He picked numerous Grammy Awards since his start as a one-man show in the late 1970s, and dominated the music charts. Hits like "Let's Go Crazy,” “Raspberry Beret" “When Doves Cry," “Little Red Corvette,” “Party Like its 1999,” and the melodic “Purple Rain” is forever etched in pop culture. Prince also wrote hits for other groups like The Bangles, Chaka Khan, Madonna and Stevie Nicks.
Freedom of expression as an artist was the cornerstone of his career. When inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, he spoke not only about creativity, but about spiritual mentoring.
Prince Rogers Nelson was raised a Seventh-day Adventist, and became a Jehovah’s Witness, but had an extremely secluded life. He did talk about the Bible: “The Bible is a study guide for social interaction,” he offered.
The man always tailored in purple admitted, “I have friends that are gay, and we study the Bible together.”
Although a sex symbol, the artist formerly known as Prince, had religious themes to songs, like “I Would Die for You.”
"Im not a woman I'm not a man I am something that you'll never understand I'll never beat you I'll never lie
And if you're evil I'll forgive you by and by 'Cause you, I would die for you, yeah. Darling if you want me to, I would die for you.
I'm not your lover I'm not your friend--I am something that you'll never comprehend
No need to worry No need to cry I'm your messiah and you're the reason why."
Prince shared about his journey at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and had a warning:
“I embarked on a journey more fascinating than I could ever have imagined. But a word to the wise--without real spiritual mentoring, too much freedom can lead to the soul’s decay. And a word to the young artists ... a real friend or mentor is not on your table,” he said. “
A real friend and mentor cares for your soul as much as they do the other one. This world and its wicked systems becomes harder and harder to deal with without a real friend or mentor. And I wish all of you the best.”
After years of being out of view from the public, Prince released "Call My Name" and won a Grammy in 2004. In 2006 he wrote and performed “Song of the Heart" for the film “Happy Feet,” which won the Golden Globe for Best Original Song.
The following are comments from famous fans.
Madonna on Instagram: “He Changed The World!! A True Visionary. What a loss. I'm Devastated.”
Lenny Kravitz took to on Instagram: “My musical brother... My friend... The one who showed me the possibilities within myself, changed everything, and kept his integrity until the end, is gone. I am heartbroken.”
Cindy Lauper Tweeted: “Prince, one of the greatest artists has left us today. I'll miss my friend, his advice & great humor. Thank you for your magical music.”
Prince was born on June 7, 1958 in Minneapolis, Minn. He was found dead at his home and studio at Paisley Park. The creative genius was forced to land his plane a week earlier as he was complaining of the flu, but was released from the hospital.
Farewell, to another global icon. Your music will live on forever.
