Unleashing the Purple Prodigy: Prince vs. the King of Pop - A Tale of Two Musical Giants
- By Helmut Ziegler*
Musical icon Prince gained notoriety and became a legend through his hit single "Purple Rain." - American music icon, Prince, and his iconic anthem "Purple Rain" cemented his status in music history.
In the pop music battlefield of the '80s, commercial success tilted towards Michael Jackson, with sales significantly outweighing those of Prince — there are estimates of three times as many albums sold by the King of Pop. But in other aspects, the Purple One takes the crown, especially in matters of creativity and artistic freedom.
Prince was an insatiable king of creativity, composing far more melodies. According to Wikipedia, the count hovers around 211 songs, while the numbers for Jackson stand at approximately 117. More striking is the fact that Prince frequently played the majority of instruments on his recordings, showcasing his versatility and talent.
Prince: the Glitzy Glam Rock Star
Fashionably speaking, Prince was more flamboyant. Jackson had his fedora and white gloves, coupled with the company of his chimpanzee, Bubbles. On the other hand, Prince often strutted the stage in mesh underwear, garters, or sequined lace outfits. He was also rumored to have had an affair with film star Kim Basinger and had bespoke guitars. In a friendly game of table tennis, when he typically aimed for Jackson's paddle, Prince still emerged victorious. But it's not just the table tennis where Prince showcased his maturity and independence.
Born to a divorce family with roots in both white and black communities, Prince struggled with authority figures throughout his life. He clashed with his mother's second husband and was kicked out by his own father during his teenage years. He fought tirelessly for autonomy, defying boundaries, embracing his opposites, and celebrating his individuality. This was evident in his music which drew from funk, classical, rock, country, and hip-hop, and his performances that ranged from pre-queer to macho.
Finally, his refusal to bow to the commands of the record labels set him apart. In 2001, he began distributing his music online — the same year the iPod was launched. Before that, Jackson preferred to maintain more traditional relationships with record companies.
While his bold moves may have been polarizing, Prince's defiance earned him the title "Controversy" as early as 1981, when he wrote the programmatic song "Controversy." He raised eyebrows by wishing we were all naked and quoting the Lord's Prayer, hinting at his belief in exploring all aspects of life.
Sadly, the pursuit of freedom came with pain, as Prince tragically passed away in 2016 from a fentanyl overdose.
Artistic Legacies Compared
While both Jackson and Prince held towering positions in pop music, their artistic journeys diverged significantly. Prince was a prolific songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, with some estimates suggesting he had hundreds, if not thousands, of unreleased tracks. Michael Jackson, on the other hand, collaborated with artists like Quincy Jones and Rod Temperton, bringing soulful melodies and show-stopping dance moves to music fans worldwide.
| Artist | Estimated Total Compositions | Notable Collaborators | Albums Released | Notable Style Traits ||------------------|-----------------------------|----------------------|-----------------|-------------------------------|| Prince | Hundreds to thousands | Rare | 39+ | Prolific self-composer, multi-instrumentalist || Michael Jackson | Dozens to hundreds | Quincy Jones, Rod Temperton | 10 (solo) | Performer, vocalist, occasional collaborator |
The rivalry between these musical titans was often fueled by media sensationalism, but their differing approaches to music composition and performance reflected their unique talents and legacies.
More pictures from this gallery: * Prince * Eighties * Michael Jackson * Purple Rain
- In the realm of music, Prince and Michael Jackson, both celebrities of the '80s, were two giants of pop-culture, each carving their distinct paths in entertainment and pop-culture.
- Prince, dubbed the Purple One, stood out for his prolific songwriting and multi-instrumental playing, composing around 211 songs during his career, which was significantly more than the approximately 117 songs of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson.
