Prince, one of pop’s most pioneering and influential artists, has sadly passed away aged 57.
The legendary artist, whose music made him an icon during the eighties thanks to huge hits including Kiss, Purple Rain, Cream and Let’s Go Crazy, was found unresponsive in an elevator at his Paisley Park Studios in Minnesota on Thursday (21 April).
According to news reports, paramedics tried to revive him at the scene but he remained unresponsive. At this point the cause of his death is unconfirmed and an autopsy is planned to take place today (Friday).
A spokesperson confirmed the news in a statement: ‘It is with profound sadness that I am confirming that the legendary, iconic performer, Prince Rogers Nelson, has died at his Paisley Park residence this morning at the age of 57.
'There are no further details as to the cause of death at this time.'
Prince was a prolific singer, songwriter, arranger and multi-instrumentalist, releasing more than 30 albums over the course of his music career. He hit a creative peak during the mid eighties winning an Oscar for the score to Purple Rain, a blockbuster film he also starred in.
While When Doves Cry and Diamonds and Pearls made him a household name, he also wrote huge hits for other artists including Sinead O'Connor's Nothing Compares 2 U and Manic Monday for the Bangles.
In more recent years, Prince continued to be a prolific live performer, playing lengthy shows as part of a spate of guerrilla gigs including the Hit n ‘Run tour of the UK in 2014.
He is believed to have sold more than 100m records during his career, won seven Grammy awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.
The legendary artist, whose music made him an icon during the eighties thanks to huge hits including Kiss, Purple Rain, Cream and Let’s Go Crazy, was found unresponsive in an elevator at his Paisley Park Studios in Minnesota on Thursday (21 April).
According to news reports, paramedics tried to revive him at the scene but he remained unresponsive. At this point the cause of his death is unconfirmed and an autopsy is planned to take place today (Friday).
A spokesperson confirmed the news in a statement: ‘It is with profound sadness that I am confirming that the legendary, iconic performer, Prince Rogers Nelson, has died at his Paisley Park residence this morning at the age of 57.
'There are no further details as to the cause of death at this time.'
Prince was a prolific singer, songwriter, arranger and multi-instrumentalist, releasing more than 30 albums over the course of his music career. He hit a creative peak during the mid eighties winning an Oscar for the score to Purple Rain, a blockbuster film he also starred in.
While When Doves Cry and Diamonds and Pearls made him a household name, he also wrote huge hits for other artists including Sinead O'Connor's Nothing Compares 2 U and Manic Monday for the Bangles.
In more recent years, Prince continued to be a prolific live performer, playing lengthy shows as part of a spate of guerrilla gigs including the Hit n ‘Run tour of the UK in 2014.
He is believed to have sold more than 100m records during his career, won seven Grammy awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.
