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Michael Ochs Archives/Getty ImagesPrince was regarded as one of music’s living legends. Born Prince Rogers Nelson, the iconic singer-songwriter carved an unprecedented path within the music industry as one of the best-selling artists of all time.
But he unfortunately left the world too soon on — he was discovered dead on April 21, at the age of 57, at his Paisley Park studios in Chanhassen, Minnesota.
It was later revealed he died of an overdose of the painkiller fentanyl.
Once news broke of Prince’s death, scores of fans and fellow artists — including President Barack Obama, Chaka Khan, Janelle Monae, Stevie Nicks, Maxwell, Questlove, Stevie Wonder, Sheila E., Pharrell Williams and more took — to social media and other public platforms to express their shock, and their memories of the superstar.
“He came to perform at the White House last year and was extraordinary, and creative and original, and full of energy,” President Obama said during a press conference in the U.K.
In September, Prince’s former backing band, The Revolution, performed a set of reunion shows in Minneapolis to honor him. Bilal, Prince’s former girlfriend and Purple Rain co-star Apollonia Kotero, and Prince’s ex-wives, Mayte Garcia and Manuela Testolini, all made appearances onstage.
In October, an official tribute concert in Prince’s honor took place at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, MN. Stevie Wonder performed Prince’s classic hit, “Purple Rain,” while Faith Evans sang “I Feel for You.” Other stars such as Christina Aguilera, Anita Baker, Tori Kelly, Doug E. Fresh and Bilal also attended the event.
Prince’s sister, Tyka Nelson, thanked everyone who attended the tribute. “It’s been wonderful that they’ve taken the time out of their busy schedule and said oh yeah I’ll be there,” she told reporters.
Prince’s label and estate continued to release music after is death. His first posthumous song, “Moonbeam Levels,” debuted in November, along with a greatest hits album, 4ever
The legend’s Purple Rain album also won an American Music Award in November for Top Soundtrack. His sister Tyka accepted the trophy on his behalf.
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