Prince Half Siblings: Who Are They and What Do They Do?
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Prince was one of the most influential and iconic musicians of all time.
His legacy lives on through his music, his style, and his fans.
But did you know that Prince also had eight siblings, some of whom are also involved in the music industry?
In this blog post, we will introduce you to Prince’s half siblings and tell you more about their lives and careers.
Who Are Prince Half Siblings?
Prince was born on June 7, 1958, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
His full name was Prince Rogers Nelson, and he was named after his father, John L. Nelson, a jazz musician and songwriter.
Prince’s mother, Mattie Della Shaw, was also a jazz singer.
Prince had one full sister, Tyka Nelson, who was born on May 18, 1960.
Prince and Tyka were the only children of John and Mattie, who divorced in 1966.
However, Prince also had six half siblings from his parents’ previous and subsequent marriages.
From his father’s side, he had three half-sisters and two half-brothers:
- Sharon L. Nelson.
- Norrine P. Nelson.
- John R. Nelson.
- Lorna L. Nelson.
- Duane Nelson.
From his mother’s side, he had one half-brother:
- Omarr Baker
Prince was close to some of his half siblings, but not to others.
He also had some legal disputes with them over his estate after his death.
Siblings’ Background and Contributions
Here’s a glimpse into the lives and careers of Prince’s half siblings:
- Sharon L. Nelson:
Born in 1940, Sharon, Prince’s eldest half-sister, is a seasoned musician, producer, and composer.
She collaborated with notable artists and co-produced The John L. Nelson Project tribute album in 2018.
- Norrine P. Nelson:
Prince’s second-oldest half-sister, Norrine, born in 1942, pursued a career as a singer and songwriter, contributing to The John L. Nelson Project and performing with Sharon.
- John R. Nelson:
As the oldest son of John L. Nelson, John, born in 1944, embraced music as a guitarist, often performing with Sharon, Norrine, and occasionally with Prince himself.
- Lorna L. Nelson:
Born in 1943 and passing in 2006, Lorna, Prince’s youngest half-sister, delved into singing and songwriting.
She engaged in legal battles with Prince, alleging the theft of song lyrics.
- Duane Nelson:
Prince’s half-brother, Duane, born in 1958 and passing in 2011, pursued basketball and later served as Prince’s head of security at Paisley Park, claiming paternity over Prince’s son, albeit unconfirmed.
- Omarr Baker:
Prince’s half-brother, Omarr, born in 1970, transitioned into business and real estate.
He assumed a pivotal role in managing Prince’s estate posthumously, owning some of Prince’s properties, including Paisley Park.
Early Life and Family Dynamics
Prince and his half siblings experienced a complex and diverse family background.
Following their parents’ divorce, Prince and Tyka primarily resided with their mother, Mattie, in various locations across Minneapolis, frequently relocating from one apartment to another.
Their father, John, also played a role in their upbringing, imparting musical skills and nurturing their talents.
While Prince and Tyka shared a close bond during childhood, their paths diverged in adulthood.
Tyka faced challenges with drug addiction and involvement in prostitution, contrasting with Prince’s rise to stardom.
Despite their differences, they eventually reconciled and provided mutual support.
Prince’s half siblings from his father’s side similarly embraced a musical upbringing under John’s guidance, a member of the Prince Rogers Trio jazz band.
Their mother, Vivian, a nurse and social worker, fostered a close family relationship, often joining Prince and Tyka at their mother’s residence and occasionally performing together.
However, conflicts arose with Prince over his music and estate.
Conversely, Prince’s half-brother from his mother’s side, Omarr, experienced a distinct upbringing.
Born to Mattie and her second husband, Hayward Baker, Omarr enjoyed a stable upbringing with access to quality education.
While he shared a close bond with his mother, his relationship with his father, who passed away in 2015, remained distant.
Similarly, his interactions with Prince were infrequent until his increased involvement in Prince’s affairs posthumously, along with inheriting a portion of his assets.
Personal Lives
Prince’s half siblings lead individual lives with their own families:
Sharon L. Nelson — Married to Ricky Smith, Sharon resides in Los Angeles, California, with their son and daughter.
Norrine P. Nelson — Norrine and her husband Kenneth Jackson live in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with their two sons and daughter.
John R. Nelson — Married to Vanessa, John resides in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with their son and daughter.
Lorna L. Nelson — Lorna, previously married to Mark L. Wiese, passed away in 2006 at age 63 from natural causes. Survived by her son, Mark Anthony Wiese, and husband.
Duane Nelson — Married to Arlene Nelson, Duane passed away in 2011 at age 52 from natural causes. He is survived by his wife and children.
Omarr Baker — Omarr and his wife Adrienne reside in Chanhassen, Minnesota, with their two sons and daughter.
Philanthropic Ventures and Social Causes
Prince’s half siblings have also been involved in some philanthropic ventures and social causes.
Here are some examples:
- Sharon L. Nelson
Sharon is the founder and president of the John L. Nelson Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports music education and scholarships for underprivileged students.
She also supports various charities and causes, such as the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, and the NAACP.
- Norrine P. Nelson
Norrine is the vice president and secretary of the John L. Nelson Foundation.
She also participates in various fundraisers and events, such as the Prince Tribute Concert, the Purple Rain 30th Anniversary Celebration, and the Prince Day Parade.
- John R. Nelson
John is the treasurer of the John L. Nelson Foundation.
He also contributes to various musical projects and initiatives, such as the Minnesota Music Coalition, the Minnesota Orchestra, and the Minnesota Opera.
- Lorna L. Nelson
Lorna was a supporter of the Children’s Miracle Network, a non-profit organization that raises funds for children’s hospitals and medical research.
She also donated to various churches and community groups, such as the Salvation Army, the United Way, and the YMCA.
- Duane Nelson
Duane was a coach and mentor for youth basketball teams and programs, such as the Minnesota Magic, the Minnesota Heat, and the Minnesota Fury.
He also volunteered at various schools and organizations, such as the Boys and Girls Club, the Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the Special Olympics.
- Omarr Baker
Omarr is a supporter of the Paisley Park Museum, a non-profit organization that preserves and showcases Prince’s legacy and artifacts.
He also supports various causes and movements, such as Black Lives Matter, the George Floyd Memorial Foundation, and the Breonna Taylor Foundation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Prince Half
Q: How did Prince die?
A: Prince died on April 21, 2016, at the age of 57. He was found unresponsive in an elevator at Paisley Park, his home and studio in Chanhassen, Minnesota.
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