1983 in music: Prince hits big with '1999'

It was in 1983 that Minneapolis singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Prince (born Prince Rogers Nelson) broke through with his fifth album, '1999'. Although the album was actually released towards the end of 1982, it wasn't until the second single release 'Little Red Corvette' became an international hit that the album took off.  Like Michael Jackson with 'Thriller', '1999' saw Prince adapt his funky sound to cater for more mainstream tastes; heavy use of synthesizers and
guitar solos helped him appeal to a more rock-orientated audience.

The media were quick to build up a rivalry between the two stars; both had broken through with help from MTV who played the videos of both artists in heavy rotation. However, 1983 was without doubt Jackson's year while Prince would go on to greater success the year later with the album and film 'Purple Rain'.

The title track became one of Prince's best-loved songs, however it failed to chart on first release in both the US and UK. It did however, chart in Australia but it wasn't until 'Little Red Corvette' had become a hit that '1999' the song was reissued, this time to success. It is still a much-played song on radio stations today.

2023 Update: Sadly Prince passed away in June 2016 from an overdose of prescription medicine, leaving behind a monumental legacy.

Prince was infamous for his control over videos posted to Youtube, often having the sound muted. Here is the album version of '1999'.