D’Angelo Pays Tribute to Prince With ‘Sometimes It Snows In April’ on ‘Tonight Show’
If there’s anyone more influenced by Prince’s music and legacy it’s D’Angelo. The soulful piano man honored the late singer-guitarist with a beautiful rendition of “Sometimes It Snows in April’ on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Tuesday (April 26).
The 1986 ballad is the last song on Prince’s eighth solo album, Parade. Co-written by his longtime collaborators Wendy & Lisa, the song features Prince bidding farewell to Christopher Tracy, his character in his 1986 film, Under the Cherry Moon.
For D, it’s a fitting tribute song as he bids farewell to the fallen legend, whom he has studied musically throughout his career. On a purple-colored Yamaha grand piano, the 42-year-old musician used his tender falsetto to sing the heartbreaking lyrics. Often times you can hear D’Angelo’s voice quiver as he tries to get through the song, especially when he sings, “Often dream of heaven and I know Prince is there.”
Holding down Wendy & Lisa’s vocals is the singing duo Princess, which consists of Gretchen Lieberum and Maya Rudolph, who, if you didn’t know, is the daughter of the late soul singer Minnie Ripperton. Both of them delivered a commanding vocal performance as well. At one point, Rudolph almost got choked up before pulling it together.
D’ Angelo’s performance will no doubt leave a tear in your eye. Especially, at the end when he sings, “All good things they say, never last / And love, it isn't love until it's past.”
Rest in peace, Prince Roger Nelson. You may be gone, but you will never be forgotten.
Watch D’Angelo’s tribute to Prince above.