DID Legend's’ 1984 #1 Classic PREDICT His OWN Death Decades Before It Happened? | Professor of Rock

Coming up. It may be the most famous opening monologue from a classic song ever …a brave sermon every 80s kid knows by heart. Prince Let’s Go Crazy, the #1 smash from the Purple Rain Soundtrack that blew up 1984. Just by its first few words: Dearly Beloved we are gathered here today to get through this thing called Life! Let’s Go Crazy is a high-energy, savage synth-rock masterpiece that will have you up on your feet the moment it hits. The only thing is, it may not be the straight-up party song you think it is. In fact, if you missed the cues in the intro, you may have missed its coded message entirely. Sung by one of music’s most enigmatic and controversial superstars, the purple one, He was already a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer. but this time he went beyond even that…And strangely enough, this 80s smash would prove to be prophetic as Prince was found dead in the very place he described in the song… once you hear this story it will bring a whole new meaning to the song next on Professor of Rock.
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Hey music junkies, Professor of Rock, always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest songs of all time. If you ever stole your older brother's or sister's records or tapes growing up you’ll dig this channel of pure musical nostalgia. Make sure to subscribe below right now and make sure to click the notification bell so you know when everything drops. Also do check us out on Patreon for even more content. and to keep it a daily channel. We also recognize you as one of our honorary producers.
Prince Rogers Nelson was an absolute marvel… a certified musical genius… a truly rare and gifted artist. This talented singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer was a one-man phenomenon. And today we are paying tribute to him and his legacy by telling the story of one of his most beloved and popular songs… Let’s Go Crazy from his 1984 soundtrack album Purple Rain. As Prince entered the 80s his momentum was accelerating. Issuing a trio of albums from 1980 to 1982, each, in turn, one-upped the last. Dirty Mind became Prince’s first Gold offering, Controversy his first Platinum, and his double album 1999, was his first to go Multi-Platinum… And although his first two 80s records wouldn’t yield any hits on the Billboard Hot 100, 1999, kicked open the floodgates. Spawning three Top 10 singles: Little Red Corvette, Delirious, and the title track. 1999 pushed Prince’s sound into the realm of synth-heavy dance and the world went crazy for it.
The album’s commercial breakthrough success was pure vindication… years of artistic struggle had finally paid off. Released worldwide in October 1982, Prince’s 5th studio record reached #9 on the Billboard 200 and was certified platinum x4 in the United States. But that would only be the beginning of what Prince had in store for the world. The success of 1999 made Prince the artist to watch as he prepared to drop his next album Purple Rain.
Released on June 25, 1984, the record showcased The Purple One’s extraordinary talent and vision. A multi-media event, Purple Rain served as the soundtrack to one of the most memorable films of 1984. Purple Rain the movie released a month after the album on July 27th, and cast Prince in main role.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: STRAIGHT UP... Who is the GREATEST musical genius in the rock history?

[@Sweet--Richard.4981]

McCartney

[@RBS_]

....you just TOLD us! ...ha-HAAA!! >PrinceisKING

[@christineml1476]

Prince Jimi Hendrix Frank Zappa

[@Joe-Flow]

My vote goes to Stevie Wonder! He wrote, played, performed, and engineered. Oh yeah, and he did all this blind.

[@catherine6653]

Paul McCarteny Sting Stevie Wonder

[@jasonmoquin]

I saw this man perform live in New York in the mid 80’s. He took turns rotating, playing on every single instrument throughout the various songs…counting up when he moved on to the next instrument ….18…he played 18 total instruments and did so masterfully. The crowd was floored and when done, he received the loudest ovation I still have ever heard. That man was truly one of a kind.

[@mattbastubee5255]

I remember seeing him on American Bandstand, Dick Clark asked him how many instruments he played, thousands was his reply.

[@vivian6204]

And that man is Prince!

[@universalflamethrower6342]

The one and only

[@peach495]

I've never cared for his music. Seeing videos of him playing the guitar, I wish I had seen him live. Easily one of the greatest guitarist to record.

[@chipgaasche4933]

"18"?? We're 17 of them different guitars? Lol. Btw, he wasn't a great keyboard player.

[@sunnynights68]

I don’t cry for every musician that passes away, but I definitely cried when Prince passed away. When you grow up with an artist, and feel like they “hear” you, you develop a spiritual connection. Heartbroken I never got to see him in concert.

[@WendyAtHome21]

Same for me. I was "too young" to watch an R-rated movie, but fortunately for me, my cousin was a big Prince fan and watched Purple Rain on videocassette at least weekly so I got to see it that way. I was already in love with the music I heard on the radio and borrowed my older sister's cassette tape. I loved listening to Prince every chance I got. As a teenager, I got to go see Batman in the theaters twice and bought the album to listen to on repeat. There are two celebrities that I really get upset over when I heard they passed away. Prince and Robin Williams. I hope they're having a ball up in Heaven together.

[@susiesmith8029]

I never got to see him in concert either.... a great sadness for me. What an AMAZING artist!!!

[@j_ocrates23]

I couldn’t have said it better

[@maxwelltheportlycorgi7299]

I agree 100 % with this comment. I was a young teen and grew up listening to his music. I miss his creative genius. I got tears in my eyes watching the clips played here.

[@sheiladowney5644]

Me too! I’m devastated Prince won’t grow old with me. 😫

[@ohcanada8084]

Don’t you just love watching Prince play in the tribute “While My Guitar Gently Weeps?” Oh My Goodness! ❤❤

[@melanieshaw3210]

LOVE LOVE LOVE!!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

So many legends in one room. Incredible.

[@marktait2371]

yeh was kinda legendary also.the 12 inch single with the power station peaches friend played in the dance club blanking rocked on the great system the club had and he equed his klipsh floor cabinets into the club system power station really rocked while prince shredded guitar wish i had the single but he sold with many others i was in the dales at the time but oohh well guess on youtubr somewhere

[@kerrigibson3208]

Omg that was AMAZING

[@nopenever3]

I watch it regularly. It gives me chills

[@sirfriendzone1228]

Btw, Prince hadn't just released 6 albums by the time Purple Rain came out. He wrote and recorded The Time's 1st 3 albums. He wrote and recorded Sheila E's 1st album. He also wrote and recorded Vanity 6's 1st album and had recorded a second album for them (never released) and had already recorded Appolonia 6's album released after Purple Rain. That's 12-13 albums BEFORE Purple Rain came out. 💜

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Amazing to even think about. He was a master’s master.

[@MrNathan791]

What a musical genius he was. And he took other unknown musicians to the top with him. RIP Prince.

[@kamiafunchess2126]

Facts!!! 💪🏾💜

[@littlecatfeet9064]

I had all those albums ☺️💜

[@bobchambers1455]

Wo!!!

[@christineml1476]

"Let's Go Crazy"'s intro seems even more fitting today. Prince was brilliant and his musical brilliance is sorely missed. 💜

[@ProfessorofRock]

Amen. He's was such a genius.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

One of the most recognizable intros in music!

[@maestroaxeman]

​@@ProfessorofRock Prince Rogers Nelson was everything I wanted to be as the songwriter I try to be🎶🎸😎

[@ThePittsburghToddy]

Prince was from another planet. He was beyond incredible and irreplaceable.🖖🏼

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

He was MAGIC.

[@rexnegron1778]

I agree!

[@ryk1265]

Lemme guess.... he's from UR ANUS! Ba Dum Tssss! (drum downbeat after a joke)

[@silverliner4894]

Prince was one of the greatest guitarist of all times. A reporter asked Eric Clapton once, what's it like being the greatest guitarist in the world. Clapton said I wouldn't know, you would have to ask Prince. Two of the greatest guitarist of all times had albums that year, Eddie Van Halen and Prince. RIP

[@ONELOVE-bk7tx]

To add on..... Check out Stevie Ray Vaughn's " Life without you " Man.... his guitar skills give me the chills EVERYTIME

[@fadeblac5633]

I have to agree. Prince was the man. Eddie van Halen was great too.

[@rachelhall6502]

This has been said tens of thousands of times online, but actually it's been debunked. Eric Clapton didn't say that. I'm sure he was a Prince fan, but this heavily regurgitated "quote" is passed along incorrectly every single time someone mentions Prince.

[@avalerie4467]

Wow Good to hear Clapton having a humble moment

[@miaya3898]

​@@rachelhall6502einstein was asked how it feels to be the world's smartest man. he said, "I wouldn't know. you'd have to ask tesla" 😂

[@eightiesmusic1984]

Prince was a musical genius. '84 was the mother of all music years, by far the peak of the decade ( other years were great, too) and he co-owned it with other giants like Madonna, Michael Jackson and Springsteen. We will never see the likes of Prince again sadly but the legacy lives on.

[@ProfessorofRock]

NEVER is right. What a year.

[@RBS_]

....I've been sayin' it....even when we were GOING thru '84, I KNEW.....It was just.....in the AIR! ....nice to know me 'spidey senses' were RIGHT..... ; )

[@eightiesmusic1984]

@@RBS_ I knew in 1984 too. Odd that given I was only fourteen and the next thirty nine years had not happened but I just knew it was special and would always be held in high regard.

[@eightiesmusic1984]

@@RBS_ Mr Haze Texas? Love's Unkind Donna Summer sample.

[@frakte]

And Duran Duran, Tina Turner, Cyndi Lauper, Culture Club, Billy Joel, Lionel Richie, Pointer Sisters, Eurythmics, Wham!, Van Halen, Huey Lewis and the News, Footloose…the list goes on and on. 1984 was a slamming year for music.

[@J1W5M7]

I watched that Tom Petty concert when it first aired. I loved Tom and his all star band. What floored me was when Prince started playing I became mesmerized. I knew he was talented but I couldn't believe my eyes and ears. I believe Prince upstaged all the great talents he shared the spotlight with. His incredible shredding captivated me and seeing Tom's gaze reinforced my blown mind. From that moment on I had a new respect for Prince not just as a performer but as a truly gifted musician. I can't think of a more underrated guitarist.

[@ProfessorofRock]

It was that performance where everyone was picking their jaws up off the ground!

[@HellcatCustoms]

George Harrison tribute concert! Prince stole the show.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

You know you’re a legend when even Tom Petty is blown away by your flawless musicianship.

[@michaeltammaro482]

He never wanted to be in the same AREA as Edward Van Halen. Your 'GENIUS' was noted as being SERIOUSLY intimidated by the MASTER.

[@jmqrita21]

A lot Prince fans stood up in a collective "I told you so" after that.

[@likeitornotwithmichaellane4896]

What a tribute, Professor. I can’t stop crying because his music was the soundtrack of my life. Long live the Prince of Rock N Roll. Another classic episode.

[@kenyonbissett3512]

Since Prince left no will, his estate has been tied up in probate. Supposedly he has a vault of music I hope gets released. When he died, it seemed like the American Pie song “the day the music died.”

[@likeitornotwithmichaellane4896]

@@kenyonbissett3512 I couldn’t have said it better.

[@rexnegron1778]

Mine too!

[@rexnegron1778]

​@@kenyonbissett3512no, a group of businessmen swooped in, took over Paisley Park studios, paid off his two sons with $100million a piece so and got them to disappear, and have enjoyed the millions his estate brings in annually.

[@mformed]

Prince is the most underrated gospel artist of all time. He wasn’t low-key; the audience is just slow to recognize.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

He was good at pretty much anything.

[@beverlybondurant7444]

🔥🔥❤❤🔥🔥🔥❤💯

[@Regiigii]

Prince has been my favorite musician for over 40 years. I was devastated when he passed. An absolute musical genius!! There will never be another like him. He definitely was one of a kind. LEGEND!! 💜☔️👑

[@hellradiolives]

Prince is one of those once in a lifetime artists whose music could be dropped into any era at any time in history and it would be revolutionary. He was a rare and unique talent!

[@user-ty2xv6xw8j]

❤❤❤ This is what I was going to say- thank you 😊

[@landyachtfan79]

RIP Prince 😢 "Dearly beloved We are gathered here today To get through this thing called life Electric word life It means forever and that's a mighty long time But I'm here to tell you There's something else The after world A world of never ending happiness You can always see the sun, day or night So when you call up that shrink in Beverly Hills You know the one - Dr Everything'll Be Alright Instead of asking him how much of your time is left Ask him how much of your mind, baby 'Cuz in this life Things are much harder than in the after world In this life You're on your own And if the elevator tries to bring you down Go crazy, punch a higher floor"

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for sharing!

[@RBS_]

.....ELECTRIC! ....ha-HAAA!!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

One of the 80s’ finest quotes.

[@311fan666]

Ironic that an elevator brought him down

[@danielshannon6027]

Thanks; could never fully understand what he was saying.

[@TheJoan48]

I liked Prince when he was alive pretty well, but I wasn't a fanatic. Once he passed away, I swear to God he moved into my soul. I watched his videos for months, especially the song called simply "Guitar." I was obssessed. I swear, he took over. That went on for months. I felt he was trying to tell me something. Now i know what it was after watching this video. Don't let the elevator, his death, get you down. Keep being creative and proactive and realize your happiness depends on yourself not others. Look at what he did all by himself. He had a hard childhood. Nothing stopped him. I'm an artist working on a painting right now and I'm super inspired to not let life get me down. That's Prince's message to us.Thank God for Prince. Thanks for this video too, it filled in some blanks for me.

[@sinsear8786]

@TheJoan48 Look into the faith that Prince studied. He found the truth that he had always been searching for. He learned all the answers to life from the true source; the Bible.

[@brandonpuckrin7514]

He knew how to play 27 different instruments. He knew how to control the audience with the mic 🎤 love his musical genius. Just wish I got to see him Live. Thanks Professor

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

He just knew how to do everything, it seems.

[@MrChopsticktech]

He counted hand claps, finger cymbals, finger snaps and hand claps as instruments.

[@dpid98]

Prince's guitar skills are so underrated. The Purple Rain solo is one of my faves. What I really dug about the George Harrison tribute was the reactions of the other legends when he took over. That was classic! I was fortunate to get to see him live less than 2 years before he passed. BEST SHOW EVER!❤❤ Thanks for covering this one!

[@ericortega1745]

@@MrChopsticktech . The real question is. Is mayonnaise a instrument?.

[@BIGTSTUDIOSOUND]

The 27 instrument thing was a label pr move. He never said that and specifically said he never counted

[@MrMrlando22]

Awesome story. What I remember is when Prince passed away. Chevy ran a full page ad with the back end of a red Corvette. It simply said "Baby that was much too fast" I thought it was pure class and a cool tribute. I love cars, especially Corvettes and I love how he locked in that image with his musical genius.

[@nicolesweere4182]

If you're just a casual fan, check out his first albums and the work he did from 2000 on (One Nite Alone tour, 3121, etc). Don't miss the masterpieces in between like "Condition of the Heart", "Joy in Repetition", sooo many others. What was much more touching to me was that he recorded "Sometimes it Snows in April" on April 21, 1985, and died on April 21, 2016. I don't feel like he's gone because his music lives inside of me ❤.

[@ponzo1967]

I was 16 in 1984 so of course I loved Purple Rain and this was one of the best from that album. Prince helped make that year what it was and is missed now but thanks to people like the Professor of Rock we continue to celebrate this timeless music 🎶🎵

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

No wonder 1984 is music’s greatest moment: ☔️

[@OscarGomez-wv9fd]

16 years old? Damn, you're old. I was only 15!

[@PomegranatesWeather]

​@@OscarGomez-wv9fd😂 you are too I was 11 😂

[@Nocturne121]

I guess I’m the senior citizen here (oh shit I am!!) I turned 19 in 84 and had a baby. I’m sure my son’s first words were “Dearly Beloved….” lol. Love Prince! I always thought there was more to the story. I have believed people do know their death experience in advance (but are not aware of it, at least on a conscious degree). It seems Prince could have been one of those able to see it in his lived experience. I agree, thanks Professor of Rock for this video!

[@joybranch-londesborough6617]

He's tied to my youth and high school memories. I loved that he was true to himself, while never forgetting he was a true Christian believer. While seeing him in concert, just before it began, while dark, Prince himself offered prayer. Then suddenly, lights and music! A 3 hour concert while the Revolution took several breaks, Prince stayed on stage playing different musical instruments. Truly inspiring.

[@joybranch-londesborough6617]

@@ApexImportExport Indeed. I still have my cassette, as well. Decades of collections.

[@karenbricker4687]

I still have lp’s and 45’sbtgaf I bought growing up. I also have a lot of cassettes.

[@KingBeevr]

So glad you gave his guitar virtuosity the credit it deserves. The intro riff from When Doves Cry is perfection. And the solo on Purple Rain is one of the best ever.

[@sirfriendzone1228]

If you're into great Prince solos, I highly recommend his solo on the Time's 777-9311 album version. It's very long and recorded 2 years before Purple Rain.

[@ProfessorofRock]

He's otherworldly.

[@fnjesusfreak]

Apparently the shredding at the beginning of Madonna's "Like A Prayer" (the album mix; the Shep Pettibone remix doesn't have the shredding) was Prince, uncredited. I can believe it.

[@KingBeevr]

@@fnjesusfreak he actually played a few guitar parts on that album. He did lots of those quick hits for other artists. My favorite might be 'Stand Back' by Stevie Nicks. She basically wrote the song after she heard 'Little Red Corvette'. He heard about it and just showed up at the studio where she was recording it and laid down the keyboards. He didn't want credit but she split royalties with him 50/50.

[@melanieshaw3210]

The Purple Rain solo is why it's one of my top three fave songs💜

[@lisaknell1809]

Prince is way underrated as a guitarist. He was so good at so many things (singing, dancing, songwriting and playing many other instruments). We will never see another like him, I’m glad I was here to witness his greatness. 😢

[@comedianmattrossey]

Wow, almost a decade since he's been gone. That was a difficult year for me. Bowie, Glenn Frey, George Martin, Jimmy Bain, Paul Kantner, Dan Hicks, Denise Matthews (VANITY) a Prince Co project with Vanity, Keith Emerson, Nick Menza, Maurice White, Greg Lake, Prince, George Micheal, Lonnie Mack, Merle Haggard, Leon Russell, damn, so many more. 2016 was a year that truly sucked for the musicians that took de-elevator. R.I.P. to them all. Greatly missed by all who remain. For me the person who had the greatest effect on my life that left in 2016, My Mom, Feb 19, 2016 (1 week to the day before her 70th Birthday). She inspired me to be the best person I could be. To always be caring of others, help others, to always try to see the world through the 'other person's eyes. She wasn't a musician or famous, but she was the most to me.

[@autumnleaves240]

Speaking of prophetic "I would die 4 u" 4/21 is the date Prince passed. And "sometimes it snows in April" also foreshadowed when he would leave this earth My favorite artist of all time. I miss him.

[@tonyyoung1662]

Also, he let the elevator break him down

[@melissavalentine9771]

😮

[@lancel71]

Prince was on a different level than everyone else. Rip Prince Rogers Nelson 1958-2016

[@timefoolery]

Me and my friends were the only white and Filipino kids in the audience of Purple Rain. It was the last day of school and I had just graduated and this was the most awesome way to celebrate it all!! I kept up with Prince from there till the bitter end. I went through three tapes and two CD’s of his Parade album. He was just brilliant and I miss him terribly 😢❤

[@MyName-pl7zn]

One of absolute best musicians, producers, song writer and performer ever. Been a fan since Controversy. He made some of the best dance tracks with blistering guitar solos and Let's Go Crazy is a perfect example. Purple Rain is one incredible album. Never knew he dead in an elevator, we lost a icon when he passed. Fantastic episode professor.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

His first hit, I Wanna Be Your Lover, proves that he started off on an already great note.

[@istankimjong-unbutcantstan3398]

Soft & Wet was my introduction to Prince. @@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980

[@007ndc]

Watching Purple Rain at the movie theater in the summer of 1984 was truly mind blowing.

[@lesal.1373]

I was fortunate to do PR for Prince in the early 80s. Ran one of his earliest fan clubs. He gave me feedback and encouragement too! When he couldn't play my city on the Purple Rain tour he invited me and the fan club staff to pick a city on the tour to see his concert elsewhere. He gave us everything he was! We lost an exceptional talent and amazing human being April 21, 2016. Rest well Prince.

[@andreashick4883]

That whole album got me through every school trip, junior and senior year, in high school. I wasn’t very popular, but as long as I had Purple Rain, my Walkman, and a trashy teen book or Stephen King novel, the long trips we took were awesome!! So while the rest of the class was getting away with getting drunk in the back(I did that on the weekends with my older friends who’d already graduated), I disappeared. Thank you, Prince, Wendy, Lisa, and the rest of the Revolution. 💜💜

[@celsoaranjo3200]

Prince was a musical and lyrical genius! He was a master musician who played guitar phenomenally.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

He was a master, period!

[@catherine6653]

The elevator is not going to bring us down because "Life is just a party and parties are meant to last." This is one of my favorite Prince lyric quotes.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Catherine! Love it!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I remember saying that to my parents while quarantined and saying it again on the day the COVID emergency was lifted earlier this year.

[@catherine6653]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Cool 😎. Good message in a song lyric.

[@jimgauth]

"D elevator" = Devil. Cool analogy.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@catherine6653 One that gave us hope

[@kingelvis4688]

Listening to your commentary on legendary artist like Prince and the little known tidbits of fascinating social context of this one-of-a-kind decade of music and pop culture makes me long for the 80s all over again and again. It helps me to appreciate more and more this unforgettable decade of music of which, as a child of the 80’s, I’m in every way a product of. How I wish I knew then what I know now, then I would have never taken the soundtrack of my youth for granted. I wish I could turn back the hands of time so I could relive the music when it was new and fresh. Thank you for beautifully articulating what I truly feel when I hear this music. We’re losing our 80s pop icons so unexpectedly and so quickly so I’m happy there’s a channel like yours to remind of how good we had it even when at the time we didn’t know it. Sadly, the music today doesn’t even come close to the heels of 80s pop and rock music. By the way, your style is so reminiscent of your radio personality hero Casey Kasem and yet you have your own unique flair. For me that’s high bar to reach and you’re killing it! Thank you 🙏.

[@canadaisruledbyclowns7188]

It's true. We never knew we were witnessing the masters of not only our generation but those before and after it. It's like growing up in the time of Bach, Mozart and Beethoven. I believe some of the music from this era will live on in the same way classical music has never completely gone away.

[@generay6807]

I’ll always remember the 1st time I saw Prince on TV in the early 80’s. I don’t remember what show it was or what the song was (I was a heavy metal guy at the time), but he was dressed in white and just watching him play that guitar he was phenomenal. The way he played he took the torch from Jimi and brought it into the 80’s. His movements on stage and music just blew me away. What a great artist, songwriter and performer. He was the real deal.

[@bryanharris5285]

Prince was such a fascinating person. It always brings tears to my eyes when his music is played. Visiting Paisley Park in Chanhassen, Minnesota was amazing. Each room brought tears and joy just to be standing in his home and playground. I still celebrate Prince by wearing his shirts on June 7th and April 21st each year. In a year that had a lot of our celebrity heroes pass away, Prince's passing was the hardest. Thank you for shining the light on this great song and even greater artist. Keep up the wonderful content. Take care and stay safe everyone.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Never been there, and have always wanted to go. I play a song or two of his on the anniversary of his passing and on his birthday.

[@cathyshaw-kalloo237]

❤

[@rexsexson5349]

Prince gets overlooked as a rock guitar genius, even I'm guilty of it. This video solidifies that sentiment. Greatest guitar riff in recorded music at the end. Let's Go Crazy!

[@ProfessorofRock]

thanks Rex!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

A true guitar hero! 🎸

[@awparadoxx]

I LOVED this vid about Let’s Go Crazy! As a Prince fanatic of over 45 years … it’s still painful to accept that he has left the earth plain! 😖 Reminiscing with you about his greatness eases that pain! He was and us otherworldly! Thank you 💜😊

[@janetstreet7264]

One of my favs of Prince on KZbin, Soundcheck in Japan, on tour. He plays piano to help check sound levels on stage. He plays the most gorgeous version of "Summertime" -- I wept first time I heard it. His touch, sensitivity -- Unmatched. RIP, Prince. Miss you so much .⚘💜

[@kennethmoran5454]

Correction... Prince's self-titled second album DID yield his first top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100... "I Wanna Be Your Lover" peaked at #11 in 1980, while his first album, 1978's "For You" actually gave us his first hit- "Soft & Wet" peaked at #92...

[@nicolesweere4182]

I Wanna Be Your Lover was my intro to Prince at the age of 4. I was an instant fan 😂. I saw him on American Bandstand and was mesmerized. It only got worse after that 🤣

[@stevegallo8483]

Prince's Purple Rain album caused waves after its release for reasons beyond it being an incredible album. Tipper Gore (wife of Al Gore) and her PMRC took issue with the song Darling Nikki (if you know, you know). Prince was (and is) incomparable as an artist and underrated as a guitarist. His incredible solos on Let's Go Crazy alone are enough to put him in the pantheon of guitar gods.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Darling Nikki is a great song, actually.

[@margaretschultz6209]

​@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 in my high school psych 101 class is where I first got to hear the backwards end of the song played unreversed

[@HunterXWorld95]

There were 15 particular songs, chosen by the PMRC, dubbed the filthy 15. Some of the other filthy 15s include Motley Crue’s Bastard, Twisted Sister’s We’re Not Gonna Take It, and Def Leppard’s High and Dry

[@MrJB8383]

Don't come in with this if you know you know shit! Explain yourself.

[@dad4ever-c90]

Fascinating episode! I have to admit, I WASN'T a big Prince fan until later in his career and certainly didn't understand the meaning of that spoken intro. But learning more about artists and their music gives me a greater appreciation for them. Thanks Professor.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Glad you enjoyed it! What else would you like to see my friend?

[@RBS_]

....PROF ALWAYS EDUCATES!!! .....He taught me stuff today, I didn't even know! .....I'm still flabbergasted, 'cause I was a SCHOLAR in all things Prince! ...ha-HAAA!!

[@martyfuller2195]

@@ProfessorofRockstrawberry switchblade. Lost 80’s stuff

[@littlecatfeet9064]

Purple Rain, and in fact almost all Prince albums, absolutely define “all killer no filler”. In the 80s I didn’t just buy all his albums, I bought The Time and Vanity 6 albums too. It’s ridiculous how talented he was 💜💜💜

[@exiles_dot_tv]

Definitely no filler. He had to cut some great songs and then trim Computer Blue down to like half its length just to fit everything on what a single vinyl could hold at the time.

[@senorxrey6429]

Prince's "filler" is gradually being released by his estate. What he considered his "throwaway" or "unfinished" tracks are exponentially superior to most of the formulaic dreck the record industry is promoting and holding in such high esteem these days.

[@tsntana]

_"So when u call up that shrink in Beverly Hills U know the one Dr Everything'll Be Alright"_ I always loved that line.

[@RC32Smiths01]

Prince was such an iconic songwriter, and a very determined and talented musician. Truly supernatural as to how his unfortunate death was to come about, but his legacy is forever cemented for sure. Cheers

[@ProfessorofRock]

Cemented is exactly right. He was one of a kind. A Genius in all aspects. Thanks RC32.

[@RC32Smiths01]

@@ProfessorofRock So true! Cheers as always

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I still put on a song or two of his on the anniversary of his passing. Cheers to you, RC32 🍻

[@Bootsbrat94]

I still can't listen to purple rain without crying. It was a sad day when he passed.

[@trinaq]

I adore this song, it's my favourite of Prince's catalogue to date. I love how they included it in the "Sing" sequel, introducing his music to future generations.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Yes, I remember!

[@kevinoliver2697]

Saw Prince in Indy 2004. He was AMAZING!! One of the top 5 artist I saw live. And I saw many. My heavy metal fans blew me crap at the time for going to see Prince. I told them if I blindfolded them and took them into the arena to hear Prince's guitar solo live at that concert they would have been BLOWN AWAY!! PRN was THAT good!! His halftime performance at SB 41 with my beloved Colts was not only epic, but arguably the BEST EVER halftime SB performance. What an Artist. What a talent!

[@azifyoukare]

This is the song, that introduced the world to… the greatest player to ever hold a guitar!!! I had no idea what a whirlwind ride I was about to take my 16 year old self on, during the summer of 1984!!! What a time to be alive!!! I saw Prince in concert 20 different times between 1986 and 2013! Thank you for showing the world in this video, what I discovered back then. The greatest guitar player ever!!! Any guitarist who came before or after, needs to take a knee to the greatness of Prince!!! Because none of them are worthy!!!

[@vo2020]

I played this at my 16th birthday party and all of my friends and I still talk about it! It is THE song to get me out of my depression. Prince is watching over us all, praying that we never let the elevator bring us down! Thank you, Purple One! ✌🏻

[@jeffodell6857]

I just watched this episode and you said that Prince preached to us with this song. I am a pastor and I used all of the lyrics to this song in a sermon I preached a few years ago. The only person who knew was my wife. The sermon was very well received.

[@gregwasserman2635]

I was in HS in 1984, end of my junior year, start of my senior year. I was never a Prince fan and I'm still not, but Prince was HUGE. The favorite musical artist of my senior class was Prince and the Revolution, and the favorite movie was Purple Rain. One of my basketball teammates went all in on the Prince look. He was insanely big back then and was all over MTV. And while I may not be a Prince fan, I would never say he sucked. He was an immensely talented musician who played many different instruments and was incredibly creative. We can't say that about many current music "artists". My sisters listened to him quite a bit, so I got my fill of him whether I liked it or not! I remember the song he did with Sheena Easton, "U Got the Look". It was a few years later, and I was listening to metal. Lots of metal. But I'll never forget how she went all in on the Prince look, which was a major departure from her "For Your Eyes Only" days! I sometimes look back on the 80s as a time where there was a lot of cheesy music and movies, but when I really look at it, well, there was a lot of cheese (!), but there was also a lot great stuff, innovative, and memorable.

[@shelq3814]

The day Prince died I was sitting at my desk at work, holding back tears as I read the news on fb. I went onto KZbin immediately looking for his music, and found nothing...then a friend posted a link on her page with no description and I clicked it. It was from a foreign country and I found let's go crazy, my favorite song by him. I'd never been clear on one certain lyric in it, and that was the day I realized he was saying "punch a higher floor" and I started sobbing. I'm sure he got to the highest floor in heaven, for all the joy he brought us.

[@eleniprovia7667]

Prince! One of the greatest and most original artists that ever walked this earth. No one like him! My dad loved “Raspberry beret”, “Little red Corvette” and “Sexy MF”. My husband and I are both huge Prince fans, he still sounds so fresh today. His music hasn’t aged at all! Does anyone know if he really stood five feet two?

[@ProfessorofRock]

He was very short. Thanks Eleni

[@brianjohnson3833]

He was about 5'4

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Prince is actually shorter than I thought. I always imagined he was very tall.

[@adreanmarantz2103]

I've never been much into ballads but I could not get enough of his more upbeat songs like Let's go Crazy, LRC, 1999, and my all-time favorite Raspberry Beret ( the longer intro version=) Just awesome.

[@marktait2371]

yeh jimmy was 54 or 6 good point guard on the bball floor his teamates said could run the floor get the ball where his guys needed it maybe a scoop at the rim.every once in a while decent jumper also

[@ILJ68]

Credited as Alexander Nevermind on Stevie Nicks 1983 lp Wild Heart. He added the synth rhythm piano bit that made Stand Back a success. The purple and lace phase was inspired by her too. When Doves Cry was his response to her Edge of 17 (Just Like The White Winged Dove).

[@kellyalves756]

I did not know that!! Thank you!

[@awalker8371]

Cool thanks. When I first hear stand back I immediately thought Prince on this or wrote it.

[@bobward7489]

His guitar playing and overall musicianship is what made me a huge fan. In '82 I grudgingly went to a concert of his to make a girl happy. Halfway through the opening song I was blown away and he had a fan for life.

[@raycimbalnik5159]

Prince will always be the high water mark of music to me. Legendary performer,musician,and writer. It gets no better!

[@RockPolitics]

That rendetion of While My Guitar Gently Weeps is Iconic. But the thing that really made it for me is at the end when he tosses the guitar and just walks off with that smile on his face. He KNEW how good it was, and he was whole.

[@christophersmith2091]

Saw him at a bar in Ridgeland Mississippi. He was truly a master of the guitar and the rock and roll community owe him his due.

[@bonitasmith8880]

I just remember I was working a sit down job on 3rd shift. I never got much sleep, so I was always dozing off and miserable. I bought me a walkman, and I remember when this song when come on the radio, through my headphones, I would crank it up way to loud, and start dancing in my chair. This song woke me up and kept me awake for many many graveyard shifts!

[@shawnrogers8520]

Ah, Purple Rain!! The movie and album I could watch and listen over and over again!!

[@ProfessorofRock]

It's such a classic! What's your favorite track on the record?

[@shawnrogers8520]

@@ProfessorofRock Purple Rain, then Let's Go Crazy! Purple Rain is one of my favorite ballads of all time!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Such a classic.

[@joekopel]

Prince was a musical genius. Purple Rain is my favorite album. Track 1-9 all bangers! He is missed. Every day

[@robbieburns8746]

Glad you're able to talk about The Purple One! Purple Rain was his signature, but he had such a range of musical output that you almost couldn't keep up! His tribute to Harrison, his last rock album, all from a man taken from us well before his time. Thank you Prince, and thanks Adam for this great piece! If you can, please do a retrospective of Sign O' The Times! Such a great talent!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

He did him more than just justice.

[@vannaty7]

I fell in love with Prince at the age of 8, when I seen him for the first time on MTV. My mom took me to our local mall and got me a shirt with his picture on it and I still have that tiny shirt to this day. When he left this world I grieved so much, so much so that I couldn't see his face, without breaking down. When I pass I want my grave to say "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today, because I got thru this thing called life." On it I want Prince's doves Divinity and Majesty on it too. There will never be another Prince and I will miss him, until I see him in heaven. 🕊💜

[@kathyo9420]

No words can describe what Prince was, what he gave us, and what he leaves behind. I remember where I was the first time I saw him, or where I was when we learned we had lost him. This one hit me harder than MJ, and I loved MJ. May his memory be a blessing to us all. How lucky were we that we got to live the same time Prince did?

[@areneesouder]

I wish I could have actually gotten to know him, when I met him all those years ago. I was in Myrtle Beach,in I believe '77, kicking it with some soul group legends performing at a club, and word was that an new artist and his band were coming, after everyone finished their gigs. These old school artists were excited about meeting this new kid, and I figured he must really have something for these guys to be reacting this way. And I was sure whoever this was would be excited to meet them. They came and lined up as we all went down the line, shaking hands and introducing ourselves and they replying,so sweetly. And when I shook hands with this beautiful young man, about a year younger than myself, noticing how attractive he was,he replies,"hi, I'm Prince". And since the general public hadn't heard of him yet, no album released/being played yet, I might have normally forgot about it, except I'd never heard of anyone named/called Prince before, I got a kick outta of his name, and remembered clearly thinking like my family usually joked about such, thinking,"who died and made you prince?" Seriously. That was a running joke in my family about names, titles,etc, and automatically came naturally to my head. So it stuck. Months later, I'm at work,in Atlanta, and new music played at the clubs I worked at and hung out, and blaring on the radio, and I realize, OMG, it's him, it's him! No wonder all these other artists were so interested in meeting him. Man! Just wish we'd had more time. One thing I absolutely noticed,was he was extremely shy, and that's why it was so shocking to see him performing,in videos and everything. He eventually got less shy about it all, but if you know Prince, you know yes, he was very shy in the early days. Miss you and love you always,RIP our genuine Prince.💜✌️🙏💃💜

[@FriendlyFare]

This video grabbed my attention as I recently had the opportunity to sing Purple Rain for/with the Developmentally Disabled Adults for whom I host Karaoke on Wednesdays... These folks are the best: sometimes they are superstars and want to hold the mic and sing (with me quietly singing along to guide the melody)... and sometimes they just pick songs that are meaningful to them and stand there silently with the mic while I sing the whole song and then the entire room will break out in applause for THEM at the end... It is endearing and heartwarming. The point of the this post is that I hadn't sung Purple Rain in decades, and in that time I had transitioned from FtM who was a classically trained vocalist with a 5 1/2 octave range and a 4 1/2 octave tessitura to a bearded beefy bass with 'bear'ly 2 1/2 bass/baritone octaves... And yet, Prince's genius shone through and the soulful bass rendition sounded pretty damn fly. I wonder what songs my special friends will have on the list for me this week?

[@sammi-joreviews1135]

That is so wonderful. Keep them rocking. 😊

[@khcaver]

Went to a million concerts back in the early 80’s. I passed on all the opportunities to see Prince live. I totally regret that bad call. What a performer.

[@vandergod]

Prince was truly a master of music. Purple Rain came out in my college years. I saw the movie so many times and still listen to this record today. It’s one of the best and this song is a perfect opening to this masterpiece.

[@johnpickett8533]

Aren't we blessed to have Prince? Such a talent lost. I miss him. He's definitely part of the sound track of my life.

[@paulahaller]

In '83 I was the favorite (credit union) teller of the mom of a band member of the Revolution, who I will keep nameless. As a result I had regular interactions with this band member and got to know them fairly well over the years, subsequently became their favorite teller also and was invited to some parties. Apparently Prince could be quite the taskmaster, but he had their respect, and my acquaintance greatly enjoyed working with him. He had a strict no drugs policy which he followed himself at a time when there was some pretty interesting stuff flowing through the Minneapolis music scene. This is why his death shocked so many of us to the core. His death was the first many of became aware of how he had been struggling with pain. Prince earnestly cared for the best interest of those who worked with him, and their families. Most of them came from the "north side" which is known for poverty. This band member was raised by a wonderful woman, and I specifically remember when 'Mom' got a house! When they were making the movie, my acquaintance told me that Prince told his band members that this movie was going to make them rich and so he required them to become educated on smart financial investments and tax laws. At the time I lived in a household with friends in a band, so I was in a sense a member of the Minneapolis music world of the 80's. There was a lot of incredible talent at that time. It was a great time and place to be a young adult. (Peter Himmelman is another talent from that time who has made a good name for himself.) But besides his pure talent, what propelled Prince forward was his incredible business saavy. Most definitely not to be underestimated!

[@ElizabethShetterly-pu6il]

I can't get past this. Professor of Rock didn't point it out to me. As soon as I heard he died, my mind, my body resonated with this song. How many years has it been? I still get a triple layer of goosebumps. "And if the elevator tries to bring you down, go CRAZY...punch a higher floor!" Prophet? Reincarnated Buddhist? Psychic? Or did God speak through him, foreshadowing his death ? Sadly, we will never know. 😪

[@sirfriendzone1228]

I never listen to the 'short' version anymore. I always listened to the 'dance' version because I absolutely love the middle section!

[@ProfessorofRock]

It's mind blowing!

[@sirfriendzone1228]

@@ProfessorofRock Morris Day is currently on his fairwell tour with The Time. A segment on them might be nice.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Extended version is the BEST!

[@OrientL]

I've been a big fan of Prince since I bought his Controversy album. His music has never let me down.

[@lfd_eng9219]

At first, like many other artists, I thought he was over played and over rated. Then when his popularity on the radio died, I took the time to listen...truly listen...and understood the genius that he was. Spectacular songs...freakishly amazing guitar abilities...and his voice was very distinct and passion filled. RIP Prince. We will continue to get crazy and party like it is 1999 until the end of days. Thanks PoR...you are helping keep the music alive!

[@daviddauda304]

As a guy that always love rock and roll yet Prince always had me listening to his amazing music. He was definitely one of the greatest musicians of the modern era. That tribute to George Harrison made my jaw drop also. One of the best guitar solos I ever seen and heard

[@Itisfinished403]

Prince was a musical genius for sure❣️ I grew up listening 🎶 to him & loved it all. What was sooo SPECIAL & AWESOME was the fact that I was able to see him live in my hometown Baltimore shortly before his death. It was during the Freddy Gray death by police incident. I had seen him before back in the 90s but he wasn't singing his old stuff because of the issues with his record company. But this night he played all of his OLD stuff including Let's get crazy. It was an unforgettable incredible show. He was AWESOME ❤🔥🎵🌹🙏🏽🥰 I was sooo grateful to have been apart of that special moment. Me & my friends will never forget it 🎉❤😊

[@DoctorJohnSmith9]

Love for the Professor and the channel and its subscribers from a Minneapolis kid who grew up in the 80s and watched our Legend start and grow into the icon he became. So happy to see Prince covered with your amazing storytelling skills, Adam. ❤

[@peacewillow]

"purple rain" the movie was like an album length music video!! like prince saw "thriller" and said "hold my beer"..... 😝💕

[@danielsolano602]

All of my family, even those that weren't modern music fans of the day, lived and breathed "Purple Rain" all damn year. And yes, when I took a step back and experienced "1999", my 4th grade ears could barely digest some of it, but couldn't stop listening. Then a cousin of mine got a hold of all them earlier cassettes, and we were absolutely obsessed with this guy!! So so good!!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Even my grandma went in on it! She hated her daughters listening to Prince but eventually saw through his genius.

[@tafkabecky]

One of the best Artists of all time. Not just musical artists, but all artists.

[@SammyHorne]

Prince was an amazing artist. I remember going to see Purple Rain at the Theatre and was blown away!!

[@stephenibrahim7349]

Prince 4 me is the smorgasbord of music. He provides a feast of tunes that not only serves your taste desires, he has you eating more and more and more. Long live his memory. Yes artists can be great in their craft although Prince was so well rounded no one compares! Long live his music. I pray for his soul 🙏

[@CrownedOne919]

Please allow me to mention the epic SUPER BOWL in 2007 opening that Prince set the entire world on fire, WHILE IT WAS RAINING, BTW.

[@Rebwell]

The minute you said your first sentence I heard in my head “dearly beloved…” Classic

[@ZombasticRex]

I have always been a Prince fan. I have enjoyed most of his music. Sad to see him pass so young. He was underrated as a guitar player. His super bowl performance was inspiring.

[@nopenever3]

Have you seen the superbowl producer talk about how Prince asked for "it to rain harder ". Absolutely savage

[@swannydeehosinpepper9655]

If he began 2 have problems with his fingers, couldn't play his guitar or write, would he stay around & go thru all of that ?? This goes Much, Much Deeper.. Holla

[@dibber43]

Prince was one-of-a-kind, a brilliant musician, a humble man. Huge respect for him and I was never really was a big fan of his music. That's how impressive he was. May he Rest in Peace🙏

[@tommyoz777]

Yep, I was on to this guy since dirty mind. If you paid attention to all his tracks on previous releases, you would've known where he was coming from with let's go crazy. I too found it pretty odd that he was found in the elevator. So sad. Extremely gifted artist.

[@stellamarisbeautyofficial8934]

I wish he was still with us 😢 thank you for an endearing tribute to Prince ❤

[@BizzyDitchAZ88]

In my GenX experience, I was introduced to Prince during a camping trip to Southern California in summer of 1984 with Purple Rain. I was hooked! Prince was the gift of my 80s existence. It’s all about the Purple One. Don’t get me started on the 2007 SuperBowl performance which is THE BEST EVER RECORDED! #PurpleRain was what happened! Never forget!

[@donnabrown1549]

Yes I was 9 years old when Prince was first introduced in to my musical consciousness, my auntie has all of his albums! I literally grew up obsessed with all things Prince!❤❤❤

[@Aeyrie1]

I remember going to the theater to see Purple Rain back in 1984. I was about 11 years old. The theater went dark and when Let's Go Crazy started playing, everyone there was up on their feet, dancing. It was amazing.

[@kalinrafaes7467]

RIP prince... he was right, there will never be another like him

[@laurat1129]

When "1999" was released, I was a preteen, and we wore that record out. 1984 was a music year like no other. Then there was "Purple Rain", and the Revolution was on. We had no idea how good we had it then, but tbh I still sort of took him for granted until his estate started releasing the rest of his music. Then I remembered how many of his songs were great, just pure genius. Prince was nothing less than Prolific (*mic drop*) What more can we say... thanks for this, Prof. 🤘🏾🎸🎤💜☮️

[@dontworrydehappy7104]

Mr Prof, you have a way with not only making me fond of songs, bands etc that I previously didn't like ...but also making my favorites, such as Prince, shine even brighter! Thank you for your hard work and dedication to making this channel - and making it of such superior quality in content. Bless you, Adam! ❤😊

[@RobertJones-sd3ly]

Well said, my sentiments exactly

[@shamancarmichael5305]

Totally brilliant and completely underrated as a guitarist. Appreciate great artists cos we may not have them long!

[@raymondjamesrivera]

The guitar solo is pure fire, he plays guitar like he's breaking out of jail, fantastic. He's so good that he could have a greatest hits album of songs that he's written solely for other artists.

[@SHARKVADERS]

POR and PRINCE!!!!!!! That's an amazing combination!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Shark!

[@RBS_]

....always IS! ; )

[@stephenhanft1226]

After his breakthrough blockbuster 1999 album, Purple Rain launched Prince into the stratosphere with worldwide stardom. "Let's Go Crazy" is my favorite song from the album. It's such a great rocker.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Let’s Go Crazy might as well be my favorite #1 hit song of the greatest year in music history.

[@leanesbitt1455]

As a performer in a Prince tribute for many years, I can say with certainty that his music is the most nuanced and complex of any artist who’s music I’ve worked to learn, and the fans are some of the most loyal and fervent music fans in the world. It was a lot of fun - we went crazy!

[@rogerdeahl9629]

Thanks Professor! Much like Prince, you are a musical genius.

[@ProfessorofRock]

No! But thank you! Ha ha.

[@nedhorner]

@@ProfessorofRock LOL, Not only can you say someone thinks you're a musical genius, but you can also say you're one of the most humblest people alive as well! 😄