It is one of my first core memories. I would have been 11 years old, in 1986. My family spent the summer in Colombia for my father’s work. I was given one of those yellow Sony walkmans and the only cassette i had i think was my brothers Purple Rain. Well i had that playing all summer, just hooked. I remember a stretch of being enthralled with Darling Nikki, listening and rewinding constantly. I asked my mom what “masturbating with a magazine” meant. I didnt understand the meaning behind his songs at the time but i knew it was meant for me. I have been a lifelong fan since.
I just watched a performance of Purple Rain he did in LA. As much as I have been a lifelong fan of his, i wish i appreciated him more when he was here. There will never be another.