Prince – one of the world’s most talented and inventive musicians just passed away at the age of 57 at his home in Minnesota.
My earliest memories of music are dancing around the family room with my brothers to my personal Prince favorites: “Kiss” and “Cinnamon Girl.” With two parents from Minnesota, the musical genius of Prince was pretty much all they played – which as a family we could agree on and enjoy. Hopping from the table to the couch and whipping my hair (before it was a thing) – I could not get enough of Prince’s music. Since I was about three years old, his music encouraged wildly free and creative behavior. And I know the same is true for millions of global citizens of all ages.
I’m not sure what Prince was dancing to at age three; however, by seven he wrote his first song. I think it’s fair to call someone a genius in that case. He’s been dubbed the “modern Mozart” and is a hell of a lot more stylish.
As Billboard put it, “Prince's legacy as a musician, a singer, a style icon and an endlessly creative mind is nearly unparalleled.”
A Rock and Roll Hall of famer and winner of 7 Grammys, a Golden Globe, and an Academy Award for “Purple Rain,” Prince has sold over 100 million records. A measurement marking Prince as one of the best-selling musicians of all time. He also wrote more songs in Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” than any other single artist.
Prince’s influence and inspiration transcends generations. Seriously, how often can you share an artist with your children, your parents, friends, and grandparents? From infamous falsetto vocals to mind-blowing mixing of funk, R&B, and pop – Prince impacted other artists such as The Weeknd, Justin Timberlake, Frank Ocean, Pharrell, Stevie Nicks, Gwen Stefani, Katy Perry and Dave Navarro and Duran Duran. The list goes on. The range of people Prince touched during his lifetime is vast.
As the world mourns the loss of such an iconic musician, songwriter, and performer we can all reflect on and be thankful for the music and originality Prince passed on to so many.
You may wonder, “How can you just leave me standing? / Alone in a world that's so cold?”
But remember:
"Honey, I know, I know / I know times are changing / It’s time we all reach out / For something new”
I believe Prince would want global citizens to continue advocating for the positive change we all want to see in the world. So in honor and memory of such the legendary musician, let’s continue to strive with creativity toward something new – a beautiful, equal and just world.