I was in the same boat. I hated Prince in the mid-80s. Mostly because I listened to Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Ozzy, etc. pretty much exclusively back in those days. Pop and R&B music was not on my radar, in fact I detested most of it. I never saw the movie "Purple Rain".
But about 10 years later I listened to "Purple Rain" and paid close attention to the guitar solo. I was sold! Later on, the cover band I was in played Dec. 31st 1999 New Year's eve party at a bar, of course we played "1999". I started liking his tunes a lot more and really appreciated the song-writing and musicianship, but apparently not enough to buy a ticket for a Prince show, which now I regret.