The Women Who Shaped A Legend: 7 Untold Facts About Mattie Della Shaw, Prince’s Jazz Singer Mother
The name Mattie Della Shaw carries a profound weight in music history, yet her story remains largely overshadowed by the colossal legacy of her son, Prince Rogers Nelson. As of today, December 25, 2025, the narrative surrounding the legendary artist's parents continues to attract significant attention, with fans seeking to understand the formative influences on his genius. Mattie Della Shaw, a talented jazz singer and dedicated social worker, was the powerful matriarch whose complex life and musical passion directly seeded the artistic landscape of one of the greatest musicians of all time.
This article cuts through the confusion and speculation, providing a definitive, fresh look at the life and enduring influence of Mattie Della Shaw Baker. Far from being a background figure, she was a vital, creative force whose spirit and struggles are subtly woven into the fabric of Prince's most iconic work. Her biographical details, her career as a performer in the Minneapolis jazz scene, and her later dedication to social work paint the picture of a strong, multifaceted woman who was the "first love" that shaped a global icon.
Complete Biography and Profile of Mattie Della Shaw
Mattie Della Shaw was a central figure in the Minneapolis music scene before becoming known as the mother of Prince. Her life was defined by music, motherhood, and a commitment to helping others. She passed away two decades ago, but her profile is essential to understanding the man known simply as Prince.
- Full Name: Mattie Della Shaw (later Baker)
- Born: November 11, 1933
- Birthplace: Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota, USA
- Died: February 15, 2002 (Age 68)
- Place of Death: Fairview Southdale Hospital, Edina, Minnesota
- Parents: Frank Shaw and Lucille Bonnell
- Twin Sister: Edna Mae Collier
- First Husband: Alfred Bruce Jackson (Married 1953)
- Second Husband: John Lewis Nelson (Pianist and Songwriter). Married August 31, 1957.
- Third Husband: Hayward Baker (Survived by him)
- Children:
- Alfred Jackson (from first marriage)
- Prince Rogers Nelson (1958–2016, with John L. Nelson)
- Tyka Evene Nelson (Born 1960, with John L. Nelson)
- Omarr Baker (with Hayward Baker)
- Occupation: Jazz Singer, Social Worker for Minneapolis Public Schools
- Musical Group: Singer in the Prince Rogers Trio (named after John L. Nelson’s stage name)
- Education: Master's degree in Social Work
The Jazz Roots: Mattie’s Career in the Prince Rogers Trio
Before she was Prince's mother, Mattie Della Shaw was a professional artist in her own right. She was an aspiring jazz singer who met her second husband, John L. Nelson, through the local Minneapolis music scene. Their shared passion for music was the foundation of their relationship and the environment in which their son, Prince, was raised.
Mattie performed as the vocalist for the Prince Rogers Trio, a jazz ensemble led by John L. Nelson, who was the group's pianist and songwriter. The group's name, which was John L. Nelson's stage moniker, is the source of the name given to their son, Prince Rogers Nelson. This direct link highlights how music was not just a hobby, but an occupational and personal identity for the family. The very name "Prince" is a tribute to his parents' musical partnership.
The home where Prince spent his earliest years, though since demolished, was a hub of creativity where he was first exposed to music, absorbing the sounds of jazz and R&B from his parents. The combination of Mattie’s vocal stylings and John’s compositions created a unique musical DNA that would later explode onto the global stage through their son.
The Profound Influence on Prince’s Art and Persona
Mattie Della Shaw’s influence on Prince’s career was "profound," shaping his art both before and after her death in 2002. Their relationship, which was sometimes complex, provided a deep well of emotional and artistic material for the iconic musician.
The early exposure to jazz, a sophisticated and improvisational genre, through his mother and father's work instilled in Prince a high level of musicality and an appreciation for complex arrangements. Mattie’s life, especially the emotional dynamics within the family, is often cited as a key source of inspiration for Prince’s more introspective and dramatic work.
She was, in many ways, his "first love," and the emotional complexities of their bond are thought to have contributed to the themes of love, loss, and femininity that permeate his discography. While Prince rarely spoke publicly about his personal life, the powerful, feminine presence in his music and his embrace of androgyny can be traced back to the strong women in his life, particularly his mother.
Life Beyond the Stage: Social Work and Enduring Legacy
Following her divorce from John L. Nelson, Mattie Della Shaw transitioned her focus from the stage to academia and public service. She earned a Master’s degree in Social Work and dedicated her later career to working for the Minneapolis Public Schools.
This career shift demonstrates a deep-seated commitment to her community and a desire to help others, adding another layer of depth to her biographical profile. She was not solely defined by her musical past or her famous son; she was a professional who used her education to make a tangible difference in people's lives in Minnesota.
Mattie Della Shaw Baker was survived by her third husband, Hayward Baker, and her four children: Alfred, Prince, Tyka, and Omarr. Her passing in 2002, after a long illness, marked the end of a life that spanned from the vibrant jazz clubs of the 1950s to the demanding world of public service.
Today, her legacy lives on through the music of Prince, who is often credited as one of the greatest musicians of all time. Every time a fan explores the deep, soulful, and often dramatic layers of his music, they are, in essence, encountering the spirit and the foundational musicality inherited from his mother, Mattie Della Shaw. Her story is a powerful reminder that behind every legend, there is an equally compelling, often untold, story of the parents who shaped them.
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