The Untold Story of Prince's Meteoric Rise and Turbulent Legacy

Ezra Edelman's nine-hour documentary on Prince is a captivating exploration of the late musical icon's genius, complexity, and the personal demons that shaped his extraordinary yet troubled life. From the creation of his seminal album "Purple Rain" to the anguished testimonies of his former muses, this documentary delves into the multifaceted nature of Prince's artistry and the personal sacrifices that fueled his meteoric rise to superstardom.

Unraveling the Enigma of Prince's Genius

The Making of "When Doves Cry"

The documentary takes viewers back to 1984, when Prince was on the cusp of releasing "Purple Rain," the album that would cement his status as a music legend. Sound engineer Peggy McCreary recounts the intense recording sessions for "When Doves Cry," a song that would become an anthem and a platinum megahit. McCreary describes witnessing Prince's flash of genius, as the artist filled the studio with a maximalist stew of wailing guitars, thrumming keyboards, and an overdubbed choir of harmonizing Princes. However, something was not quite right. In a moment of profound insight, Prince began subtracting elements, removing the guitar solo, the keyboard, and, most boldly, the bass. His decision to forgo the bass line was a bold and heterodox move, one that defied conventional wisdom, but ultimately resulted in a groundbreaking and unforgettable track.

The Roots of Prince's Genius

The documentary delves deeper into the origins of Prince's genius, exploring how it grew alongside a gnawing desire for recognition. His sister, Tyka Nelson, offers a glimpse into their turbulent upbringing, describing the violence in their household and the strained relationship between Prince and their musician father. The father, who had bestowed his former stage name "Prince" upon his son, was a complex figure – a gift, but also a burden, a reminder that the demands of supporting his children had caused him to abandon his own musical career. This dynamic, rife with love, resentment, and the desire to outshine one's progenitor, would shape Prince's relentless pursuit of artistic mastery and recognition.

The Dark Side of Prince's Legacy

The documentary also sheds light on the darker aspects of Prince's legacy, revealing a side of the artist that many of his fans may have preferred to ignore. Jill Jones, one of Prince's former girlfriend-muses, recounts a harrowing incident in 1984 when she and a friend visited the musician at a hotel. In a fit of jealousy, Prince physically assaulted Jones, punching her in the face repeatedly. Despite her desire to press charges, she was dissuaded by Prince's manager, who warned that it would ruin his career. The trauma of this event, and the complex emotions that lingered in its aftermath, are palpable in Jones' anguished testimony, a testament to the complex and sometimes troubled nature of Prince's relationships.

The Triumph and Turmoil of "Purple Rain"

The documentary further explores the pivotal moment of Prince's career, the premiere of the "Purple Rain" film, which would go on to win the Academy Award for Best Original Song Score in 1985. Prince's tour manager, Alan Leeds, recalls the artist's unexpected reaction on the way to the ceremony. Trembling with fear, Prince was initially overwhelmed by the gravity of the occasion, with one of his bodyguards excitedly proclaiming that "every star in town is there!" But as Leeds recounts, a switch seemed to flip, and Prince regained his composure, emerging from the limo and striding down the red carpet in a regal and unbothered manner, a creature of "regal remove." This fleeting moment of vulnerability, captured by Leeds, serves as a poignant reminder of the immense pressure and public scrutiny that Prince navigated throughout his career.The Ezra Edelman documentary on Prince is a captivating exploration of the artist's genius, complexity, and the personal demons that shaped his extraordinary yet troubled life. From the creation of his seminal works to the anguished testimonies of his former muses, the documentary offers a rare and insightful glimpse into the multifaceted nature of Prince's artistry and the personal sacrifices that fueled his meteoric rise to superstardom.