Tributes poured in for Prince from around the world as music lovers honored his versatile talents, originality and creativity after the legendary artist suddenly passed away in Minneapolis on Thursday at the age of 57.
The iconic musician, whose full name was Prince Rogers Nelson, enriched American art scene as a singer, songwriter, mentor to music bands, pop legend, guitarist and a player of many instruments.
Rolling Stone magazine called Prince a “whirlwind of creativity that knew no bounds,” while listing some of most popular numbers of “the purple-minded genius.”
The New York Times noted that Prince was a “man bursting with music — a wildly prolific songwriter, a virtuoso on guitars, keyboards and drums and a master architect of funk, rock, R&B and pop, even as his music defied genres.”
He produced a series of original songs that gained wild acclaim including hits “Let’s go Crazy” and “When Doves Cry” and album Sign o the Times, among many others that made him one of the best-selling artists of all time. Widely hailed as one of the most influential musicians of recent times, Prince sold more 100 million records, won seven Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, and a Golden Globe Award.
Musicians, artists, actors, and public figures remembered the many contributions Prince made to music and society. Actor Will Smith said he spoke to Prince the night before he died. “I am stunned and heartbroken.”
One of the most touching reactions came from musician Justin Timberlake.
“More than a “once in a lifetime” artist… Just a ONCE IN FOREVER ARTIST. I’m still in shock as I write this and I feel this overwhelming grief. But, we should all turn away from that and HONOR this musician that changed all of our lives, our perspectives, our feeling, our whole being. From another planet? Probably. Royalty, for sure. Us worthy..? Laughable.
“They say don’t meet your idols… That they let you down. But, some of my greatest, funniest (yes, he was hilarious), and most prolific encounters and conversations about music came from the moments that I spent with him. It would be silly to say that he has inspired our music… It’s beyond that,” Timberlake wrote on his Facebook page.
In Washington, President Obama issued a statement, saying in Prince’s death the world lost a creative icon.
“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,” Obama said.
“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.”
