Prince

The word "genius" may be used a little too freely when describing pop musicians, but many would have to agree that Prince is deserving of such an accolade. Since his 1978 debut album, the Minneapolis-based multi-instrumentalist/songwriter/singer has scored numerous hits with his sexually charged, original funk/pop/dance/rock style, penned big hits for other artists, and has even tried his hand at acting as well. In the early 1990s, Prince's name-changing antics and his messy break with Warner Brothers overshadowed his music, but his extensive back catalogue of amazing songs has secured his place in musical history.

• r&b/soul
• hip hop/rap
• 1970s
• 1990s
• 1980s
• 2000s