Released in 1984, Prince’s iconic film Purple Rain turned 40 this year. The movie was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $68 million worldwide and spawning several hit singles, including the title track, “When Doves Cry,” and “Let’s Go Crazy.”
Beyond its commercial success, Purple Rain had a profound impact on American popular culture. The film’s innovative use of music, fashion, and visual imagery made it a groundbreaking work of art that continues to inspire and influence artists and filmmakers today.
Cultural Significance
Music:
Purple Rain’s soundtrack is considered one of the greatest albums of all time. The film’s music helped to popularize the Minneapolis sound, a unique blend of funk, rock, and R&B that would go on to influence a generation of musicians. Artists like Janet Jackson, Madonna, and Michael Jackson all cite Purple Rain as a major influence on their own work.
Fashion:
Prince’s unique and flamboyant style, as seen in the film, became a major fashion influence in the 1980s and beyond. His signature look, which often included ruffled shirts, tight pants, and high heels, was imitated by fans around the world. Prince’s fashion sense continues to inspire designers and fashion icons today.
Visual Imagery:
Purple Rain’s striking visuals, directed by Albert Magnoli, have been praised for their artistry and originality. The film’s iconic scenes, such as the motorcycle ride and the concert finale, have become ingrained in pop culture. Purple Rain’s visuals have been referenced in countless movies, TV shows, and music videos over the years.
Legacy:
Purple Rain’s cultural impact can be seen in the work of numerous artists, including Madonna, Michael Jackson, and Beyoncé. The film has also been referenced in countless movies, TV shows, and music videos. In 2019, Purple Rain was inducted into the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress, deeming it “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”
Purple Rain’s 40th anniversary is a testament to its enduring power and influence. The film remains a beloved classic that continues to resonate with audiences around the world.
“Purple Rain” had a tremendous influence on the music of its time and the music of the future. It launched the Minneapolis Sound and propelled the careers of the artists who performed with and were produced by Prince (most notably André Cymone, Dez Dickerson, Wendy & Lisa, Brownmark, Bobby Z. Dr. Fink, Morris Day, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Jesse Johnson, Jellybean Johnson, Monte Moir, Jerome Benton, St. Paul Peterson, Susannah Melvoin, Jill Jones, Sheila E., and Eric Leeds). Pop/rock artists including Sheena Easton and the Bangles both had hits with songs Prince wrote during the “Purple Rain” sessions. Decades later, “Purple Rain” influenced a new generation of musicians and performers including Alicia Keys, Questlove, D’Angelo, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Bruno Mars, and Janelle Monae.
Refusing to be pigeonholed by critics and the music industry, Prince continued to explore jazz, classical, gospel, blues, Latin, and rap music while furthering the boundaries of rock, pop, R&B, and funk right up until his transition to the afterworld in 2016. – Eddie Santiago
