MJ and Prince Through the Years
MJ and Prince Through the Years
Throughout their illustrious careers, comparisons have been drawn between Michael Jackson and Prince. From their timeless chart-topping classics and global mainstream appeal to their humble upbringing, religious beliefs and individual artistry, Michael Jackson and Prince have mirrored each other. In celebration of the two music icons being honored at 'BET Awards '10,' we match up the facts about their lives.
MJ and Prince Through the Years
'Got To Be There'
Jackson, seen here during a 1972 'Top of the Pops' television appearance, was poised for greatness. During that year, he released a total of four solo studio albums with the Motown Records label, among them 'Got to Be There' and 'Ben.'
MJ and Prince Through the Years
Purple Reign
Not only did the soundtrack to the film 'Purple Rain' spend 24 weeks atop the charts, but it also earned Prince an Academy Award for best original score. 'Purple Rain' sold more than 13 million copies and was the first project Prince recorded with his longtime band, the Revolution. The title track took home the 1985 Grammy for best group rock vocal; other hit singles included 'When Doves Cry,' 'I Would Die 4 U,' and 'Let's Go Crazy.' The landmark album made Prince a household name.
MJ and Prince Through the Years
'I'll Be There'
During the mid-1970s, Michael Jackson evolved from kiddy-pop singer to teen music sensation. Not only did he achieve sterling success with his varied solo projects, the Gary, Indiana native simultaneously recorded hit records with his brothers under their new moniker, The Jacksons.
MJ and Prince Through the Years
'Pop Life'
Prince Rogers Nelson, the son of a jazz singer and a pianist songwriter, was born and raised in Minneapolis. Prince taught himself how to play piano, guitar and drums - all before the age of 14. He released his debut, 'For You,' in 1978, but it wasn't until 1980 that this eclectic singer-songwriter began making a name for himself with his second release, 'Dirty Mind.' The sexually explicit material included a very suggestive track about oral sex called 'Head.'
MJ and Prince Through the Years
'Greatest Show On Earth'
Jackson played the Scarecrow in the 1978 film, 'The Wiz,' an elaborate re-envisioning of 'The Wizard of Oz,' directed by Sidney Lumet and starring a cavalcade of the biggest black celebrities of the time, most notably Diana Ross as Dorothy, Nipsey Russell as The Tin Man, Ted Ross as The Cowardly Lion, Lena Horne as Glenda The Good Witch and Richard Pryor in the title role.
MJ and Prince Through the Years
'Sign O' the Times'
For two shows at the Los Angeles Coliseum, Prince found himself in the lucky position of opening up for the Rolling Stones. Unfortunately, his style choices got the young singer booed off the stage. Nevertheless, his 'Controversy' album (released later that year), coupled with his side projects with the funk band The Time, fueled the singer's popularity both stateside in addition to internationally.
MJ and Prince Through the Years
'We've Got A Good Thing Going'
Jackson-- pictured here in 1980 reportedly after breaking his nose during a complex dance routine leading to his initial rhinoplasty surgeries -- was riding a wave of success from the Quincy Jones-produced 'Off The Wall' album. It sold millions of copies and garnered a slew of awards, including American Music Awards, Billboard Awards and a Grammy Award.
MJ and Prince Through the Years
'Money Don't Matter Tonight'
Prince has never been an artist consumed by celebrity or making money. At the height of his fame, he still managed to incorporate socially conscious records with MTV-friendly videos like 'Little Red Corvette' and 'Delirious.' One song in particular, 'Sister,' broached the topic of incest. His 1982 double disc '1999' sold more than 3 million copies.
MJ and Prince Through the Years
'Pretty Young Thing'
Jackson was considered a heartthrob to many of his female fans. During his heyday as an adult solo artist, he made the scene with and was romantically linked to a slew of celebrity women, including Stephanie Mills, Tatum O'Neal and Brooke Shields, whom he is pictured with February 7, 1984.
MJ and Prince Through the Years
Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition and a Scholarship in Action Resident of the Institute for Black Public Policy. To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here.