This much-needed interdisciplinary analysis is the first of its kind to examine critically Prince's popular music, performances, sounds, lyrics and the plethora of accompanying visual material such as album covers, posters, fashions, promotional videos and feature films. Specifically, the book explores how and why he has played such a profoundly meaningful and significant role in his fans' lives. 'It's about time! Prince, pop's SEXY MF, has long been a subject of fan praise and speculation. While acknowledging these deep veins of adulation and conjecture, Hawkins and Niblock critically rewrite them through refined interdisciplinary inquiry. The result is a rich account of the intertwined complexities of Prince's profound musicianship, performance verve, and positioned subjectivity.' Steven Feld, University of New Mexico, USA 'In Prince: The Making of a Pop Music Phenomenon, Stan Hawkins and Sarah Niblock have written a thorough, scholarly and insightful study of the cultural impact, iconic status, and the work of Prince. They have explored the psychology behind Prince's writing and behind the perception of his work by the public and by critics in a way that is engaging, convincing, and exceptionally well researched. This is a book that every serious student of popular culture (and especially of Prince) should read.' James E. Perone, author of The Words and Music of Prince