Floor Speech2026-06-02

REMEMBERING PRINCE ROGERS NELSON

Context

On 2026-06-02, Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) delivered a floor speech titled "REMEMBERING PRINCE ROGERS NELSON" in the Senate.

Full Text

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 93 (Tuesday, June 2, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 93 (Tuesday, June 2, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S2492-S2493] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS ______ REMEMBERING PRINCE ROGERS NELSON Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the life and legacy of the late artist and musician Prince Rogers Nelson. A global legend, a Minnesota icon, Minnesota's Purple North Star, Prince was a once in a generation talent from the moment he stepped on stage for the very first time. [[Page S2493]] Born and raised in Minneapolis, Prince rooted his life and work in Minnesota, building his home and studio Paisley Park just 20 minutes southwest of Minneapolis. Prince filmed various scenes from his iconic film ``Purple Rain'' in the city and pioneered the ``Minneapolis Sound'' in the late 1970s and 1980s that influenced music for decades to come. It was that sound, and Prince's remarkable voice and vision, that propelled him to historic heights. He sold 39 studio albums and 150 million records worldwide. Prince won seven Grammys, an Oscar, and a Golden Globe, and he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, the first year he was eligible. Throughout his extraordinary life, Prince always called Minnesota home. He wrote a song about the Minnesota Vikings, appropriately titled ``Purple and Gold.'' In 2015, when the Minnesota Lynx won their third WNBA championship, he held a concert at Paisley Park. And just a few days before his passing, Prince hosted a dance party there and made a brief appearance. Prince envisioned that Paisley Park would be open to the public one day and now, as a museum, recording studio, live music venue, event space, and education organization, Paisley Park is dedicated to fulfilling that dream and keeping Prince's memory alive and connected to his hometown. As we continue to mourn his loss, we also continue to celebrate his life, his legacy, and his music. This year's 10th anniversary celebration in the Twin Cities brings together people from around the world and from all walks of life to celebrate the contributions and impact that Prince had on the community. Like most Minnesotans and Americans, I remember listening to Prince for the very first time. His talent and creativity changed music forever, and he will forever be missed. So today, I rise to honor Prince and his legacy as we mark Minnesota's 10-year celebration. ____________________

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REMEMBERING PRINCE ROGERS NELSON Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 93 (Tuesday, June 2, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 93 (Tuesday, June 2, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S2492-S2493] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS ______ REMEMBERING PRINCE ROGERS NELSON Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the life and legacy of the late artist and musician Prince Rogers Nelson. A global legend, a Minnesota icon, Minnesota's Purple North Star, Prince was a once in a generation talent from the moment he stepped on stage for the very first time. [[Page S2493]] Born and raised in Minneapolis, Prince rooted his life and work in Minnesota, building his home and studio Paisley Park just 20 minutes southwest of Minneapolis. Prince filmed various scenes from his iconic film ``Purple Rain'' in the city and pioneered the ``Minneapolis Sound'' in the late 1970s and 1980s that influenced music for decades to come. It was that sound, and Prince's remarkable voice and vision, that propelled him to historic heights. He sold 39 studio albums and 150 million records worldwide. Prince won seven Grammys, an Oscar, and a Golden Globe, and he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, the first year he was eligible. Throughout his extraordinary life, Prince always called Minnesota home. He wrote a song about the Minnesota Vikings, appropriately titled ``Purple and Gold.'' In 2015, when the Minnesota Lynx won their third WNBA championship, he held a concert at Paisley Park. And just a few days before his passing, Prince hosted a dance party there and made a brief appearance. Prince envisioned that Paisley Park would be open to the public one day and now, as a museum, recording studio, live music venue, event space, and education organization, Paisley Park is dedicated to fulfilling that dream and keeping Prince's memory alive and connected to his hometown. As we continue to mourn his loss, we also continue to celebrate his life, his legacy, and his music. This year's 10th anniversary celebration in the Twin Cities brings together people from around the world and from all walks of life to celebrate the contributions and impact that Prince had on the community. Like most Minnesotans and Americans, I remember listening to Prince for the very first time. His talent and creativity changed music forever, and he will forever be missed. So today, I rise to honor Prince and his legacy as we mark Minnesota's 10-year celebration. ____________________