The artist known as Prince, who pioneered "the Minneapolis sound" and took on the music industry in his fight for creative freedom, died Thursday at age 57.
"It is with profound sadness that I am confirming that the legendary, iconic performer, Prince Rogers Nelson, has died at his Paisley Park residence this morning at the age of 57," said his publicist Yvette Noel-Schure.
Earlier Thursday, police said they were investigating a death Paisley Park studios in Chanhassen, Minnesota.
As you can imagine outpourings of grief are all over social media today.
I think probably all of us have a favorite Prince son.
My favorite has always been "Little Red Corvette," though my I-Pod playlist contains many more than that.
One thing that people sometimes forget due to Prince's flamboyance and fame as a showman, is that he was an amazing musician who played a number of instruments.
Here he is performing a rendition of "My Guitar Gently Weeps" with Tom Petty, Steve Winwood, and others. The magic starts at the 3:37 mark.
There are not a lot of talents like that in the world, and his will surely be missed.
I love that man. This one hit me hard. Rest in Peace.
ReplyDeleteIt hit me hard, too. I am just so shocked and so sad about Prince passing. A sadness has come upon me since I head the news on the television this afternoon.
DeleteA legend.
I can't believe it :(
DeleteBowie & Prince had a such a "youthful" attitude & look I thought they were dipping in the "Dorian Gray" well, not really but, now they are both gone, this year...
My altime fave is Little Red Corvette & Purple Rain.
I just saw that WWF Cyna also passed today too...
RIP Prince!
Bowie and Prince. It's been a rough year for music.
ReplyDeleteI cried for Bowie, Maurice White, and now Prince. May they rest in peace!
DeleteDon't forget Lemmy from Motorhead:
Deletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4SwhP65-Lc
And we lost Merle Haggard only 3 weeks ago. 2016 had been cruel.
DeleteI still have his Purple Rain "album". Love his song Purple Rain.
ReplyDeleteThanks Gryphen for posting this tribute. Little Red Corvette is a favorite of mine as well; was just driving down the road with the radio cranked and the windows rolled down, listening to this song and rocking out with tears streaming. Yes, doves are crying today.
ReplyDeleteToo young. :(
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you pasted that video. I just watched it. Such greatness. Purple Rain was on several weeks ago late at night and I watched it yet again--it's impossible to change the channel when it's on. He wasn't an actor but you'd never have known it when PR came out. And what music. And what a captivating face--who wasn't in love with him? Way back, my younger sister had to own a raspberry beret and wore it all the time. The song drove me nuts, but I was the one who bought the beret she had to have, and we had seen PR together our first time at the theater and watched it on video together after and listened to Prince together so often over the years. I live in San Francisco and I know the Bay Area has long loved Prince and appreciated his surprise appearances. The people here are so lucky to have so recently seen him perform. I appreciated Al Sharpton's words on MSNBC today letting us know more about how caring and giving Prince had long been to those in need.
ReplyDeletePrince was one sexy motherf*cker!
ReplyDeleteI can't even count the times that my boyfriend at the time and I had "great times" while listening to Red Corvette, back when it first came out. That was one of the world's sexiest songs and wherever we were, in the car, at the store, in school even, we'd hear that song and get somewhere and make it real!
Delete... word is he died of full-blown AIDS.
Delete... word is he contracted it in the early 90's and stopped taking his medicine two years ago.
... word is he stopped taking his medicine when a religious leader told him he was cured.
word is....who cares??? Even if this was the case it does not matter. Prince was still a musical genius and humble philanthropist.
DeleteIt really irks me when people try to take away from a person's accomplishments in this way. That might not be the way you meant this very gossipy comment but that's the way I took it.
1:24 If it's true, a religious leader robbed us of the music. Prince seemed to walk a spiritual life without wearing it on his shirtsleeve.
DeleteAids? Really?!
DeleteHe had the flu recently. It could have turned to pneumonia. Pneumonia is what took Merle Haggard.
I had the flu in early March. Snuck up and hit me hard. I didn't start feeling my old strength again until 2 1/2 weeks later.
My gut feeling is that it was flu related.
Anonymous12:46 PM
Delete... word is he died of full-blown AIDS.
***
He didn't look like a AIDs patient. The RW is spewing this nonsense. He was in the Bay Area recently and there IS a REALLY virulent flu going around that Morphs into pneumonia. It is possible that he contracted that.
RIP Prince, "When Doves Cry"...
@12:46 PM Word is that you are a LIAR, you sack of shit.
DeleteI liked a few of his songs; I was never a rabid fan and have none of his music on my iPhone. But I respect that others are/were huge fans and will mourn his loss. I understand that Prince was very philanthropic and charitable; that speaks volumes about him as much as his music. There are only two outcomes for those of us that are emotionally engaged in music/musicians in that we will either lose our musical heroes and mourn them much; or we will pass away first. Mine, for my own reasons, are Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen.
ReplyDeleteTo Prince's fans: in his honor, party like its 1999!
Same here. I wasn't that familiar with his music but his song for the Batman movie was spot on.
DeleteI appreciate his creativity and independence. And I sympathize with his fans.
I was shocked to hear the news this morning. But then that is happening more and more. I am reaching an age when names I know are dying that I do not expect. I expected to outlive Fred Astaire or Charlton Heston as they are of a previous generation. But I never expected the early deaths of Prince, Michael Jackson or David Bowie, artists of my generation.
While no one lives forever, I wish all a long and healthy life.
How fitting the clip is from "The Concert For George". Now how about "A Concert For Prince"?
ReplyDeleteActually, I think that was from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. He and Harrison were inducted the same year: prince brought his Guitar divineness to that song.
DeleteM from MD
No, this was the Concert for George that his friends put on for him the year after his death. I have seen it a few times. Prince could really go on that guitar. I think you are right Gryphen, his flamboyance took away from his incredible guitar work in the sense that he did not get the credit he deserved for it.
DeleteThanks for that clip. I loved seeing Dani Harrison there. The music brought tears to my eyes for all the musicians we have loved and lost.
DeleteNope. They are showing that clip on the news and credit states rock and roll hall of fame. I have the dvd and cds for the Concert for George: Prince was not part of that. It was almost all family and close friends.
DeleteI've loved him since day one. Way too young. p.s. 2016 sucks for music. -sjp
ReplyDeleteCNN are so clueless it's painful. Pioneered the Minneapolis sound?
ReplyDelete"Few artists defined and redefined pop, rock, R&B, funk, soul and nearly every musical genre imaginable like Prince, who issued his debut album in 1978." -Rolling Stone
Wolf "so poor ..so black ..." Blitzed mentioned Prince's song 'Purple Haze.' Oh and so poor so black is a reference to Wolf's description of Hurricane Katrina refugees.
DeleteDid you catch his interview with Van Jones? The old man needed to be schooled on Black Lives Matter, and the roles Prince took on for the African American community. There was a "Well you knew him better than most people" attitude when Jones told him of Prince's sharing his genius and advising young black people to join "Yes, We Code", to open businesses, take pride in their heritage etc"
Delete"Well, you knew him better than most, but we have to go to a commercial break" Clueless why Prince visited Baltimore, Florida, Texas, etc.
Not a huge fan of the bulk of his work but respected his talent. He was a helluva guitar player. 57 is indeed way too young. Sorry to see this news.
ReplyDeleteNooooooooo!
ReplyDeleteIn Prince's honor, everyone should "party like it's 1999."
But I'm too sad.
"Raspberry Beret" is my favorite. BTW back in the day I did have one from a second hand store :)
ReplyDeleteRIP Prince and rock on where ever your spirit flies.
Was shocked too when I heard this as Prince is a year older than me. My favorite performances by Prince is the Purple Rain performances during the Superbowl where it actually rained. "It was like he ordered it". one of the commentators said. He was a performer to beat all. And best of all, he really didn't care what people thought of him.
ReplyDeleteSaw him live when I liven in CT. One of the best shows I have ever been to. No opener, just Prince and his band. Music never stopped, even when Prince himself took a short break, members of his band were always performing and his girlfriend at the time (Mayte) showing her amazing dancing....great show.
ReplyDeleteHe was an amazing talent and will be missed. So far 2016 has been a tragic year for music...
David Bowie, Scott Weiland, Maurice White, Paul Kantner, Glen Frey....even Merle Haggard. So much talent and it's only April.
Please make it stop
I took my daughter to see Prince when she was 5. It was his Musicology tour. He was all about the music and real musicians - a fantastic show. I was in awe, a truly amazing talent. It was a show I'll never forget. Uggg - so sad and what a loss.
ReplyDeleteHis name has now officially changed to "The Artist Formerly Known As Alive"
ReplyDeletewow - crass and totally uncalled for. you should be so proud.
Delete12:21 PM You are the troll currently known as asshole.
DeleteNow we know what doves crying sounds like. RIP, our sweet little brother, you brought much joy to the world. We will miss you.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great version of that song. All of those great musicians nailed it. RIP Prince. Now I'm going to watch that at least 10 times tonight..... :)
ReplyDeleteRIP to a great Minnesotan! Fave Prince song 1999
ReplyDeleteHis was one of the best concerts I've ever been to. Such a guitar player, singer, and all-around performer. He will be missed.
ReplyDeletePaisley Park is less than 5 miles from my house. I saw him in concert several years with his Purple Rain tour. His home (sold several years ago) was not far from his studio. We were used to seeing him around her occasionally.
ReplyDelete"Goodnight, sweet prince."
ReplyDeleteRest well.
Charlie Murphy and Prince playing basketball.
ReplyDelete"That cat can ball!"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=miZxYjqqjZM
NONONONONONONONONO!
ReplyDeleteI was half expecting for Sarah to have made the news and once again have been usurped by a famou person's death.
ReplyDeletePrince: Thanks for some great music. You are gone too soon.
"Nothing compares 2 you."
ReplyDeleteNothing, nothing, nothing.
In my dancing and club going days, I often saw Prince and his band at Uncle Sams and First Ave. Man we lost a great one today. I am mourning a great artist and musician, I am shedding tears and I ain't no Dove..Good night sweet Prince...
ReplyDeleteanother weirdo bites the dust... this is news?
ReplyDeleteno, it's life, but save it for your epithet
DeleteA "weirdo" who was so much more loved than you'll ever be.
Delete2:59 PM You are a typical know nothing, jealous troll, and nothing more. Did you post the same about Nancy Reagan?
DeleteI never did catch the Prince train though I was buying plenty of music in his peak 80s years. But I was more with Hall & Oates, Tina Turner, Whitney, Madonna, Billy Joel & Springsteen. You'd have to be really out of it though, not to know how he was selling.
ReplyDeleteYou know they're really big when their passing knocks The Trump Show off MSNBC all afternoon.
Most of us are diminished by the death of this great talent. I was a fan of Jimi Hendrix's music, and always felt Prince was as close talent wise, he was a brilliant business man who took ownership of his music from Warner Brothers, simply by changing his name to a character, and creating his own label. Genius doesn't come close, and I'll miss his talent.
ReplyDeleteWhen they said he was found dead in an elevator, I couldn't help but recall the lyric from "Let's go Crazy"
"And if the elevator tries to bring you down
Go crazy, punch a higher floor"
RIP, Prince.
My hearts breaking. I loved Prince, his music always put a smile on my face well busting out my awef vocals to his songs. We lost a great musician but his music will forever live on. RIP PRINCE 🙏🏽
ReplyDeleteGlenn Frey was a much greater loss. As was Warren Zevon, who has been gone nearly 13 years and has not been inducted into the HOF. That is really sad.
ReplyDeleteWarren MUST be inducted into the HOF!
DeleteHe did an awesome version of Prince's "Raspberry Beret," also too.
OMG!!! That performance was off the chain, R I P Prince, you was one of the Greats.
ReplyDeleteThe biggest thing I remember about him (to me) was a few years ago when he played at the halftime at the Superbowl in Miami. Because as he started, the skies opened up in a drenching downpour. A lot of other artists would have said "Oops, we'll be back when this clears - especially with all of this electrical gear out here." Instead, he took to the stage and played like a wildman! I was never a really big fan of his music (I guess I was from an earlier generation) but you HAD to admire that kind of courage and determination!
ReplyDeleteTom, in FL
In more sad news from the music world today: Ted Nugent is still alive.
ReplyDeleteBut at least we still have Keith Richards! I suspect he could whoop ol' Ted.
DeleteM from MD
"She might be to sexy">NOT!
ReplyDeleteP.S. BS>Kim touched him, Then He "escorted" her off HIS STAGE..
http://www.ew.com/article/2016/04/22/prince-kicks-kim-kardashian-offstage
He was an amazingly gifted man. RIP PRINCE. He will be missed.
ReplyDelete