Archive footage of Prince unearthed from 1970
He was just 11 -years-old
Last updated 7th Apr 2022
With a name like Prince, Prince Rogers Nelson was always destined to be famous. Now, early footage of the singer known for his big hits 'Purple Rain', 'Raspberry Beret' and 'The Most Beautiful Girl in the World', has been unearthed by a TV production manager in the US.
The video, which has been shared on Twitter, shows 11-year-old Prince being interviewed during the 1970 Minneapolis teachers' strike.
Originally Matt didn't have the right equipment to hear the video, but they managed to extract the audio with the help of a specialist and the young boy can be heard saying: "I think they should get a better education too cause, um, and I think they should get some more money cause they work, they be working extra hours for us and all that stuff."
According to WCCO - CBS Minnesota, a production manager called Matt Liddy decided to have a look through recently restored footage because he wanted to see if he recognised any buildings.
"I grew up in Minneapolis," Matt explained: "So all I cared about was looking at cool old buildings from the place I grew up. Did I recognise my old school? Did I recognise any landmarks?".
However, after watching the video he soon realised he had come across something special. "I immediately just went out to the newsroom and started showing people and saying, ‘I’m not gonna tell you who I think this is, but who do you think this is?’ And every single person said ‘Prince,’" the production manager explained.
What an amazing find!
The video has since been confirmed by historian Kristen Zschomler who said that videos in the public eye of Prince as a young boy are almost non-existent.
Prince was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and first signed a record deal when he was just 19-years-old. He went on to release 42 studio albums and have hits such as 'When Doves Cry', 'Let's Go Crazy' and 'Gold'.
Take a look at these amazing photos of Prince through the years:
1970
Performing in a typically extravagant matching jacket and trousers set.
1985
Wearing a sequinned paisley jacket and trousers performing at the Hollywood Palace to promote the opening of his film 'Purple Rain'.
1985
A white, sheer bodysuit, complete with ruffles, for his performance at the Fabulous Forum in California.
1988
Wearing polka dot co-ords while performing in Philadelphia.
1993
Prince performs at Radio City Music Hall donning a stripy waistcoat.
2005
Prince performs onstage in LA wearing a two-toned shirt and a bright yellow guitar.
2005
Matching with wife Manuela Testolini at the pre-Grammys party.
2006
Colour clashing while performing at the American Idol Season 5 finale.
2006
A tailored pinstripe assemble as he accepts the Male R&B Award onstage at the BET Awards.
2007
Wearing a sharp white suit at the Grammy Awards.
2007
Cool blue suit and an even cooler guitar for a performance at the Super Bowl.
2012
Prince performs with singer Mary J. Blige on-stage with matchy prints and solid gold glasses.
2015
Prince onstage during The 57th Annual GRAMMY Awards, making head-to-toe orange metallics cool.
Last month, it was announced that Prince and The Revolution's legendary 1985 concert has been remastered. The reissued film has been remastered and will be available on Blu-ray, vinyl, CD, and streaming services for the first time.
Now read:
10 of Prince's must-see performances
Prince: The pop star who gave us hits such as 'Purple Rain' and 'Raspberry Beret'
Prince and The Revolution's legendary 1985 concert has been remastered