is this true?
Verdict:
TRUE
Yes, the multiple Grammy Award-winning artist played at least 27 instruments on his debut album, ‘For You’, which he released at just 20 years old.
According to the BBC, Prince is credited with playing every single instrument on the album—27 in total.
The album’s liner notes list him as the musician behind "all vocals" as well as (deep breath): electric guitar, acoustic guitar, bass, bass synth, singing bass, fuzz bass, electric piano, acoustic piano, mini-Moog, poly-Moog, Arp string ensemble, Arp Pro Soloist, Oberheim four-voice, clavinet, drums, syndrums, water drums, slapsticks, bongos, congas, finger cymbals, wind chimes, orchestral bells, woodblocks, brush trap, tree bell, hand claps, and finger snaps.
A true musical genius of his generation and beyond!
Far Out Magazine states: “Along with his unmistakable songwriting prowess, Prince was also a remarkably versatile multi-instrumentalist, showcasing an exceptional ability to play a wide array of musical instruments.
"Thus, he was not just a musical genius but a cultural icon whose talent knew no bounds. He also fearlessly embraced an androgynous persona, which set him apart from other performers, challenging societal norms and influencing popular culture."
However, Prince did not play all 27 instruments on his hit song Purple Rain. The song was instead a collaborative effort that featured contributions from his backing band, The Revolution.
