Six years ago today, we said goodbye to a music icon, the legendary Prince.
It’s hard to begin to even describe the kind impact Prince left on the world of music, as a singer, songwriter, guitar shredder, musician, producer, actor… he was as electric as they come.
Shortly after his death, Chris Stapleton was performing at the Greek Theatre in Berkeley, California, when he surprised the crowd with a tribute performance of Prince’s “Nothing Compares 2 U,” made famous by Sinead O’Connor in 1990.
Written and composed by Prince for his side project, The Family; the song was originally released on their 1985, self-titled debut album, The Family.
Sinead O’Connor recorded it in 1989 for her sophomore album, I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got, which was released the following year. Released as the second single from that album, it went on to become a global smash, racking up certifications in various countries.
It topped the charts in her home country of Ireland, as well as Australia, Austria, Canada, Germany, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. It was a hit many others as well, and was certified platinum in Austria, the United States and in the United Kingdom, in addition to gold in Germany and in Sweden.
Prince then released his own solo version on 1993 with Rosie Gaines singing background vocals, although it never had quite the success that O’Connor’s version did.
Two years after his death in 2018, his original recording from 1984 was released.
This was Chris’ first time ever playing the song, but holy hell if he didn’t knock it out of the park.
Here’s to the one and only Prince.
Often imitated, never duplicated… a once-in-a-lifetime kind of star.
Music still misses you.
