Prince: The Making of a Pop Music Phenomenon

By Sarah Niblock, Stan Hawkins | Publisher: Taylor and Francis

About the book

The career of the prolific pop artist Prince has become inextricably intertwined with the history of popular music since the late 1970s. This multi-instrumental icon, who remains one of the highest-grossing live performers in America, has been called a genius for his musicianship, composition and incredible performances. But Prince holds iconic status for more than his music. Best known for his racial blurring and extravagant sexual persona, Prince's music and visual iconography has always chimed with the ambiguity of subjectivity at any given moment. 'Prince' the sign offers a space for fans to evaluate and reconfigure their attitudes towards their own identities, and towards their position as subjects within the socio-cultural sphere. This much-needed interdisciplinary analysis is the first of its kind to examine critically Prince's popular music, performances, sounds, lyrics and the plethora of accompanying visual material such as album covers, posters, fashions, promotional videos and feature films. Specifically, the book explores how and why he has played such a profoundly meaningful and significant role in his fans' lives.

Editions of Prince: The Making of a Pop Music Phenomenon

EBook
ISBN 9781317075936
PDF
ISBN 9781317075943

Read an Excerpt

The career of the prolific pop artist Prince has become inextricably intertwined with the history of popular music since the late 1970s. This multi-instrumental icon, who remains one of the highest-grossing live performers in America, has been called a genius for his musicianship, composition and incredible performances. But Prince holds iconic status for more than his music. Best known for his racial blurring and extravagant sexual persona, Prince's music and visual iconography has always chimed with the ambiguity of subjectivity at any given moment. 'Prince' the sign offers a space for fans to evaluate and reconfigure their attitudes towards their own identities, and towards their position as subjects within the socio-cultural sphere. This much-needed interdisciplinary analysis is the first of its kind to examine critically Prince's popular music, performances, sounds, lyrics and the plethora of accompanying visual material such as album covers, posters, fashions, promotional videos and feature films. Specifically, the book explores how and why he has played such a profoundly meaningful and significant role in his fans' lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Prince: The Making of a Pop Music Phenomenon about?

The career of the prolific pop artist Prince has become inextricably intertwined with the history of popular music since the late 1970s. This multi-instrumental icon, who remains one of the highest-grossing live performers in America, has been called a genius for his musicianship, composition and incredible performances. But Prince holds iconic status for more than his music. Best known for his racial blurring and extravagant sexual persona, Prince's music and visual iconography has always chimed with the ambiguity of subjectivity at any given moment. 'Prince' the sign offers a space for fans to evaluate and reconfigure their attitudes towards their own identities, and towards their position as subjects within the socio-cultural sphere. This much-needed interdisciplinary analysis is the first of its kind to examine critically Prince's popular music, performances, sounds, lyrics and the plethora of accompanying visual material such as album covers, posters, fashions, promotional videos and feature films. Specifically, the book explores how and why he has played such a profoundly meaningful and significant role in his fans' lives.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Prince: The Making of a Pop Music Phenomenon?

The Arts > Music > Music: styles and genres > Popular music

Where can I read a sample of Prince: The Making of a Pop Music Phenomenon?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781317075936

Is Prince: The Making of a Pop Music Phenomenon part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?

Yes it is a part of series Ashgate Popular and Folk Music Series

Who is/are the Author/s of the book Prince: The Making of a Pop Music Phenomenon?

Sarah Niblock, Stan Hawkins

Who is the Publisher of the book Prince: The Making of a Pop Music Phenomenon?

Taylor and Francis

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

Prince: The Making of a Pop Music Phenomenon is available as ebook(ISBN 9781317075936) and pdf(ISBN 9781317075943)