Purple Reign: The Artist Formerly Known As Prince [Paperback]

Liz Jones (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1999

From back cover: Comprehensive and insightful, the masterly biography also delves into the music industry at large, looks at the racism endemic in American society, and traces the artist's music through jazz, soul, funk, punk, and hip-hop. It also explores, through the women who have worked with him, his special affinity for the opposite sex.

Product Details

• Paperback: 284 pages
• Publisher: Citadel Pr (April 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0806520655
• ISBN-13: 978-0806520650
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,185,802 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Instead of this book, buy Per Nilsen's DanceMusicSexRomance, July 23, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Purple Reign: The Artist Formerly Known As Prince (Hardcover)

After reading this book, I wonder if Ms. Jones has to pay any penalties for ripping off other people who interviewed Prince and didn't give credit. She made it sound as though she was interviewing Prince even though there are direct quotes from other interviews made by others. Incredibly tacky! If you want to know more about Prince, read Per Nilsen's book "DanceMusicSexRomance." Even though it only works up to the end of 1987, it is absolutely incredible. Stay away from "Purple Reign." I felt truly ripped off.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Purple Reign contains excellent research about an enigma., April 14, 1999

By 

ericben "ericben" (London, Ontario Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Purple Reign: The Artist Formerly Known As Prince (Hardcover)

I found Purple Reign to be a very interesting read, especially considering my interest in The Artist Formerly Known As Prince. Interviews done for the book in addition to interviews taken from previous magazine gave excellent insight to the personality and talent of O(+> in addition to the circumstances in which he writes his music. A great deal of information was given to me of which I was previously unaware and it was a very comprehensive book.

However, I find it doubtful that much of this information is completely accurate. In any unauthorized biography, one must be aware of the fact that interviews and information from vindictive ex-employees is probably not all that reliable. There seems to be a polarity in the book: one group of people raved about how fantastic a person Prince is, while the other group of people couldn't stop talking about how much of a jerk he was. There were some believable sources (Wendy & Lisa, Alan Leeds, Eric Leeds, etc.), but many seemed to be doubtful.

Which brings me to by fart the weakest quality of the book (and the reason I only gave it 3 stars). The book is absolutely terribly written. Liz Jones convolutes many paragraphs in such a way that the reader has no idea who she's talking about by the time the paragraph has ended. Jones manages to use the words 'he' and 'she' over ten times in one 15 line paragraph without once mentioning exactly who she was speaking of. Jones rarely introduces her interviewees, making it very difficult for readers not familiar with O(+>'s associates to follow the book. I find it incredible that Jones is a regular magazine columnist in England and currently editor of a major magazine; perhaps a creative writing course is warranted!

All in all, a very easy and fascinating read. I recommend it. I do, however, look forward to Per Nilson's Dancemusicsexromance for additional insight into Prince's music and less focus on 'dirt'.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An intelligent review of Prince/O(+> career., May 10, 1998

By 

Julie Lovisa (Indiana USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Purple Reign: The Artist Formerly Known As Prince (Hardcover)

This is not a trashy tell all biography of Prince's life, but rather a book that uses quotes from the man himself as well as articles and interviews with former band members and management to present an intelligent, informative look into the world of Prince/O(+>. Although much of the information presented here is common knowledge to diehard fans, it is still fascinating to read about the evolution of "black" music, funk, and the Minneapolis sound as it relates to Prince's music. This is definitely a must-read if you are new to the jams and want to get a handle on what the addiction is. Excellent discography and reviews of all commercial releases up to Emanicipation.