Superstar Prince's death shocks music industry
- By Zhang Rui
0 Comment(s)
Print
E-mail China.org.cn, April 22, 2016
American superstar Prince was found dead on Thursday morning in his Paisley Park estate in suburban Minneapolis, Minnesota, with President Obama, Madonna, Quincy Jones and many others mourning his loss.
 |
|
Prince performs during his 'Diamonds and Pearls Tour' at the Earl's Court Arena in London, Britain, June 15, 1992. [Photo / chinadaily.com.cn] |
"It is with profound sadness that I am confirming that the legendary, iconic performer, Prince, has died at his Paisley Park residence this morning at the age of 57," said Prince's publicist Yvette Noel-Schure in a statement. "There are no further details as to the cause of his death at this time."
The Carver County Sheriff's department responded to an emergency call at the singer's Paisley Park studio in Chanhassen, Minnesota at 9:43 a.m. and Prince was found in an elevator at Paisley Park, TMZ reported. They performed CPR, but were unable to revive him. He was pronounced dead on the scene at 10:07 a.m. Central Time, Carver County Sheriff Jim Olson said. Currently there are no signs of foul play. An autopsy will be later performed.
The singer previously had a medical emergency on April 15 that forced his private jet to make an emergency landing in at Quad City International Airport in Moline, Illinois for what his people called the "flu." But he was released three hours later and addressed a crowd at Paisley Park near his home and said, "Wait a few days before you waste any prayers."
Prince, the legendary and innovative singer, musician, songwriter, multiple instrumentalist and actor, was born as Prince Rogers Nelson in Minnesota in June 1958. Combining rock, R&B, soul, funk, hip hop, disco, psychedelic, jazz, and pop influences, Prince was regarded as the pioneer of Minneapolis sound.
Prince sold over 100 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling artists of all time. He was acclaimed as a major figure in U.S. popular music and pop culture for over three decades with hits such as "Purple Rain," "When Doves Cry," "Kiss," "Cream," "Let's Go Crazy" and more. During the 1980s, Prince was frequently compared to Michael Jackson, the singer being his biggest musical rival.
His semi-autobiographical rock musical film "Purple Rain" and its best-selling soundtrack made him a superstar in the American music landscape. The film won the Best Original Song Score award at the Oscars and the album sold over 25 million copies; it was the biggest release of his career. Prince won seven Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.
Prince's sudden death has already caused a massive shock wave.
U.S. President Obama released a statement following the death of the 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."
"I can't believe it, I'm in total shock. So many wonderful memories, I will miss him," said Lionel Richie on twitter.
"I'm Devastated," Madonna wrote, "He changed the World! A true visionary. What a loss."
Producer Quincy Jones also mourned Prince, saying, "RIP to Prince…a true artist in every sense of the word. Gone way too soon."
"RIP Prince. I can't believe it," America born Chinese actor Daniel Wu said on his instagram, "Bowie, now Prince. They were very much a like in some ways pushing the boundaries of the genre they entered in. I remember my sister taking me to see 'Purple Rain' when I was a kid. I was probably a bit too young to be in that theater but what I saw was the story of a guy trying to be himself. He was a small, feminine little guy with a ton of charisma and the music I heard was unlike any music I had heard before. I was an instant fan. It's a sad we are losing all the greats of modern music."
Mick Jagger, Elton John, Boy George, Billy Idol, Katy Perry, Justin Timberlake, Usher, Jennifer Lopez, Ricky Martin, Mariah Carey, Beyoncé and many other music icons and musicians also sent their condolences.
MTV also paid tribute to the late musician by swapping its previously scheduled content for "a dedicated block of his most influential music videos."
Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)