The purple rain has fallen. The doves have cried. The little Corvette has driven off.
On Thursday, April 21, recording artist and sexual revolutionary Prince Rogers Nelson died in his Paisley Park studio in Chanhassen, Minnesota. The news only comes two weeks after the singer was hospitalized for complications with the flu.
Both adored and loathed for his musical and cultural promiscuity, Prince rose to fame in the 1970s and 80s with a flair that showcased a man who would exert himself completely for the passion of music.
Having over 45 albums under his belt, Prince was as hardworking as he was, and continues to be, respected by his musical contemporaries, including friend and The Rolling Stones’ vocalist, Mick Jagger, who tweeted on Thursday, “Prince was a revolutionary artist, a wonderful musician and composer. Prince was an original lyricist and a startling guitar player. His talent was limitless. Prince was one of the most unique and exciting artists of the last 30 years.”
Never afraid of reinvention, Prince awed audiences with his brand of soul pop that not only transcended genres, but music as a whole. Look from 1980 to 1987 when Prince developed his sound revolving around kinky love ballads and sexual aggression, ultimately yielding some of his greatest hits including “Let’s Go Crazy” and “Controversy.”
However, in a year marred with death in the music world, including David Bowie and Glenn Frey in January, Prince’s legacy will continue to shine as his music will continue to inspire legions of musicians and fill lives with splendor and sexual curiosity for years to come. As Prince himself once said, “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to get through this thing called life.”
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