THE PURPLE ONE

A salute to a musical genius with a uniquely independent spirit.

Burgess leaves out the “Artist Formerly Known As” conceit, not to mention his subject’s ultimately fatal addiction to fentanyl, to focus on role modeling—carrying Prince Rogers Nelson from bullied child to superstar, riding his “gigantic dream” and outstanding talents to a spectacular performance for millions in the 2007 Super Bowl halftime show. Along the way, the author pays tribute to both Prince’s musical gifts, which he inherited from his parents and began expressing with an original song at age 7, and the venturesome ambition that culminated in his distinctive look, brand, self-made film, and hit song “Purple Rain.” Why purple? “Purple is regal,” the author emotes. “Purple is mysterious. Purple was perfect for Prince.” In explosive angles and lines (and, natch, pervasive notes of guess which color?), Thada likewise portrays the self-driven Purple One from a young boy sitting on pillows to reach his father’s piano to multi-instrumentalist and flamboyant band leader captivating an entire stadium packed with rocking, racially diverse fans. Even though its more tragic parts remain untold here, Prince’s meteoric career offers an example that will entice readers with big, creative dreams of their own.

A soaring drive to inspire, with appropriately hued art and prose.