Prince
Prince in 1976, a Senior at Central High School
(What follows is a transcript of Prince's very first interview. It appeared in his high school newspaper on February 16, 1976. It is accompanied by a picture of a young afro-clad Prince sitting at a piano.)
Nelson Finds It "Hard To Become Known"
"I play with Grand Central Corporation. I've been playing with them for two years," Prince Nelson, senior at Central, said. Prince started playing piano at age seven and guitar when he got out of eighth grade.
Prince was born in Minneapolis. When asked, he said, "I was born here, unfortunately." Why? "I think it is very hard for a band to make it in this state, even if they're good. Mainly because there aren't any big record companies or studios in this state. I really feel that if we would have lived in Los Angeles or New York or some other big city, we would have gotten over by now."
He likes Central a great deal, because his music teachers let him work on his own. He now is working with Mr. Bickham, a music teacher at Central, but has been working with Mrs. Doepkes.
He plays several instruments, such as guitar, bass, all keyboards, and drums. He also sings sometimes, which he picked up recently. He played saxophone in seventh grade but gave it up. He regrets he did. He quit playing sax when school ended one summer. He never had time to practice sax anymore when he went back to school. He does not play in the school band. Why? "I really don't have time to make the concerts."
Prince has a brother that goes to Central whose name is Duane Nelson, who is more athletically enthusiastic. He plays on the basketball team and played on the football team. Duane is also a senior.
Prince plays by ear. "I've had about two lessons, but they didn't help much. I think you'll always be able to do what your ear tells you, so just think how great you'd be with lessons also," he said.
"I advise anyone who wants to learn guitar to get a teacher unless they are very musically inclined. One should learn all their scales too. That is very important," he continued.
Prince would also like to say that his band is in the process of recording an album containing songs they have composed. It should be released during the early part of the summer.
"Eventually I would like to go to college and start lessons again when I'm much older."
"Eventually I would like to go to college and start lessons again when I'm much older."
Retrieved By JuicyChitChats Monday May 2nd, 2016.
Grand Central Corporation:
Linda Anderson, Andre Cymone, Maurice Day, Terry Jackson, Prince and William Doughty.
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JuicyChitChats 2016. [Monday May 2nd, 2016]
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And just look at what the high school senior made out of himself. Look at what he became.
ReplyDeletePrince wanted to go to college? Amazing!
ReplyDeleteThe 70s look. Loving his 'fro! Wish Prince was still here. Thank God for him and his music. This guy did his school, town, state and country proud. He soared heights and dared to be different. Well done to this class of 1976 senior. Thanks for the music and incredible shows. Rest in perfect peace.
ReplyDeleteI can see Andre Cymone & Morris Day. It's amazing but Prince was such a giant even in those days. His hair, outfit and shoes tell it all, lol.
ReplyDeletePrince was born 7th June 1958. Since the photo was taken 6th February 1976, we are looking at a very cool, afro adorned 17 year old Prince! Am lovin' this.
ReplyDelete