Prince (July 23 1984) – “Prince Roger Nelson ” – Minneapolis Star and Tribune

This Minneapolis Star and Tribune  feature from July 1984, written by Jon Bream, explores Prince’s early life and musical beginnings in Minneapolis. The article traces his childhood, family influences, and formative experiences that shaped his artistry, offering a rare glimpse into the man behind the music at the height of his Purple Rain fame.

Publication:  Minneapolis Star and Tribune  

Date: July 23 1984 Country: United States

THE STORY  

Part of a biographical series titled “Our Royal Rocker,” the article recounts Prince’s upbringing as the son of jazz musicians John and Mattie Nelson. Named after his father’s combo, the Prince Roger Trio, he was immersed in music from an early age — composing his first song at five and mastering piano and guitar before adolescence.

His mother recalls his fascination with instruments, saying she often found him “in the music department.”

The piece also touches on his family’s separation, his exposure to music and culture, and his early determination to become a star.

Photographs accompany the story: one showing Prince at age 20, shortly after releasing his debut album, and another of him as a young basketball player for Bryant Junior High School, kneeling in uniform beside his teammates.

The caption notes his brother Duane (No. 21) and teammate Paul Mitchell (No. 12). Jon Bream’s narrative balances admiration with candor, describing both the promise and the challenges of Prince’s youth — from his creative drive to the “sour notes” of family and social struggles that informed his later work.

CONTEXT AND NOTES  

Published during the Purple Rain era, this article situates Prince’s meteoric success within his Minneapolis roots. By 1984, he had become a global phenomenon, yet local coverage like this reminded readers of his humble beginnings and deep connection to the city’s music scene.

Jon Bream, a longtime Star Tribune music critic, was among the first journalists to chronicle Prince’s career from its inception, making this feature a valuable historical snapshot. The inclusion of his basketball photo underscores the multidimensional nature of his youth — athletic, artistic, and ambitious — while the reflective tone captures the complexity of his journey from local prodigy to international icon.

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS   Event: Biographical feature on Prince’s early life and musical development Era: 1984 – Purple Rain / Minneapolis Origins Period Tone: Reflective, informative, and personal

Photography: Portrait of Prince at 20 in leather jacket; archival photo of Bryant Junior High basketball team

WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS

• Headline article detailing Prince’s childhood and musical roots

• Quotes from his mother Mattie Nelson about his early talent

• Two photographs: Prince’s youthful portrait and his school basketball team

All magazine scans, photographs, and original text excerpts referenced in this entry remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This Chronicle entry is a transformative, non‑commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference. No ownership of the original material is claimed or implied.

---