Name______

73. Prince (1958 – 2016)

Prince arrived on the scene in the late Seventies, and it didn’t take long for him to upend the music world with his startling music and arresting demeanor. He rewrote the rulebook, forging a synthesis of black funk and white rock that served as a blueprint for cutting-edge music in the Eighties. Prince made dance music that rocked and rock music that had a bristling, funky backbone. From the beginning, Prince and his music were androgynous, sly, sexy and provocative. His colorful image and revolutionary music made Prince a figure comparable in paradigm-shifting impact to Little Richard, James Brown, Jimi Hendrix and George Clinton. While 1999, Purple Rain and Sign ‘O’ the Times remain Prince’s best-known albums, the artist’s deep discography is full of funky treasure.

Listen to: Purple Rain (4:23)

As you listen to the music, answer the following questions. Short answers are fine.

  • What are the instruments used to make the music? Name as many as you can.
  • How does this music make me feel?
  • Is there a singer? If yes, are they male or female?
  • In what genre does this music best fit?

74. Madonna (1958 - present)

Madonna Louise Ciccone, known professionally as Madonna, is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and businesswoman. She achieved popularity by pushing the boundaries of lyrical content in mainstream popular music and imagery in her music videos, which became a fixture on MTV. Madonna is known for reinventing both her music and image, and for maintaining her autonomy within the recording industry. Music critics have acclaimed her musical productions which have also been known to induce controversy. Often referred to as the "Queen of Pop", she is cited as an influence among other artists around the world.Born in Bay City, Michigan, Madonna attended the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance before moving to New York City to pursue a career in modern dance. After performing in the music groups Breakfast Club and Emmy, she signed with Sire Records in 1982 and released her self-titled debut album the following year. She followed it with a series of commercially successful albums, including the Grammy Award winners Ray of Light and Confessions on a Dance Floor. Throughout her career, she has written and produced most of her songs, with many of them reaching number one on the record charts, including "Into the Groove", "Papa Don't Preach", "Like a Prayer", "Vogue", "Frozen", "Music", "Hung Up", and "4 Minutes".
Listen to: Borderline (from Live Aid)

As you listen to the music, answer the following questions. Short answers are fine.

  • What are the instruments used to make the music? Name as many as you can.
  • How does this music make me feel?
  • Is there a singer? If yes, are they male or female?
  • In what genre does this music best fit?