Prince’s Contributions To Pop Culture

There’s no denying the wonder, talent, and magic that was Prince. The pop icon was found dead at his home early Thursday morning, but his storied career is a once in a lifetime achievement.

With his gender-bending aesthetics and personality, Prince was an entity all his own, and helped inspired generations of artists after him. He was a strong enough public figure that he attributed to moments of pop culture. From comics, to TV, to even professional wrestling, Prince’s trademark purple aura was instantly recognizable for fans and even for those who didn’t know his music, they knew the name.

Today we look back at some of Prince’s contributions to pop culture and how His Royalness left his impression on a generation.

The Batman Soundtrack

 

“Gentlemen! Let’s broaden our minds!” 

It’s difficult to think of a bigger movie for a kid growing up in the late 80’s than Tim Burton’s original Batman. Prince’s music was abundant and helped narrate some of the most pivotal scenes in the movie; it was the music of the Joker. “Party Man” played through a boombox as the Joker and his goons trashed the Gotham Art Museum, leaving a trail of neon colors along the way. 

The scene was burned into the minds of audiences as the song is instantly recognized as is “Trust”, song that plays while Joker parades through the streets of Gotham, luring its citizens with free money (that he likely stole) before gassing them with his toxins. 

Where would these memorable scenes be without Prince’s music? While Jack Nicholson’s Joker stole the show, it was the Prince’s song that held the spotlight. 

The Artist Formerly Known as Prince Iaukea

 

Originally Prince Iaukea from Hawaii, Mike Laauli Hayner was repackaged in 1999 in WCW as the Artist Formerly Known as Prince Iaukea. Soon after, he was simply called The Artist and wrestled under a, you guessed it, Prince homage. 

Prince had done something similar six years prior with his public feud with Warner Bros Records and going by The Artist Formerly Known As Prince, or The Love Symbol. The Artist actually won the WCW Cruiserweight Championship under the gimmick, but eventually dropped the persona after WCW was purchased in 2001. 

Prince Was Funny And The Muppets Proved It

 

Prince had been seen as a serious artist, but could entertain like nobody’s business. His episode with the Muppets, back in 1997, demonstrates he could be silly as well acting along side Jim Henson’s Muppet creations. His appearance on The Muppets Tonight showed a softer side to as he goofed with the Muppets, even dressing up in a Hee Haw spoof playing a country tune. 

He almost seemed right at home. 

 

Prince Was A DC Superhero

 

Dig if you will the picture, of Prince in a DC Comic. 

That was the story behind the aptly-titled Prince comic. Originally published by Titan Books in Great Britain in the early 90’s and then republished by Piranha Music and DC Comics, and written by comics great Dwayne McDuffie and art by Denys Cowan and Noelle Giddings. Just look at that Brian Bolland cover!

 

It reads like Purple Rain set in The Dark Knight Returns with Prince trying to stop a gang war with his fabulousness and suave nature. Only Prince could do that. 

He Was Cool Just Being Himself

Prince appeared last season on Fox’s New Girl as himself, just giving out sage advice like a mystical wanderer, but as you can see, Jess and Nick weren’t exactly calm about meeting the Purple One. 

After the announcement of his passing, Zooey Deschanel tweeted out how much of a pleasure it was to meet and work with the pop legend, calling herself extremely lucky.

 

Of course, this is just a handful of contributions as much like the recently deceased David Bowie and Michael Jackson, the reach of his influence is unfathomable to measure. 

Do you have a favorite moment from pop culture you remember Prince the most from? What stuck out the most for you growing up? Let us know in the comments below.