Prince: A Sign o' the Times

Through the prism of Prince’s 1987 landmark album, Sign o’ the Times, discover the life, mind, and contradictions of music’s most elusive genius.

“If you want to know me, listen to my music” is a quote attributed to Prince and succinctly embodies who he was. In this kaleidoscopic, freewheeling biography, accomplished music writer John McKie examines the remarkable life and career of one of the most mysterious figures in music through the prism of the record most widely considered his trendsetting masterpiece, 1987's “Sign o' the Times.”

With the themes embedded in each song, McKie dives into Prince’s life and true personality to paint the most intimate portrait of the artist yet. And drawing on more than two hundred interviews with friends, ex-girlfriends, bandmates, recording engineers, bodyguards, personal assistants, and fashion designers, McKie examines the life of this musical polymath with the help of many of the people who knew him best.

Uncovered within are revelatory stories such as how Prince learned to master several instruments; his relentless sleepless recording process on all his albums; his music influences and adversaries; the numerous volatile spats with record professionals; the real reason why he stopped using his name; the legendary Super Bowl half-time show; his anonymous philanthropy; and even the intimate moments that amused, angered, and saddened him.

A Sign o' the Times is the most comprehensive book ever written about one of the most enigmatic and talented pop stars of all time. For a man who rarely let the world in, you can now see Prince like never before.