Tyka Nelson, a renowned Minneapolis vocalist and the beloved sister of iconic musician Prince, passed away on Monday morning, leaving behind a legacy of musical passion and family ties. Her son, President Nelson, confirmed the heartbreaking news while respectfully declining to elaborate on the details of her passing. Tyka, aged 64, was the sole full sibling of Prince, sharing with him a profound bond and a mutual affection for music.
Born to John L. Nelson and Mattie Shaw Nelson, Tyka carried forward her family's artistic heritage. Between 1988 and 2011, she released four albums, each a testament to her vocal prowess and creative spirit. Plans were underway for her retirement and farewell concert at the esteemed Dakota venue in June, where she was poised to serve as the emcee and serenade the audience with a selection of her tunes. Sadly, illness prevented her from participating, and the event proceeded in her absence, her presence sorely missed.
In an interview with the Minnesota Star Tribune prior to her June concert, Tyka revealed, "I'm getting older. I never saw myself as a singer; I'm a writer whose gift happens to include singing. It's a joy I deeply cherish." She also hinted at working on a memoir, a project that promised to offer insight into her life and creative journey.
Her last local performance in the Twin Cities took place at Bunkers in 2008, while her final public appearance on stage was in Australia in 2018. "She was a woman of strong convictions and an independent spirit," shared her sister Sharon Nelson on Monday evening. "Now, she's found peace in a better place." Sharon, who resided on the East Coast for half a century, only reconnected with Tyka following Prince's demise in 2016 and her own relocation back to the Twin Cities.
Tyka Nelson is survived by her sons, President and Sir, her sisters Sharon and Norrine Nelson, and her brother Omarr Baker, all carrying forward the memories of a woman whose love for music and family was boundless.
