Which band is better?
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PrincePrince was born Prince Rogers Nelson in 1958 in Minneapolis, MN; he died in 2016. He is considered one of the greatest musicians of his time, known for his wide vocal range and his falsetto voice. He produced his own albums and created what is known as the Minneapolis sound. He also played many instruments, often playing all of them on his albums. His first albums were released in the late 1970’s and he achieved initial success with his first release, Prince. It contained the hit “I Wanna Be Your Lover” which sold over 1 million copies and reached #11 on the charts.
His release of 1999 in 1982 featured the hits “1999” and “Little Red Corvette”; the album earned him international recognition as well as his first Grammy nomination. In the mid-80’s, Prince started referring to his backing band as The Revolution. In 1984, he filmed the semi-autobiographical movie and soundtrack, Purple Rain, which would cement him as an international superstar. The soundtrack album sold more than 13 million copies and was #1 for 24 consecutive weeks. He won an Academy Award for Best Original Song Score and the film grossed more than $68 million in the US. Several songs were hits, including “When Doves Cry” and “Let’s Go Crazy” both of which reached #1, at the same time the film and album were #1. He earned two Grammys for the album. Through the rest of the 1980’s and into the 2000’s, he released many more albums and in 1993 he famously changed his name to the symbol from his album release of the same year. He died in 2016 amid suspicious circumstances relating to a drug overdose.
His release of 1999 in 1982 featured the hits “1999” and “Little Red Corvette”; the album earned him international recognition as well as his first Grammy nomination. In the mid-80’s, Prince started referring to his backing band as The Revolution. In 1984, he filmed the semi-autobiographical movie and soundtrack, Purple Rain, which would cement him as an international superstar. The soundtrack album sold more than 13 million copies and was #1 for 24 consecutive weeks. He won an Academy Award for Best Original Song Score and the film grossed more than $68 million in the US. Several songs were hits, including “When Doves Cry” and “Let’s Go Crazy” both of which reached #1, at the same time the film and album were #1. He earned two Grammys for the album. Through the rest of the 1980’s and into the 2000’s, he released many more albums and in 1993 he famously changed his name to the symbol from his album release of the same year. He died in 2016 amid suspicious circumstances relating to a drug overdose.
The WhoThe Who was founded in London in 1964 with members Roger Daltry (lead singer), Pete Townsend (guitarist and singer), John Entwhistle (bass) and Keith Moon (drums). They are major rock innovators and have influenced countless bands across rock genres. Their innovations include using synthesizers and large PA systems, along with the influential playing styles of Entwhistle, Moon and Townsend.
Their first single “I Can’t Explain” reached the UK top ten, followed by several other hits, including “Substitute” and “My Generation”. They gained notoriety for smashing their guitars and drums at the end of many shows. In 1967, the single “I Can See For Miles” resulted in their only top 10 US single. In 1969 they released what is considered the first rock opera, Tommy, including the famous single “Pinball Wizard”. In 1971 they released Who’s Next, considered by many as their best album, with such famous songs as “Baba O’Reilly”, “We Won’t Get Fooled Again” and “Behind Blue Eyes”. They followed this with a film adaptation of Tommy and the release of the Who Are You album, highlighted by the popular song “Who Are You?”.
Keith Moon died shortly after this release due to drug overdose, leaving behind a legacy of whimsical antics and a frenetic drumming style. The band was determined to carry on, and they returned to the stage in 1979 with drummer Kenny Jones replacing Moon. Later that year, the film adaptation of their concept album Quadrophenia was released. In December at a concert in Cincinnati, a crowd rush resulted in the death of 11 people. They continued to release albums and tour, and had several minor hits such as “You Better You Bet” and “Eminence Front”.
Their first single “I Can’t Explain” reached the UK top ten, followed by several other hits, including “Substitute” and “My Generation”. They gained notoriety for smashing their guitars and drums at the end of many shows. In 1967, the single “I Can See For Miles” resulted in their only top 10 US single. In 1969 they released what is considered the first rock opera, Tommy, including the famous single “Pinball Wizard”. In 1971 they released Who’s Next, considered by many as their best album, with such famous songs as “Baba O’Reilly”, “We Won’t Get Fooled Again” and “Behind Blue Eyes”. They followed this with a film adaptation of Tommy and the release of the Who Are You album, highlighted by the popular song “Who Are You?”.
Keith Moon died shortly after this release due to drug overdose, leaving behind a legacy of whimsical antics and a frenetic drumming style. The band was determined to carry on, and they returned to the stage in 1979 with drummer Kenny Jones replacing Moon. Later that year, the film adaptation of their concept album Quadrophenia was released. In December at a concert in Cincinnati, a crowd rush resulted in the death of 11 people. They continued to release albums and tour, and had several minor hits such as “You Better You Bet” and “Eminence Front”.
