MINNEAPOLIS— While the music world is still wrapping up celebrations to mark the 40th anniversary of Prince’s milestone”Purple Rain,” another honor has been announced for the late Minneapolis rock superstar: a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame.
Prince will be one of the few posthumous stars who are rarely recognized. The Minneapolis native died on April 21, 2016 at the age of 57 after a fentanyl overdose Paisley Park, his Chanhassen studio. At the time of his death, Prince was never nominated for a starnor was any paperwork ever sent to complete one.
Prince’s upcoming participation in the legendary Hollywood walk was announced by Jimmy Jam, a fellow ‘Minneapolis Sound’ collaborator and ex-member of The Time, among others.
There are almost 2,800 stars on the Walk of Fame. According to the organization that maintains and develops the Hollywood tourist attraction, only one posthumous star is allowed each year, which is subject to a two-year waiting period. Ray Liotta, Luciano Pavarotti, Carrie Fisher and Jenni Rivera are among the recently posthumously awarded stars, according to the organization.
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Prince joins Fantasia, Depeche Mode, Los Bukis, The B-52s, Green Day, The Isley Brothers, Busta Rhymes, George Strait, Keith Urban and WAR as the latest additions to the recording industry.
Other entertainment notables announced this week for the star award include Jane FondaJohannes Timmerman, David BeckhamEmilio Estevez, Colin Farrell, Bill Nye, Molly Shannon and Screen Actor Guild President Fran Drescher.
This past weekend, the First Avenue nightclub — which rose to national fame thanks to its central role in “Purple Rain” — was the scene of a huge party in Minneapolis, as fans gathered to pay tribute to Purple One’s best-selling album. While some took photos and explored where Prince performed, others rushed to Prince’s favorite music store, Electric fetusto add to their collection of all things Prince.
A new musical version of “Purple Rain” is expected to debut in Minneapolis before opening on Broadway in the spring of 2025.
