Prince, the Rock Pop Super Star, has Died

Prince, the cultural icon, known for his provocative lyrics, his intense passion for the electric guitar which earned him comparison to the late iconic Jimi Hendrix, and his dedication to the creative process and music making, has died. He was 57.

"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," his publicist Yvette Noel-Schure said in a statement. "There are no further details as to the cause of his death at this time."

Found non-responsive at 9:43am Thursday, in an elevator in his Paisley Park, Minnesota, compound CPR and other living saving medical treatments were initiated at the scene. He remained unresponsive and was pronounced dead at 10:07am.

Medical reports have surfaced that the musical genius was treated for a drug overdose six days ago. His publicist has only confirmed his death and he was suffering from an intense case of the flu. It was also confirmed that his plane was forced to make an emergency landing over the weekend so that the pop icon could be treated. He was later released.

Born Prince Roger Nelson June 7, 1958, Prince burst onto the music scene in the late 1970's celebrating sexuality, raw energy, the appearance of androgyny and quickly shocked the world with hits like "Purple Rain," "When Doves Cry" and "Red Corvette" in the 1980's.

With the help of the wildly successful film Pretty Woman, Julia Roberts and a bubble bath the 1986 "Kiss" began a worldwide hit.

Purple Rain was developed into a screenplay. Transitioning Prince became the artist formally known as Prince as he moved from a name to an iconic symbol. He remained as talented, creative, skillful and musically gifted.

Known as the founder of the Minneapolis sound that is described as a "hybrid mixture of funk, pop, synthpop and new wave," the wildly popular electric funk sounds of the 1970' s and 80's and in retro around the world currently are credited to Prince.

Nominated for 32 Grammy Awards Prince won seven. He also won an Academy Award for Best Original Song Score in 1985. Two albums, "1999" and "Purple Rain," of the 39 released were awarded the Grammy Hall of Fame Award.

No cause of death has been released.

Image courtesy of Google and used with permission

Source: Wikipedia

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