This beards.org photo shoot with Scott took place three miles from Prince’s Paisley Park. And I did not know it at the time. What’s more is that I’d driven right by Paisley Park on the way to and from the photo shoot without even noticing it. I was a visitor to the area.
Scott wanted a photo shoot at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. He even sprang for the fee for the Arboretum’s photography permit. It was a perfect location for a photo shoot. Little did I know, however, that we were in Prince’s neighborhood.
Following the shock of Prince’s sudden passing this week, I was curious to learn more about his Paisley park studio and residence. I was surprised to discover that it is right next to Arboretum Boulevard, the main route to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. According to Google maps, it is a distance of three miles from Paisley Park to the Arboretum.
I never would have been considered to be a big Prince fan. I liked “1999” and “Little Red Corvette” well enough to buy the album. Apart from that, I was familiar with some of his music by hearing it played on the radio. But I did not really follow him.
I never saw Prince with a beard. I took notice when he appeared with surprisingly dense stubble, sculpted into designer shapes. I would have liked to see him grow it all out at least once.
Now that he is suddenly gone, I’ve learned a lot more about him. I admire his fierce independence as well as his extraordinary musical talent. What really surprised and pleased me were the numerous accounts of the many ways he interacted with and remained a part of his hometown community.
I’ve gained a new appreciation for Prince and wish that I’d done so while he was still alive. I’m sorry that I passed by his house twice in one day without even knowing it was there or that he might have been there.
Rest in peace, Prince Rogers Nelson.