Mattie Della Shaw Baker - A Life Remembered

When we think about the people who shape the lives of creative spirits, we often look to those closest to them, and for a truly iconic musician, his mother was, you know, a very important person. Mattie Della Shaw Baker, a woman who gave so much to her family and her community, was the mother of Prince Rogers Nelson, a name many people recognize. Her story, in some respects, is a quiet one, yet it speaks volumes about the foundations of a remarkable family. She was a jazz singer and a social worker, and she made a lasting impression on everyone she met, actually.

Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Mattie Della Shaw Baker came into the world in 1933. She was someone who lived a life full of different experiences, from making music to helping people in her professional role. Her journey, you see, touched many hearts, and she left behind a legacy that her loved ones continue to honor. It's almost as if her presence, even after she passed, still resonates through the memories shared by those who knew her well.

Her life was woven with threads of music, family devotion, and a commitment to serving others. She passed away in 2002, but the impact she had on her family, particularly her famous son, is quite clear. This piece will explore the various aspects of Mattie Della Shaw Baker's life, from her musical talents to her family connections, offering a look at a woman who was, in a way, truly special.

Table of Contents

A Look at Her Life - Mattie Della Shaw Baker

Mattie Della Shaw Baker, a person of considerable warmth and character, came into the world on November 11, 1933, in the city of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Her early years, one might imagine, were spent in the vibrant atmosphere of her hometown. She was, you know, someone who would grow to touch many lives, both through her artistic abilities and her dedication to helping others. Her path through life, in some respects, led her through various roles, each one showing a different facet of who she was as a person. She lived a full life, spanning 68 years, before she passed away on February 15, 2002, in Edina, Minnesota. This time frame, from her birth to her passing, covers a period where she made a real difference to many individuals, and to her family, of course. Her life journey, it seems, was one marked by a mix of personal joys and challenges, all of which contributed to the person she became. She was, quite literally, a woman who experienced a wide range of human emotions and situations throughout her time. The details of her birth and passing, in a way, bookend a life that was, apparently, rich in experiences and connections.

Personal Details and a Brief Overview of Mattie Della Shaw Baker

Here's a quick look at some key facts about Mattie Della Shaw Baker, providing a clearer picture of her life and background.

Full NameMattie Della Shaw Baker (née Shaw)
BornNovember 11, 1933
BirthplaceMinneapolis, Minnesota, United States
DiedFebruary 15, 2002 (aged 68)
Place of PassingEdina, Hennepin County, Minnesota, United States
SpousesJohn L. Nelson (married 1957), Hayward Baker
ChildrenAlfred Frank Alonzo Jackson, Prince Rogers Nelson, Tyka Nelson, Omarr Baker
Known ForJazz Singer, Social Worker, Mother of Prince
Notable Work"First Steps" (1985)

This table, in a way, gives us a snapshot of her life, highlighting the different roles and relationships that defined her. She was, quite literally, a central figure in the lives of many people around her, and this information just helps to put that into perspective, you know. It shows her connections, her family, and some of the key parts of her identity. The dates and places mentioned, too, help to ground her story in a specific time and location, making her life feel more tangible. It’s almost as if these details offer a starting point for understanding the breadth of her personal history and the many contributions she made during her years.

What Was Mattie Della Shaw Baker Known For?

Mattie Della Shaw Baker was, in fact, known for a few very distinct things that shaped her identity and how others perceived her. First and foremost, she was a jazz singer, a person who used her voice to create music. This talent, so it seems, was a significant part of her artistic expression. She met John L. Nelson, who later became her husband and Prince's father, in 1956 at a show in Minneapolis, which suggests that her musical activities brought her into contact with other artists. Her involvement in music, therefore, was not just a hobby but a part of her social and personal connections, too. This aspect of her life speaks to a creative spirit, someone who found joy and perhaps a way to express herself through song. It's almost as if the rhythm and melody of jazz were a part of her very being, influencing her interactions and her approach to life. Her singing, we can imagine, brought pleasure to many, and perhaps provided a special kind of comfort or excitement for those who heard her perform.

She was also recognized for her work as a social worker, a profession that involves helping people in their daily lives. This aspect of her life shows a dedication to community service and a desire to make a positive impact on others, which is, you know, a very admirable quality. As a social worker, she would have dealt with many different situations, offering support and guidance to individuals and families who needed it. This kind of work requires a great deal of patience and a deep sense of empathy, suggesting that Mattie Della Shaw Baker possessed these qualities in abundance. Her efforts in the Minneapolis Public School System, from which she retired, indicate a long-term commitment to this field. So, her professional life was, apparently, one of service and genuine care for the people around her, reflecting a very giving spirit. She was someone who, quite literally, dedicated a portion of her life to making things better for others in her community.

Beyond her professional roles, Mattie Della Shaw Baker was, in a way, a community figure. This suggests she was someone who was visible and active within her local area, perhaps participating in events or initiatives that brought people together. Her presence, one might say, was felt beyond her immediate family and professional circles. The fact that she was "highly regarded by family and friends" speaks volumes about her personal qualities and how she interacted with people. She was, apparently, someone who earned respect and affection from those around her. It's almost as if her very being radiated a kind of warmth and reliability that drew people to her, which is a rather lovely thing to consider. Her contributions to the community, whether through her formal work or her informal presence, made her a valued person, someone who was, in fact, truly cherished by those who knew her well.

How Did Mattie Della Shaw Baker Influence Her Son Prince?

The bond between Mattie Della Shaw Baker and her son, Prince, was, in some respects, quite profound. It was, you know, a relationship that clearly left a lasting impression on him. The text mentions she had a "deep connection with her son," and this connection was so significant that Prince, it seems, wrote about her in his unfinished memoir. This suggests that she was a central figure in his personal story, a source of inspiration, or perhaps, a person whose experiences shaped his own perspectives. Her influence on his creative output is, arguably, quite clear when we look at certain moments in his career

Mattie-Baker - Bryan County Patriot

Mattie-Baker - Bryan County Patriot

About | Shaw Baker Photo

About | Shaw Baker Photo

Della K. Shaw – Medium

Della K. Shaw – Medium

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