The legendary musician Prince, known for his groundbreaking music and unique style, made headlines in the early 1990s when he changed his name to an unpronounceable symbol. This move shocked fans, the music industry, and media alike.
Understanding the story behind this decision requires a deep dive into the context of his career, the meaning of the symbol, and the impact it had on music culture.
The Background: Prince’s Career Pre-Name Change
Before the name change, Prince was already a global superstar. Emerging in the late 1970s and rising to prominence in the 1980s, he defined an era with hits like “Purple Rain,” “1999,” and “When Doves Cry.” His musical style blended funk, rock, pop, and soul, and his innovative approach to songwriting and performance made him an icon.
However, by the early 1990s, Prince found himself in a difficult position with his record label, Warner Bros. Records.
Disputes over creative control and ownership of his music were escalating. This conflict was a significant factor that influenced his decision to adopt a new persona.
The Symbol: What Did Prince Change His Name To?
In 1993, Prince announced that he would no longer use the name “Prince.” Instead, he began going by a symbol that was a combination of the male (♂) and female (♀) symbols. This unique glyph is often referred to as the “Love Symbol”.
The symbol itself was designed collaboratively by Prince and his then-guitarist and creative partner, Wendy Melvoin, and was intended to represent both gender fluidity and a new artistic identity. It was a visual representation of Prince’s boundary-pushing persona and his desire to redefine himself outside of the constraints imposed by his record label.
“The change was more than a name change; it was a statement about artistic freedom and identity.” – Music historian
Visual Description of the Love Symbol
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Circle with a Cross (♀) | Represents femininity and the female gender symbol. |
| Arrow pointing diagonally (♂) | Represents masculinity and the male gender symbol. |
| Combined Symbol | A fusion of the male and female symbols, creating an original, unpronounceable glyph. |
This symbol was not part of any standard typeface and could not be typed on a keyboard, which created unique challenges for media and fans trying to refer to the artist.
Why Did Prince Change His Name to a Symbol?
The primary reason behind this unusual name change was a bitter dispute with Warner Bros. Records.
Prince felt that the label controlled too much of his creative output and was restricting his artistic freedom. He was frustrated by the slow release of his music and the ownership of his master recordings.
By adopting the Love Symbol as his name, Prince was making a bold statement against the music industry’s control over artists. It was his way of reclaiming power and redefining his identity on his own terms.
“It was a protest against the commodification of his art and a declaration of independence.” – Industry insider
Prince also wanted to separate his new work from his earlier catalog, which was under Warner Bros.’ control. The symbol became a new brand and persona, signaling that he was entering a different creative phase.
How Was the Symbol Pronounced?
Because the symbol was unpronounceable, people began referring to Prince as “The Artist Formerly Known as Prince” or simply “The Artist.” The media used these nicknames to avoid confusion.
Prince himself used the symbol in all his releases, album covers, and promotional material during this period. Occasionally, he would playfully suggest different names or nicknames, but none replaced the symbol officially.
Summary of Naming Conventions
| Period | Name Used | Common Media Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Before 1993 | Prince | Prince |
| 1993 – 2000 | The Love Symbol (Unpronounceable) | The Artist Formerly Known as Prince / The Artist |
| After 2000 | Prince | Prince |
The Impact on Music and Popular Culture
Prince’s decision to change his name to a symbol had wide-ranging effects. It challenged traditional ideas about celebrity identities and branding.
Few artists had ever made such a radical move.
The music industry was forced to adapt to the challenge of marketing and distributing an artist with an unpronounceable name. Retailers, radio stations, and media outlets struggled to find ways to refer to him without using the symbol.
Some music stores resorted to selling albums under “The Artist Formerly Known as Prince,” while others used the symbol on covers but spelled out the name in promotional materials.
“Prince redefined the relationship between artist and industry, showing that identity is fluid and can be a form of artistic expression.” – Cultural critic
Albums Released Under the Love Symbol
During the period when Prince used the symbol as his name, he released several albums that reflected his evolving style and independence.
| Album Title | Release Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| The Gold Experience | 1995 | First major album released under the Love Symbol name. |
| Emancipation | 1996 | Triple album marking Prince’s emancipation from Warner Bros. |
| Crystal Ball | 1998 | Compilation and new material collection. |
These albums pushed boundaries musically and lyrically, emphasizing Prince’s artistic freedom and experimentation.
Return to the Name “Prince”
In 2000, after nearly seven years of using the symbol as his name, Prince reclaimed the name “Prince.” This was a symbolic reconciliation with his past and his music catalog. The name change back was also possible due to changes in his relationship with Warner Bros.
and the music industry at large.
The return to the name was met with enthusiasm by fans and critics alike, who celebrated the reunion of the artist with his original identity. Prince continued to innovate and produce music until his untimely death in 2016.
Legacy of the Love Symbol Name Change
Prince’s name change to the Love Symbol remains one of the most fascinating chapters in music history. It was a radical act of self-expression and defiance.
The symbol embodied themes of love, gender fluidity, independence, and creativity.
Beyond music, the story resonates with broader cultural movements around identity and autonomy. Prince’s boldness inspired other artists to assert control over their work and public personas.
“Prince was more than a musician — he was a cultural revolutionary who used his name as a canvas for change.” – Biographer
Additional Facts About the Love Symbol
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Trademark | Prince trademarked the symbol to protect his artistic brand. |
| Media Representation | Due to its uniqueness, the symbol was often depicted graphically rather than typed. |
| Gender Representation | The symbol represented a blend of masculine and feminine energies. |
| Legacy | The symbol is now an iconic emblem associated with Prince. |
Conclusion
Prince’s decision to change his name to the Love Symbol was a profound act of artistic rebellion and personal expression. It challenged conventions about identity in the music industry and society at large.
Though the symbol was unpronounceable, its meaning was loud and clear: a declaration of independence, unity, and fluidity.
Prince’s legacy continues to influence artists and fans worldwide, reminding us that true creativity often involves breaking the rules and redefining boundaries. The Love Symbol remains a powerful testament to his genius and courage.
