Classic Pop Presents Magazine

From Minneapolis to the world, Prince proved himself to be a musical visionary to rival any other in pop’s firmament. Not only did he remain a firm fixture in the worldwide charts throughout his incredible tenure, but he also helped numerous others rise to fame.

In this essential second volume of Classic Pop Presents, we fill in the gaps left over from our first special, rewinding the clock to his formative years and his first pioneering run of albums, as well as exploring the birth of the all-conquering Minneapolis Sound. There’s features on his psychedelic phase, his rivalry with Michael Jackson, as well as archive treasures on his breakthrough LP 1999, and his 90s classic Diamonds And Pearls, in which we speak to members of the New Power Generation.

Prince’s masterpiece Purple Rain celebrates its 40th anniversary this year and, as well as paying tribute to that timeless album, we take a detailed look at the hit feature film that accompanied it, alongside his other two movies. Our album insight this issue is the largely unsung Graffiti Bridge, we take an in-depth look his world tours, examine his infamous battle with his record label, as well as taking a peek into the vault to see what’s to come.

Lastly, we remember Prince’s final phase with 3rdeyegirl, we open the doors to his luxurious enclave, Paisley Park, and there’s in-depth pieces on his gender-flexing persona, as well as his influences and those that he influenced – plus we handpick our definitive Top 40 B-sides and bonus tracks and his Top 20 collaborations.