Prince Remembered: Gifted genius the 'Purple One' artist dead at 57

Prince performing at the Pantages Theater in Los Angeles in
April 1997.  Photo credit: Kelly A. Swift

What is it about 2016? David Bowie, Maurice White, Glenn Frey, Sir George Martin, Keith Emerson, Merle Haggard, Paul Kantner...and today Prince. Only 57, he was found dead inside his recording studio in Chanhassen, Minnesota. Ironic, that Prince's death followed the recent death of Vanity (a Prince protege), who died at the age of 57 on Feb. 15, 2016.

A gifted singer, songwriter, guitarist and actor, the Minneapolis native (born Prince Rogers Nelson) loomed far larger than his 5 foot, 2 inch high frame. He blended funk, Hendrix-infused psychedelic rock, soul and other styles into his dozens of album releases (including 1999, Purple Rain, Sign O’ the Times, Graffiti Bridge and The Black Album). I also wanted to share the statement on Prince from Neil Portnow, President and CEO of The Recording Academy.

The Recording Academy^® Statement Re: Prince
April 21, 2016

Our GRAMMY^® family is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of seven-time GRAMMY Award winner Prince. Today, we remember and celebrate him as one of the most uniquely gifted artists of all time. Never one to conform, he redefined and forever changed our musical landscape. Prince was an original who influenced so many, and his legacy will live on forever. We have lost a true innovator and our sincerest condolences go out to his family, friends, collaborators, and all who have been impacted by his incredible work.

Neil Portnow
President/CEO
The Recording Academy

Here are a number of links where you can read more about Prince:

Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/local/obituaries/la-me-prince-20160421-story.html

The Orange County Register
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/prince-713023-age-kamerud.html

CNN
http://www.cnn.com/2016/04/21/entertainment/prince-estate-death/index.html

Robert Kinsler