5 Powerful Facts About Mattie Della Shaw Baker: The Jazz Singer Who Shaped Prince’s Musical Genius

As of December 2025, the enduring legacy of musical icon Prince continues to captivate the world, but his story is incomplete without a deep dive into the life of the woman who gifted him his artistic soul: Mattie Della Shaw Baker. Far more than just "Prince's mother," Mattie was an accomplished jazz vocalist, a dedicated social worker, and a powerful, complex figure whose own passion for music laid the foundation for one of the greatest careers in pop history. Her life, marked by both artistic expression and personal struggle, directly contributed to the raw, emotional depth found in her son's most celebrated work.

This article explores the fresh, unique details of Mattie Della Shaw Baker’s life, from her roots in the vibrant Minneapolis music scene to her profound influence on Prince Rogers Nelson, revealing why her story is an essential chapter in the history of modern music.

Mattie Della Shaw Baker: A Complete Biography and Profile

Mattie Della Shaw Baker was a pivotal figure in the life and career of her son, Prince, but her own life story is rich with musical talent, resilience, and personal history. She was a foundational part of the Minneapolis arts community long before Prince achieved global fame.

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• Full Name: Mattie Della Shaw (later Nelson, then Baker)
• Also Known As: Mattie Della, Mattie Nelson
• Date of Birth: November 11, 1933
• Date of Death: February 15, 2002 (Age 68)
• Place of Birth: Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota, USA
• Parents: Franklin Shaw and Lucille Bonnell
• Twin Sister: Edna Mae Collier
• First Husband: John Louis Nelson (married August 31, 1957; divorced)
• Second Husband: Hayward Baker
• Children: Alfred Jackson (from a previous relationship), Prince Rogers Nelson, Tyka Nelson, and Omarr Baker
• Occupation: Accomplished Jazz Vocalist/Singer, Social Worker
• Cause of Death: Long illness (passed away at Fairview Southdale Hospital)

The Vocalist Who Named a Legend: Mattie’s Life in Music

Mattie Della Shaw's identity was first and foremost rooted in music. Long before her son's purple reign, she was a fixture in the local Minneapolis jazz and R&B scene, a true artist in her own right.

The Minneapolis Jazz Scene and John L. Nelson

Mattie was an accomplished vocalist, specializing in jazz and R&B. Her musical path led her to meet John L. Nelson, a talented pianist and composer who would become Prince's father. They met through the local music circuit, with Mattie serving as the singer in a band where John was the keyboardist. This shared passion for performance and composition formed the core of their early relationship, a powerful artistic union that would eventually produce one of music's most prolific geniuses.

In a fascinating twist of fate, the name of their son, Prince Rogers Nelson, was directly inspired by the stage name of his father, John L. Nelson, who performed as "Prince Rogers." This detail underscores how deeply music was woven into the fabric of the family's identity from the very beginning.

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The Complex Influence on Prince Rogers Nelson

Mattie's influence on Prince was profound and multifaceted. She was his "first love," and her artistic presence was a powerful catalyst for his own creativity. She was the first to recognize his extraordinary talent, telling the Minnesota Star Tribune in 1984 that Prince "could hear music even from a very early age."

Prince inherited his musicality, his flair, and his deep connection to the emotive power of song directly from both his mother and father. The complex, often turbulent relationship between his musician parents—which culminated in their separation when Prince was seven—provided a rich emotional landscape that fueled his songwriting. Prince himself reflected on the impact of their divorce while working on his memoir, acknowledging the profound effect it had on him.

A Life Beyond the Stage: Family, Resilience, and Social Work

While her connection to music is her most famous legacy, Mattie Della Shaw Baker's life was also one of personal resilience, dedication to family, and a commitment to helping others.

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Building a Blended Family

After her divorce from John L. Nelson, Mattie married Hayward Baker. Together, they raised a blended family. Her children included Alfred Jackson (from a previous relationship), Prince Rogers Nelson, Tyka Nelson (with John L. Nelson), and Omarr Baker (with Hayward Baker). This family structure, with multiple children from different fathers, was a testament to her strength and her focus on providing a home for her children. Her daughter, Tyka Nelson, would also go on to become a musician, further extending the family's artistic lineage.

The Path to Social Work

In a significant shift later in her life, Mattie Della Shaw Baker pursued higher education. She earned a degree in social work, demonstrating a commitment to community service and personal growth that extended beyond the spotlight of the music world. This career change highlights her multifaceted personality and her desire to make an impact in a different, equally meaningful way.

Enduring Legacy and Final Years

Mattie Della Shaw Baker passed away peacefully on February 15, 2002, at the age of 68, following a long illness. Although she did not live to see the full extent of her son's later-career resurgence, her influence remains indelible. She is remembered by family members, including her twin sister Edna Mae Collier and her surviving husband Hayward Baker.

The story of Mattie Della Shaw Baker is a powerful reminder that behind every global superstar is a foundation built by the talents, sacrifices, and dreams of their parents. Her life as a jazz vocalist in Minneapolis, her role in naming her son, and her enduring love for music all combined to create the fertile ground from which the genius of Prince Rogers Nelson sprang. Her personal journey—from accomplished singer to devoted mother and social worker—is a rich, compelling narrative that deserves to be celebrated in its own right.