Minnesota History Center Features Prince “Before The Rain”

Everyone is familiar with the images of Prince after Purple Rain vaulted him into superstardom, but Prince had many looks before becoming the Purple One.

The Minnesota History Center is showing, Prince: Before the Rain.  The exhibit has been running since September 21st  and goes until May 3rd. The exhibit was inspired by Minnesota Native Allen Beaulieu and his book by the same name. It features images of Prince, The Revolution, Morris Day and The Time, other people and artists, plus artifacts of Prince's life.  Allen Beaulieu was Prince's friend and personal photographer so that allowed him to get some of the never before seen intimate and personal shots that are featured.

Allen Beaulieu has pictures of the early days in the 70s and early 80s. Each photo telling the story of his hard work and eventual rise to fame. Beaulieu went on three tours and was able to capture Prince at home on the stage. He even took the cover pictures for, Dirty Mind, Controversy, 1999, Piano and a Microphone, and Originals.

The exhibit also has a unique look like Prince. The room looks like a nightclub with black walls, purple drapes, a purple velvet couch and a chandelier hanging in the middle of the room.