The Prince Has Died

Another Legend Passes On

By Ken Hare
Chicago Defender Staff Writer
Legendary recording artist, formerly known as Prince has passed away.  The 57-year-old singer, songwriter, and producer was best known for his soundtrack to the movie “Purple Rain” which won an Oscar for the best song category in 1984.  The film pulled in an almighty $68,392,977 and only cost $7 million to make.
Prince initially asked Stevie Nicks to write lyrics for ‘Purple Rain’. “It was so overwhelming, that 10-minute track… I listened to it and I just got scared,” she said. “I called him back and said, ‘I can’t do it. I wish I could. It’s too much for me.” And so Prince went his own way and ‘Purple Rain’ was born.
Influenced by James Brown among others, he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2004. His music combines elements of rock, jazz, pop and R&B and sold over 100 million records worldwide. His passing was confirmed by his publicist this morning. Stay tuned for further details as another legend leaves their indelible mark on our culture, our minds, and in our hearts.