Prince in the 1980s
A one-of-a-kind talent who fused funk, rock, pop and R&B into something entirely his own.
Origin: Minneapolis, Minnesota · Years active: 1976–2016
Get the music
Search Amazon · Find copies on eBay
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. These are partner links to Amazon and eBay product pages or searches; each link names the store it opens. RADIO 1980 may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices, editions, condition, delivery and availability are shown and checked on the retailer's site before checkout.
Prince T-shirts
Retailer searches, not verified products. ‘Official licensed’ is a search term, not a licensing guarantee; check seller authenticity, sizing and delivery. US stores.
Search Amazon · Search eBay · Choose a local marketplace in Collect
Biography
Prince was the decade's most prolific genius. Across the 1980s he released Dirty Mind, Controversy, 1999, Purple Rain, Around the World in a Day, Parade, Sign o' the Times, Lovesexy and more. There is no peer to this run.
Dirty Mind (1980) and Controversy (1981) introduced his fearless approach to genre, sex and image. 1999 (1982) made him a star.
Purple Rain (1984) — album, film and tour — was a singular cultural event. Sign o' the Times (1987) is widely viewed as his artistic apex.
Prince's influence is everywhere in modern pop, R&B and rock. His independence as an artist and his catalogue's depth remain unmatched.
Key 1980s albums
- Dirty Mind (1980) — Search Amazon · Find copies on eBay — 80s albums
- Controversy (1981) — Search Amazon · Find copies on eBay — 80s albums
- 1999 (1982) — Search Amazon · Find copies on eBay — 80s albums
- Purple Rain (1984) — Search Amazon · Find copies on eBay — 80s albums
- Around the World in a Day (1985) — Search Amazon · Find copies on eBay — 80s albums
- Parade (1986) — Search Amazon · Find copies on eBay — 80s albums
- Sign o' the Times (1987) — Search Amazon · Find copies on eBay — 80s albums
- Lovesexy (1988) — Search Amazon · Find copies on eBay — 80s albums
- Batman (1989) — Search Amazon · Find copies on eBay — 80s albums
Essential songs
- 1999 (1982) — 80s songs
- When Doves Cry (1984) — 80s songs
- Purple Rain (1984) — 80s songs
- Kiss (1986) — 80s songs
- Sign o' the Times (1987) — 80s songs
Genres
Upcoming concerts
Check the interactive concert directory for current source listings, dates and status. Artist associations may include tribute shows; read the full event title.
Browse all upcoming 80s concerts.
Prince — quick answers
- Who are Prince?
- Prince — Minneapolis, Minnesota, active 1976–2016. A one-of-a-kind talent who fused funk, rock, pop and R&B into something entirely his own.
- What did Prince release in the 1980s?
- RADIO 1980 lists 9 albums and 5 essential songs for Prince, covering 1980–1989.
- Where can I check shows associated with Prince?
- Open the interactive concert directory for current source listings. Check each full event title and provider before booking.
Help me choose my next concert
Compiled and fact-checked by the RADIO 1980 Editorial Team. Spotted something wrong? Send a correction.