Prince (June 1981) “Prince: Body & Soul” / “Dirty Mind Comes Clean” – Major Cover Story & Interview – New York Rocker (US)

Extensive June 1981 cover feature and in-depth interview with Prince in New York Rocker, one of the most detailed early profiles exploring his background, creative process, Dirty Mind album, and rising stardom.

PUBLICATION: Date: June 1981 Country: United States

Section / Pages: Cover + Multiple Interior Pages (4+ pages)

Title: PRINCE: Body & Soul / DIRTY MIND COMES CLEAN

THE STORY

New York Rocker dedicated its cover and a large feature to Prince, with a striking black-and-white cover portrait and the subtitle “Body & Soul.” The main interview by Andy Schwartz dives deep into Prince’s life, from his childhood in Minneapolis and family dynamics to his rapid rise, songwriting philosophy, and the creation of the provocative Dirty Mind album. Additional articles discuss his live performances, musical influences, and artistic independence.

CONTEXT AND NOTES

Published during the height of the Dirty Mind era (just before his first European tour), this was one of the most comprehensive early American magazine features on Prince. It captures him as a complex, fiercely independent 22-year-old artist who wrote, produced, and performed almost everything himself. The interview offers rare insights into his thoughts on fame, sexuality in music, and creative control.

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS

Era: Dirty Mind (1981)

Tone: In-depth, respectful, candid Photography: Multiple strong images including the cover portrait and live/studio shots inside

“Dirty Mind Comes Clean”

WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS

• Bold New York Rocker cover with Prince in a dark suit against a tiled background

• Multi-page interior spread with the main interview, additional commentary, and several photographs

RELATED MATERIAL

• Prince (March 29, 1981) “Prince is Partying Up to the gold & platinum” – Daily News (New York)

• Prince (April 11, 1981) “Downtown posing pouch chic” – Sounds (UK)

• Prince (May–June 1981) Dirty Mind European Mini-Tour

• Prince (June 2, 1981) Lyceum Ballroom, London – First UK Show

Also see tabs at the foot of this post.

All magazine scans, photographs and original text excerpts remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This entry is a transformative, non-commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference.