Prince's Parents: The Untold Story Of Mattie Della Shaw Baker

Ever wonder where a musical genius gets their start? It often begins at home, with a parent who nurtures that nascent spark. For Prince Rogers Nelson, that guiding light was his mother, Mattie Della Shaw Baker.

Mattie Della Shaw Baker, a woman of vibrant spirit and diverse talents, was far more than just Prince's mother. She was a jazz singer, a dedicated social worker, and a respected figure within her community. Her life, marked by both personal challenges and profound connections, played a pivotal role in shaping the artist Prince would become. Born in Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota, on November 11, 1933, Mattie was the daughter of Lucille Bonnell and Frank Shaw, and the twin sister of Edna Mae (Shaw) Collier. Her journey through life was one of resilience, creativity, and a deep commitment to others.

Mattie's foray into the world of music began as a jazz singer. In the 1950s, she joined the Prince Rogers Trio, a group that featured John L. Nelson, who later became her husband. Their meeting in 1956 was the start of a relationship that would bring forth one of the most iconic musicians of the 20th century. Mattie and John married on August 31, 1957, in Northwood, Iowa. Shortly after, she stepped away from the band to focus on her growing family.

• Caitlin Clarks Big Decision Wnba Or Europe Find Out Now
• Keanu Reeves Sisters Kim Karina Emma Untold Stories

Nelson and Mattie Della Shaw Baker welcomed their son, Prince Rogers Nelson, into the world in 1958. Before Prince, Mattie had a son named Alfred Frank Alonzo Jackson, born in 1953, from a previous marriage. Later, she and John had a daughter, Tyka Nelson. Family was a central part of Mattie's life, even amidst the challenges she faced. Tyka, like her brother and mother, inherited the musical gene, becoming an accomplished musician who released four studio albums between 1988 and 2011. This underscores the enduring impact of musicality within the family lineage, suggesting that Mattie's influence extended beyond just her immediate connection to Princes career.

Described as having a strong personality, Mattie navigated a marriage that was, by many accounts, troubled. Her relationship with John L. Nelson eventually ended in divorce. Following this, Mattie married Hayward Baker after 1966, with whom she had one son named Omarr. Hayward Julius Baker passed away on December 29, 2010, in Golden Valley, Hennepin County, Minnesota, and was laid to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis. Her life was complex, marked by both joy and sorrow, but her commitment to her children remained unwavering.

Despite the personal challenges she faced, Mattie's influence on Prince was undeniable. She was the first to recognize his extraordinary talent, providing him with the space and encouragement to explore his musical inclinations. This early support was crucial in shaping Prince's artistic development, laying the foundation for his future success. Her own musical background undoubtedly played a role in nurturing his passion, creating an environment where creativity could flourish.

• Linda Gibb The Untold Story Of Barry Gibbs Wife
• The Diplomat Ronnies Fate Season 2 Twists Explained

Prince himself acknowledged his mother's profound impact on his life and career. In his unfinished memoir and in various interviews, he paid touching tribute to Mattie, highlighting her role in his creative journey. He never forgot his roots, acknowledging that his musical path began with her unwavering belief in his potential. Her influence is woven throughout his work, a testament to the deep connection they shared. Her legacy as a jazz singer, social worker, and most importantly, a loving mother, remains a significant part of Prince's story.

During a 2002 concert in Chicago, shortly after Mattie Della Baker (Shaw)'s death on February 15, Prince honored his mother by playing "Anna Stesia," her favorite song. The song's title, a play on words with "anaesthesia," which refers to a temporary state of unconsciousness induced to relieve discomfort, takes on a deeper meaning when considered in the context of grief and loss. It speaks to Prince's ability to channel his emotions into his music, transforming personal pain into a shared experience for his audience.

Mattie Della, age 68, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2002, at Fairview Southdale Hospital after a long illness. Her passing was mourned by family, friends, and the community she served as a retired social worker with the Minneapolis (Mpls) system. She was highly regarded for her dedication and compassion, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and service. Her impact extended beyond her immediate family, touching the lives of many who benefited from her work as a social worker.

The details surrounding Prince's parents extend to their family history and the circumstances of their marriage. John L. Nelson, Prince's father, went by the name Prince Rogers and was himself a musician and songwriter. Princes four grandparents were all natives of Louisiana, hinting at the rich cultural heritage that informed the familys musical sensibilities. The marriage of Mattie Della Shaw and John Lewis Nelson on August 31, 1957, in Northwood, Iowa, occurred under specific legal conditions. According to Zschomler, prior to 1979, Minnesota residents were required to wait six months after a divorce before remarrying. Johns divorce from his first wife, Vivian Nelson, was not finalized until March 13, 1957, adding a layer of complexity to their union. These details paint a more complete picture of the social and legal context in which Prince's parents came together.

While Prince's own artistic genius captivated the world, it is important to remember the woman who nurtured that talent from the very beginning. Mattie Della Shaw Bakers life, though marked by personal challenges, was a testament to her strength, resilience, and unwavering love for her children. She was a jazz singer, a social worker, a community figure, and, most importantly, the mother of a musical icon.

Further illustrating the complexities of her life, Mattie's filmography, though limited, includes a credit for "First Steps" (1985). This brief foray into the cinematic world offers another glimpse into her diverse interests and activities. This single credit adds another dimension to her profile, suggesting that she was a woman of varied experiences and interests.

Mattie della shaw was a jazz singer, mattie and john nelson met in 1956, they married in 1957. Mattie was born in 1933 in minneapolis, she died in 2002. She had a son named alfred frank alonzo jackson(born in 1953) from her previous marriage. She had prince in 1958 & daughter tyka nelson. Like prince and her parents, jazz singer mattie della shaw baker and musician john l. Nelson, tyka was an accomplished musician who recorded and released four studio albums between 1988 and 2011. Hayward julius baker married after 1966 to mrs. He died on 29 dec 2010 at golden valley, hennepin county, minnesota, usa [2] and was buried at fort snelling national cemetery in minneapolis, hennepin county, minnesota, usa [3]. Mattie della, age 68, of golden valley, passed away peacefully feb. 15, 2002 at fairview southdale hospital after a long illness. She was a retired social worker with the mpls. She was highly regarded by family and friends and will forever be missed by all. Explore the worlds largest collection of free family trees, genealogy records and resources. Mattie della shaw baker an singer prince's mother,birthplace is minneapolis minnesota united states,date of birth november 11 1933,died at the age of 69,di. Born to jazz musician john l. Nelson, mattie della shaw baker. Prince rogers nelson, the son of pianist and songwriter john lewis nelson and jazz singer mattie della (n\u00e9e shaw), was born on june 7, 1958, in minneapolis. His four grandparents were all natives of louisiana. Princes mother, mattie della shaw baker. His mother, mattie della shaw baker, was a jazz singer while his father, john l. Nelson, spent years performing as an established musician. Mattie della, age 68, of golden valley, passed away peacefully feb. 15, 2002 at fairview southdale hospital after a long illness. She was a retired social worker with the mpls. She was highly regarded by family and friends and will forever be missed by all. Prince's parents, mattie della shaw and john lewis nelson, married aug. 31, 1957 in northwood, iowa. Prior to 1979, zschomler explains, minnesota residents had to wait six months from the date of a previous divorce before remarrying, and since johns divorce to his first wife vivian nelson was not final until march 13, 1957