PRINCE: A PURPLE REIGN
BBC Four documentary film which explores how Prince - showman, artist, enigma - revolutionized the perception of black music in the 1980's with worldwide hits such as 1999, Kiss, Raspberry Beret and Alphabet Street. He became a global sensation with the release of the Oscar-winning, semi-autobiographical movie Purple Rain in 1984, embarking on an incredible journey of musical self-discovery that continues to this day.
From the psychedelic Around the World in a Day to his masterpiece album Sign O' the Times and experiments with hip hop and jazz, Prince remains one of most ambitious and prolific songwriters of his generation. He tested the boundaries of taste and decency with explicit sexual lyrics and stage shows during his early career and in the 1990's fought for ownership of his name and control of his music, played out in a public battle with his former label, Warner Bros. Still in demand as one of the most flamboyant live performers around, Prince remains a controversial and elusive creative force - as much a mystery as ever.
Contributors include Revolution guitarist Dez Dickerson, Paisley Park label president Alan Leeds, hip hop legend Chuck D and Prince 'Mastermind' and UK soul star Beverley Knight.