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Forty years ago, a diminutive man in purple revolutionized music and film. On July 27,1984, Warner Brothers released Purple Rain, a film written by, starring, and soundtracked by Prince Rogers Nelson.
Despite its modest budget and lack of established stars, Purple Rain soared to the top of the US box office, dethroning Ghostbusters* The soundtrack and the single "When Doves Cry" also hit number one, making Prince the first artist in US history to simultaneously top the charts for film, album, and song.
Prince, who hailed from Minneapolis, was a key figure in the Minneapolis Sound, along with childhood friends and fellow musicians Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. He spent most of his life in Minnesota, leaving an indelible mark on the Twin Cities' culture. Everyone of a certain age in the Twin Cities has a Prince story, says Elliot Powell, associate professor of American studies at the University of Minnesota. Prince's sightings and stories are woven into the fabric of Minnesota's history.
To honor the 40th anniversary of Purple Rain, Minneapolis is hosting a four-day festival, rolling out the purple carpet for fans. From June 20-24, the city will be alive with Prince-themed events. The legendary band, The Revolution, will reunite for two shows at the iconic First Avenue venue on June 21-22, part of Celebration 2024. This annual extravaganza will include panel discussions, downtown block parties, Purple Rain showings, boat cruises, and more.
The Minnesota History Center is showcasing Prince's coat from Purple Rain, and a new app, Sound Around Tours, will guide visitors to Prince sites throughout the Twin Cities.
Next spring, a musical adaptation of Purple Rain will debut in Minneapolis before heading to Broadway. Here are some of the must visit Prince Sites in Minneapolis.
First Avenue: The epicenter of Prince's legacy, First Avenue, is featured prominently in Purple Rain. Built in 1937 as a Greyhound bus station and converted into a dance club in 1970, it was the only downtown venue where Black musicians could play for years. Prince's first show here was in 1981, and his last was on July 7, 2007.
Don't miss the gold-painted star dedicated to Prince on the outside wall. In 2022, street artist Hiero Veiga painted a 100ft mural of Prince at the corner of First Avenue S and North Eighth Street. The adjacent street is now Prince Rogers Nelson Way.
The Schmitt Music Wall: Located at 94 S 10th Street, the Music Wall is where Prince had his first photo shoot in 1977, leading to his record deal. In 2018, Lizzo filmed her video for "Boys" here as a tribute to Prince.
