Prince Rogers Nelson (born June 7, 1958), known from 1993 to 2000 as an un pronouncable symbol (or informally, The Artist Formerly Known as Prince, Tafkap, or simply The Artist), is a popular American musician. He had the biggest song of 1984 with "When Doves Cry" and is best known for his album and movie "Purple Rain". His music has spanned myriad styles; from his early material, rooted in funk and soul, he has constantly expanded his musical palette throughout his career, absorbing many other genres including new wave, pop, rock, blues, jazz and hip hop.