Music legend Prince has died at 57, according to a statement from his publicist to the Associated Press (AP).
Prince Roger Nelson was allegedly found “unresponsive” in an “elevator at Paisley Park,” according to a report from WSOC-TV the Carver County Sheriff Jim Olson and the county’s police department.
According to what his publicist, Yvette Noel-Schure, told the AP, the “superstar died at his home this morning.” Other media reports reported that the singer had postponed a concert in Atlanta on April 7, after allegedly contracting the flu.
The White House released a statement following the passing of the iconic singer.
Today, the world lost a creative icon. Michelle and I join millions of fans from around the world in mourning the sudden death of Prince. Few artists have influenced the sound and trajectory of popular music more distinctly, or touched quite so many people with their talent. As one of the most gifted and prolific musicians of our time, Prince did it all. Funk. R&B. Rock and roll. He was a virtuoso instrumentalist, a brilliant bandleader, and an electrifying performer.
“A strong spirit transcends rules,” Prince once said—and nobody’s spirit was stronger, bolder, or more creative. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, his band, and all who loved him.
Prince’s musical charisma and sexually candid style songs changed popular music. His proliferous songs, such as “Little Red Corvette,” “Let’s Go Crazy,” and “When Doves Cry,” made him a star overnight.
He broke through in the late 70s with hits such as “Why You Wanna Treat Me So Bad?” “I Wanna Be Your Lover,” and went even further with albums such as “1999” and “purple Rain.”
The gender-bending Grammy- and Oscar- winning star stood grand, even at 5 feet, 2 inches. Hailed a social trailblazer, in 2004, Prince was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Both of his parents were also musicians, according to an AP report.
Other close friends of the artist emotional tribute can be seen online. CNN’s Political Commentator Van Jones, a close friend, in an emotional interview with Wolfe Blitzer said that Prince was a giving, caring humanitarian, interested in the Black Lives Matter movement, and there for his friends when they were in bad times.
Other Stories about Prince’s passing can be found below:
Prince, a Gender-Bending Original, Dead at 57
Publicist: Pop Superstar Prince Dies at his Minnesota home
‘Purple Rain’ superstar Prince, 57, dies at U.S. studio complex
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