At Sunday night’s Billboard Music Awards, Madonna paid tribute to Prince with a rendition of “Nothing Compares 2 U,” followed by a duet with Stevie Wonder on “Purple Rain.” Watch the video at Stereogum. Also at the awards, Kesha sang Bob Dylan’s “It Ain’t Me Babe.” The Star Tribune has published details of Prince’s final days. According to the report, Prince was…

This weekend marks the annual art celebration known as Art-A-Whirl, which provides the opportunity for the community to tour the studios of Northeast Minneapolis and connect with local artists. This year, one of those studios, Studio A, is paying a special homage to Prince. The title of the exhibit is 57Princes, the number referencing the…

The Minnesota Legislature has put the brakes on the PRINCE Act, a piece of legislation — written with the late Prince in mind — that would give survivors the right to keep deceased celebrities’ names and likenesses from being exploited for profit. After observers and legislators raised concerns that the measure was too broad and needed further consideration,…

It’s hard to imagine now, but in 1981, Minneapolis was still getting familiar with Prince as he made waves nationally with Dirty Mind. When people read about his upcoming show at Sam’s in Sweet Potato and the Star Tribune, they jumped at the rare chance to see the budding star from their hometown. “People had told Steve [McClellan],…

Since Prince’s death on April 21, there have been innumerable tributes and services held in the music legend’s honor — from a private gathering for family and close friends at Paisley Park to a huge public party thrown by Spike Lee in Brooklyn. Sheila E. has spoken of plans for a musical tribute featuring Prince’s…

Prince’s two ex-wives, Manuela Testolini and Mayte Garcia, reportedly organized a memorial service Tuesday night in Los Angeles. Among those who attended to pay homage were Nile Rodgers, Janelle Monaé, and Spike Lee — who reportedly said that a Brooklyn tribute service is being planned for June 7. (Pitchfork) Also in L.A., Stevie Wonder, Dave Chapelle, Nas, John Mayer, and Kid (of Kid & Play)…

Beyoncé once again paid tribute to Prince at a stop on her current Formation tour. She led a “Purple Rain” singalong at the first tour stop, and then in Dallas she sang the Purple Rain show-stopper “The Beautiful Ones” — which she had previously performed at Glastonbury in 2011. (Rolling Stone) Beyoncé’s tour hits TCF Bank Stadium on…

Minnesota lawmakers are rushing to enact a law that would restrict the use of Prince's name and likeness in commercial ventures, affording more control to heirs of the late musician's estate.

The Beatles check out new artist Bob Dylan; Peter Gabriel released his first commercially successful album; Jimmy Page appeared on Saturday Night Live with P. Diddy; and Minnesota department stores refuse Prince, Today in Music History.

This week at the Local Current, we’re looking back on Prince’s early career as we dedicate our next few history spotlights to stories behind his music. This time, we’re focusing our attention on “Just Another Sucker,” a 94 East song that 18-year-old Prince co-wrote with Pepé Willie. Recorded in 1977, “Just Another Sucker” came at…