Prince Dead at 57: Publicist Confirmed Iconic Musician’s Passing

Legendary guitarist-singer Prince has died at his Paisley Park estate in suburban Minneapolis on Thursday (April 21), according to his publicist. He was 57.

His publicist, Yvette Noel-Schure, confirmed the sad news to the Associated Press. The soul icon was found dead at his estate this morning. According to reports, the Carver County’s sheriff’s office responded to a medical call about 9:40AM.

The official cause of death hasn't been revealed, but last Friday (April 15), the musician was hospitalized in Illinois for flu symptoms. The following night, he invited fans to a special concert at Paisley Park, which now was his last, to prove to them that he was still alive and well.

Prince, whose real name is Prince Rogers Nelson, was short in stature but was a giant in the history of pop culture. A virtuoso on the electric guitar, the Purple One's enigmatic presence made him one of the most original and compelling artists in R&B, soul, rock and pop music.

Over his 30-year career, Prince has released over 33 albums and won seven Grammy Awards. He won an Oscar for Best Original Song to the his classic 1984 film, Purple Rain. The album of the same name boasts such memorable hits as "When Doves Cry," "Let's Go Crazy" and the title track.

The singer was also protective of his musical rights, having battling his record company, Warner Bros., over control of his music and the use of his name.

Prince was also a humanitarian. Last May, Prince held a Rally 4 Peace Concert in Baltimore in ribute to Freddie Gray, who died from a spine injury while in police custody.

“This city could use a little joy, a little healing; Prince will do that,” a concertgoer told the Baltimore Sun. “Music is medicine. His message has always been in his lyrics, if you just look deep enough.”

Overall, Prince's contributions and influence to the entire world is immeasurable. We have truly loss a wonderful musician and human being. Undoubtedly, this is a hugh loss to the music community.

We want to send our sincerest condolences to Prince's family, friends and fellow musicians.

May Prince rest eternally in peace. He will be sorely missed.