Central High School
3416 4th Avenue South
Central High School was the heart of the Southside African-American community for most of the twentieth century. Despite protests, the Minneapolis Public Schools decided to close the building in 1982. It was demolished soon thereafter (except for the gymnasium, which remains). The school was also critical in the life of Prince Rogers Nelson, who attended high school here from 1972-1976. As a high schooler here, Prince not only attended classes but also worked closely with music teachers who nurtured his prodigious talents. In his first-ever interview—with the student newspaper in 1976—Prince noted that he had been playing with Grand Central for two years and that it was “very hard for a band to make it in this state, even if they're good. Mainly because there aren't any big record companies or studios in this state.” It was during his time at Central that he, André, and Morris all became members of the local musicians union. Prince graduated from Central High School in 1976.
Images
Freshman yearbook photo of Prince Rogers Nelson, Central High School, Minneapolis, 1973
Freshman yearbook photo of Prince Rogers Nelson, Central High School, Minneapolis, 1973. | Source: Photo credit: Hennepin County Library, Minneapolis, MN. View File Details Page
Sophomore yearbook photo of Prince Rogers Nelson, Central High School, Minneapolis, 1974
Sophomore yearbook photo of Prince Rogers Nelson, Central High School, Minneapolis, 1974. Prince graduated from Central in 1976. | Source: Photo credit: Hennepin County Library, Minneapolis, MN. View File Details Page
The band Grand Central performing at a fashion show, Minneapolis, mid-1970s
The band Grand Central performing at a fashion show, Minneapolis, mid-1970s. From left, Prince on keyboards, Andr© Cymone on bass, and Morris Day on drums. | Source: Photo credit: Charles Chambliss, Minnesota Historical Society, St. Paul, MN. | Creator: Charles Chambliss. View File Details Page
Cover, Fanfare Monthly Bulletin, January 1976
Cover, Fanfare Monthly Bulletin, January 1976. Prince, Andr© Cymone, and Morris Day joined the local musicians' union while still in high school. Fanfare lists the three band mates as new members of the Minneapolis Musicians Association Local #73 in January, 1976. | Source: Photo credit: Twin Cities Musicians' Union Local 30-73, Minneapolis, MN. View File Details Page
New members, Fanfare Monthly Bulletin, January 1976
New members, Fanfare Monthly Bulletin, January 1976. Prince, Andr© Cymone, and Morris Day joined the local musicians' union while still in high school. Fanfare lists the three band mates as new members of the Minneapolis Musicians Association Local #73 in January, 1976. | Source: Photo credit: Twin Cities Musicians' Union Local 30-73, Minneapolis, MN. View File Details Page