Prince was an American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer, and actor. He was known for his eclectic work, flamboyant stage presence, extravagant fashion sense, and use of makeup. He was one of the most successful and influential musicians of the late 20th century, selling over 100 million records worldwide. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004. Prince was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and developed an interest in music at a young age. He released his debut album, For You, in 1978, and achieved success with his 1979 album, Prince. He released a series of critically acclaimed albums throughout the 1980s, including 1999, Purple Rain, and Sign o' the Times. He also starred in the 1984 film Purple Rain, which won an Academy Award for Best Original Song Score. Prince was known for his innovative and genre-defying music, which blended elements of funk, rock, R&B, soul, and pop. He was also known for his flamboyant stage presence, often wearing outrageous costumes and makeup. He was a prolific songwriter, writing hits for himself and other artists, including "Manic Monday" for The Bangles and "Nothing Compares 2 U" for Sinead O'Connor. Prince was a musical pioneer, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in popular music. He was a master of reinvention, constantly changing his sound and image. He was an icon of the music industry, and his influence will be felt for generations to come.