Prince Dead: Iconic Musician Dies at the Age of 57
Prince has died at his Paisley Park home in Minnesota at the age of 57.
Police were called to a medical emergency at the music icon’s estate on April 21 in the morning. An investigation is now under way.
On April 15, 2016, Prince’s private plane was forced to land in Illinois so he could seek medical treatment for flu-like symptoms. He had performed in a concert one day earlier in Atlanta, Georgia.
The Carver County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed Prince’s death on Twitter, writing: “Prince Rogers Nelson (57) found dead at Paisley Park Studios in Chanhassen, MN. We are investigating the circumstances of his death.”
The police department had previously withheld his identity until the next of kin was notified.
Prince became a global superstar in the 1980s, with albums such as 1999, Purple Rain and Sign O’ the Times.
The hugely popular, acclaimed and influential musician’s innovative music spanned rock, funk, and jazz, and selling more than 100 million records during his career.
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A spokeswoman for the musician said: “It is with profound sadness that I am confirming that the legendary, iconic performer, Prince Rogers Nelson, has died.
“There are no further details as to the cause of death at this time.”
Born on June 7, 1958, Prince was a prolific writer and performer from a young age – reportedly writing his first song when he was seven.
A singer, songwriter, arranger and multi-instrumentalist, Prince recorded more than 30 albums. His best known hits include Let’s Go Crazy and When Doves Cry.
Prince also wrote music for several artists, with Sinead O’Connor’s version of Nothing Compares 2U becoming a worldwide smash in 1990.
In 1984, the musician won an Oscar for the score to Purple Rain, a movie he also starred in.
Throughout his career Prince had a reputation for secrecy and eccentricity, once changing his name to an unpronounceable symbol.
In 2004, Prince was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which said he “rewrote the rulebook”.