Prince, who recently turned 50, covers the June 16 issue of JET magazine.

    The Evolution of Musical Royalty

    Music has a few kings, but make no mistake, there is only one Prince. His royal badness, who just turned 50, is slated to release his first book, “21 Nights.” Inspired by his groundbreaking reign of 21 consecutive performances in London’s O2 Center during the summer of 2007, the book will feature never-before-published pictures by acclaimed photographer Randee St. Nicholas, poetry by Prince and a CD, “Indigo Nights,” of live after-show sessions.

    The award-winning artist went all-out to celebrate his book release with a private party and surprise concert at his palatial home in the hills above Los Angeles. Among his guests were Eddie Murphy, Babyface and Diddy. “When Prince is in the room, there are no other celebrities. Not when his majesty saunters into the room,” said guest Karrine Steffans, whose book cover for “The Vixen Diaries” was shot by St. Nicholas. “He’s magnetic and electrifying. The crowd became entranced.” (p. 58)

Thanks to Staci R. Collins Jackson, Asst. Vice President of JET magazine’s corporate Communications for the photo!