Did you know Prince almost never gave interviews? When he finally sat down with Larry King in December 1999, he did not waste a moment. He looked right into the camera and said the public’s obsession with a star’s private life was a real problem. He was an artist who only wanted to be judged by his music, not by his marriage or his daily life.
The interview happened just after Prince won his freedom from his old record company. The famous artist argued that his music was the only thing people “come to the party for.” If someone wanted more, he said it was because “something inside of you that’s lacking.” He stood strong for his right to keep his personal life truly personal.
Prince discussing the unnecessary focus on the personal lives of celebrities on Larry King
Fans loved how honest he was. One viewer said the star was “so beautifully thoughtful and eloquent.” Another viewer said they loved that Prince was “authentic to the core.” People understood his point: a genius should be celebrated for their art, not for the details of their family life.
Prince’s message about privacy was strong, but there was more to that full interview. He talked about his fight to own his music masters, calling the old contract a form of “slavery.” He wanted creative freedom more than anything. This rare TV appearance was his way of telling the whole world that he was finally in charge of his own journey.
Prince Rogers Nelson’s entire 1999 CNN interview (Larry King Live)
In the full conversation, he also shared where his music came from. He said his talent was a gift from God, and he made music to give people hope. He spoke about his song “1999,” which he wrote to bring a positive feeling to the new millennium. He showed people that his focus was always on art and spirituality.
Prince was a musical force who always marched to his own beat. His style, his sound, and his spirit were one of a kind. To see more of his musical journey and learn about his legacy, you can follow the artist on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. You will see why he will always be celebrated as a true genius.