Tyka Nelson, the American singer and the sister of the iconic musician Prince, passed away on November 4, 2024, at the age of 64. The announcement was made by her son, President Nelson, to The Minnesota Star Tribune the following day. Tyka, whose lineage includes her father, jazz musician John L. Nelson, and mother, jazz singer Mattie Della Shaw, leaves behind a significant legacy in the music world.
Family Legacy and Tributes
Tyka was married to Maurice Phillips and was a proud mother to six children: three daughters—Danielle, Crystal, and Chelsea Phillips—and three sons—Rachard, Sir Montece Laeil, and President LenNard Laeil Nelson. In a heartfelt tribute, her cousin Charles “Chazz”Smith expressed the family’s sorrow through a Facebook post, stating:
“Our family is very saddened to share the news of my cousin Tyka Evene Nelson who passed away this morning.”
While President confirmed her passing, further details surrounding the circumstances of her death have not been disclosed. Tyka’s sister, Sharon Nelson, also shared her sentiments with The Minnesota Star Tribune, noting:
“She had her own mind. She’s in a better place.”
A Lasting Impact in Music
Tyka Nelson’s final public appearance took place in 2016 when she accepted an award on behalf of her late brother Prince at the American Music Awards. This moment underscored her connection to his musical legacy and the continued influence of their family’s artistry.
Health Struggles and Farewell Concert
Tragically, Tyka’s death comes shortly after she was unable to perform at a farewell concert in Dakota last June due to health issues. Reflecting on her journey, she told The Minnesota Star Tribune:
“I’m getting older. I really wasn’t a singer. I’m a writer. I just happen to be able to sing. I enjoy singing.”
At that time, Tyka was also in the process of completing a memoir, which she described as a personal story intertwined with her family’s narrative:
“We are not there yet. We’ve got a few more chapters. It’s about me and my family.”
Musical Career and Challenges
Throughout her career, Tyka released four studio albums, starting with her debut, Royal Blue, in 1988. One of her notable tracks, “Marc Anthony’s Tune,”climbed to No. 33 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Subsequent albums included Yellow Moon, Red Sky (1992) and A Brand New Me (2008), followed by her last album Hustler in 2011.
Born in May 1960, Tyka faced challenges related to addiction and financial hardship, including periods of prostitution to support her family as a single mother. In a revealing 2003 interview with The National Enquirer, she opened up about her struggles, stating that she resorted to these actions to provide for her infant sons. Luckily, her brother Prince supported her through rehabilitation in the early 2000s, which led her back to a stable life.
Community Response and Legacy
Since her passing, fans and admirers have taken to social media to express their condolences and share memories of Tyka Nelson, reflecting on her life, her perseverance, and her contributions to music. Her journey serves as an inspiration to many.
For more detailed articles and images about Tyka Nelson’s life and legacy, please visit here.
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