Overview

Prince lived at the Nelson House as a child and developed his musical abilities while living here.

• Location: 2620 8th Avenue North
• Neighborhood: Willard-Hay

Historic profile

Prince lived at the Nelson House as a child and developed his musical abilities while living here.

This Ranch house was built by William Reynolds in 1956. The Nelson family, which included Prince Rogers Nelson, bought the house in March 1965. Prince was 6 years old when they moved in. His parents later separated and Prince moved out of the house in 1970 to live with his father.

While living at 2620 8th Avenue North, Prince learned how to play the piano. He watched his musician father, John, and experimented on his own. He also developed his songwriting, performing, and singing abilities. During this time, he attended Glendale Seventh-day Adventist Church and met the Anderson family. This included his future best friend and collaborator André (later known as André Cymone).

Prince went on to become an internationally known singer, songwriter, producer, studio engineer, and more. He was a major contributor to the “Minneapolis Sound.” This unique subgenre combined rhythm and blues, jazz, funk, and others. He influenced many artists throughout his career. He sold over 100 million records worldwide. Prince also won seven Grammys and an Academy Award for Best Original Song Score for his movie Purple Rain (1984). He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2004. He passed away unexpectedly in 2016.