Prince Family Tree: The Story Behind Purple Rain's Musician

Prince Rogers Nelson, born 7 June 1958 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, was a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist whose 39 studio albums (1978–2016) included Dirty Mind (1980), 1999 (1982), Purple Rain (1984), Sign o' the Times (1987), and The Black Album (1994). One of the great Black popular musicians of his era. He died 21 April 2016 at his Paisley Park estate in Chanhassen, Minnesota — accidental fentanyl overdose, age 57.

The Family's Roots: An African-American Minneapolis Jazz Family

The Nelson family was an African-American Minneapolis family — both parents were musicians.

His Parents

Father: John Lewis "John L." Nelson (1916–2001) — jazz pianist; led the Prince Rogers Trio; Prince was named after him.

Mother: Mattie Della Shaw Nelson (1933–2002) — jazz singer; sang with the Prince Rogers Trio.

His Sister

Tyka Nelson, born 18 May 1960 — younger sister; gospel and R&B singer.

His Half-Siblings

Prince had multiple half-siblings from his father's other relationships, including Duane Nelson (1958–2011) — half-brother; security officer at Paisley Park.

His First Wife: Mayte Garcia

Mayte Janell Garcia, born 12 November 1973 — Puerto Rican–Spanish dancer; Prince's first wife from 14 February 1996 to 2000.

Son with Mayte

Boy Gregory Nelson, born 16 October 1996 — son; born with Pfeiffer syndrome (a rare genetic disorder); died 23 October 1996 at one week old.

His Second Wife: Manuela Testolini

Manuela Testolini, born 1976 — Canadian; Prince's second wife from 31 December 2001 to 2006.

The Nelson Family Tree at a Glance

Family Origins: African-American Minneapolis jazz family.

Father: John L. Nelson (1916–2001) — jazz pianist; led Prince Rogers Trio.

Mother: Mattie Della Shaw Nelson (1933–2002) — jazz singer.

Sister: Tyka Nelson (b. 18 May 1960) — gospel/R&B singer.

Half-Siblings: Multiple, including Duane Nelson (1958–2011).

First Wife: Mayte Garcia (b. 12 November 1973; m. 14 February 1996, div. 2000).

Son: Boy Gregory Nelson (b./d. October 1996, age 1 week, Pfeiffer syndrome).

Second Wife: Manuela Testolini (m. 31 December 2001, div. 2006).

Prince:

  • Born 7 June 1958, Minneapolis
  • John Hay Elementary School; Minneapolis Central High School
  • Signed with Warner Bros. at age 18 (1977)
  • First album: For You (April 1978) — Prince played all 27 instruments himself
  • Major albums: Prince (1979), Dirty Mind (1980), Controversy (1981), 1999 (1982), Purple Rain (1984; Oscar for Best Original Song Score), Around the World in a Day (1985), Parade (1986), Sign o' the Times (1987), Lovesexy (1988), Batman (1989), Diamonds and Pearls (1991), the unpronounceable Symbol Album (1992 — Prince changed his name to a symbol for years), Musicology (2004), 3121 (2006)
  • ~150 million records sold worldwide
  • Purple Rain film: 1984 — Oscar for Best Original Song Score
  • Paisley Park studios: 1987
  • NPG Records: founded 1994
  • Died 21 April 2016, Paisley Park, age 57

What the Nelson Family Story Teaches Us

A jazz-pianist father whose band was named after him (and after whom Prince was named). A jazz-singer mother. A singer sister. Multiple half-siblings from father's other relationships. Two marriages, both ending in divorce. A son who died at one week old of Pfeiffer syndrome. An estate left intestate that spent years in probate dispute.

For every family — large or small, famous or otherwise — the Prince story carries the same lesson. Some careers carry quiet personal tragedy alongside enormous public output. Boy Gregory's one-week life is on the Nelson family record alongside Purple Rain. Write down every life. The shortest entries are often the most-important.

👉 Start building your family legacy today with Family Root App

📜 Disclaimer The family tree and biographical information provided in this article are based on publicly available sources and records. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee the completeness or authenticity of all data. This content is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not aim to infringe on any individual's privacy or personal rights. If you believe any information is incorrect or wish to request edits or removal, please contact us at Info@familyrootapp.com.