Singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Prince Rogers Nelson is dead at age 57.
The Associated Press reports that Prince (June 7, 1958 – April 21, 2016) died today at his home in suburban Minneapolis. His publicist has confirmed the news.
Prince had a recent health scare, being rushed to the hospital last Friday because of flu-related dehydration. But the next day, he made an appearance at Paisley Park dance party and, eerily in retrospect, told the attendees to “Wait a few days before you waste any prayers.”
Prince was best known for songs that helped define the sound of the 80s and his pyrotechnic guitar chops.
But he also was a multi-instrumentalist that made iconic use of synths and other electronic music gear. The sounds of Yamaha DX, Oberheim, Linn LM-1 and other synth classics are all over his hits. More important than the gear, though, was his talent for using them in unique and iconic ways.
Prince recorded more than 40 albums. His hit 1984 album, Purple Rain, sold more than 13 million copies in the US and spent 24 consecutive weeks at the top of the Billboard 200 charts. In 2004, Prince was inducted into the Rock and Roll of Fame.
Prince was active to the end, performing solo ‘Piano & a Microphone’ shows earlier this year.
Oh god, the year had just started and we already have three great artists passed away.
Rest in Peace
Devestated. Truly the doves are crying today. RIP Prince.
Dear God,
Please stop taking our artists and maybe instead…..our politicians?
Just kidding….sort of.
Damn……MJ, Bowie, Merle, and now Prince. Very few can come close to filling any of those shoes.
Rest in Peace.
Crazy…
What the hell is going on with this year?
genius
omg….. my idol . Still have vivid memories of watching him live at the Love sexy tour – the greatest live show i ever saw. Music lost a genius. -for always your fan- RIP
What DAW did Prince use ????
THE BLACK ALBUM was his best creation. Back in the day,I had to go down to COMPTON and buy the cassette copy from a hardcore gangster . Prince I risk my life for your music…RIP
It was Metaxial I hope or Chrome al least
Thanks for all the music Prince.. Won’t be long until it all shows up on Youtube now though..
Rest in peace..
Sad new 🙁
A lot of sad loses, I guess this is why Keith Richards doctor earns the big bucks.
So sad. A true tragedy. One of the greatest musicians of all time.
Sign O The Times.
Prince you crossed that Graffitti Bridge one last time.
Doves are crying
You are a legend.
Ah that Doves song…
This is very upsetting
I would have also liked to see synthtopia report on Richard Lyon’s(of negativland) death a couple of days ago.
Oh God.
A terrible year for music, indeed. Bowie, Martin… Now this.
Just horrible.
RIP
RIP Prince <3