Prince’s publicist has announced that the pop music superstar has passed away. He was 57. Earlier this morning there were reports that there had been a death at Prince’s estate.
Across a career of more than 35 years, Prince released 39 albums while being lauded not only for his songs, but their visual presentation both onstage and on camera. His 1984 film “Purple Rain” is widely considered one of the best and most influential music films ever, while its accompanying soundtrack spawned the No. 1 hits “Let’s Go Crazy” and “When Doves Cry.” He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.
Legendary Minnesota musician Prince was found dead Thursday morning at his Paisley Park recording studio complex in Chanhassen, the Associated Press has confirmed from his publicist. He was 57.
Carver County authorities said Thursday morning that they were investigating a death at the studio but would not give details, saying they were waiting to notify next of kin.
Carver County dispatch broadcast the call as “a medical, Paisley Park … for a male down not breathing.” A few seconds later, an emergency responder replied “CPR started.”
The man born Prince Rogers Nelson stood just 5 feet, 2 inches and seemed to summon the most original and compelling sounds at will, whether playing guitar in a flamboyant style that openly drew upon Jimi Hendrix, switching his vocals from a nasally scream to an erotic falsetto or turning out album after album of stunningly original material. Among his other notable releases: ‘‘Sign O’ the Times,’’ ‘’Graffiti Bridge’’ and ‘‘The Black Album.’’
He was also fiercely protective of his independence, battling his record company over control of his material and even his name. Prince once wrote ‘‘slave’’ on his face in protest of not owning his work and famously battled and then departed his label, Warner Bros., before returning a few years ago.