Prince, Music Icon, Dead at 57
The music world mourns the loss of an icon: Prince has died at 57 today (April 21).
He was discovered at his Paisley Park compound in Minnesota this morning.
"Authorities responded to a medical emergency at his Paisley Park studio on Thursday morning. The Carver County Sheriff's department in Chanhassen, Minnesota tells TMZ there has been a fatality, and they're notifying next of kin," TMZ reported earlier this morning. They later reported the news of Prince's death, which the AP confirmed.
Just a week ago, the singer was rushed to a hospital after an emergency landing in Illinois. At the time, his people told TMZ he was battling with the flu.
The prolific artist continuously impacted pop culture with his advanced sound, style and stage performances across the years, from classic hits like "When Doves Cry," "Little Red Corvette," "Let's Go Crazy" and "Kiss" to his 1984 rock musical, Purple Rain to dozens of world tours since the late '70s.
He first debuted with 1978's For You, which spawned his first single, "Soft and Wet." His last studio albums, Hit n Run Phase One and HITnRUN Phase Two, were released at the end of 2015.
Prince was also instrumental in shaping the careers of many other acts, from Sheila E. to Vanity 6.
The seven time GRAMMY Award-winning artist has left a legacy of innovation and artistic excellence — one that will no doubt endure and continue to inspire for years to come.
Rest in peace, Prince.
Prince's Albums, Ranked: