John L. Nelson facts for kids

John Lewis Nelson (born June 29, 1916 – died August 25, 2001) was an American jazz musician and songwriter. He was also known by his stage name Prince Rogers. He was the father of famous musicians Prince and Tyka Nelson. John L. Nelson even helped write some of his son Prince's songs.

Early Life and Music Career

John L. Nelson was born in Webster Parish, Louisiana. He was one of five children in his family.

In 1948, he moved to Minneapolis to follow his dream of becoming a musician. He played the piano and used the stage name "Prince Rogers." He started his own band called "The Prince Rogers Trio" with other local musicians.

In 1956, John met Mattie Della Shaw at a show in Minneapolis. Mattie was also a jazz musician and became the singer for his band.

Family Life

John Nelson married Mattie Della Shaw on August 31, 1957. Mattie already had a son named Alfred Frank Alonzo Jackson. John and Mattie then had two more children together. Their son, Prince (born 1958), became a world-famous musician and was named after his father's stage name. Their daughter, Tyka Nelson (born 1960), also became a singer.

John and Mattie separated in 1965 and later divorced in 1968.

John Nelson's grandfather, Rev. Edward "Ed." Nelson, was a traveling preacher for the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.

Later Years and Death

John L. Nelson passed away on August 25, 2001, at the age of 85. He died at his home in Chanhassen, Minnesota.

After his father's death, his son Prince honored him. Prince dedicated the song "A Case of U" by Joni Mitchell to his father on his album One Nite Alone....

Musical Collaborations with Prince

John L. Nelson was a talented songwriter. He wrote or helped write some of the music that his son Prince released in the 1980s.

Songs He Helped Write

The ASCAP (a group that tracks who writes songs) lists John L. Nelson as a writer or co-writer for these songs:

• "Father’s Song" and "Purple Rain Cues" from the movie Purple Rain (1984).
• "Computer Blue" from the Purple Rain album and movie (1984).
• "Around the World in a Day" (with David Coleman and Prince), "Paisley Park" (with David Coleman and Prince), and "The Ladder" (with Prince) from the album Around the World in a Day (1985).
• "Christopher Tracy’s Parade" (with Prince) and "Under the Cherry Moon" (with Prince) from the album Parade (1986).
• "Under the Cherry Moon Cues" from the movie Under the Cherry Moon (1986).
• "Scandalous!" from the Batman album and movie (1989).

See also

In Spanish: John L. Nelson para niños