Prince: The World Mourns

He was a true icon; a formidable talent who has been taken from us all too soon. Today, the world is reeling from the news that Prince, one of the greatest musical artists of his generation, is dead at just 57 years old. Over his 35-year-plus career, the artist born Prince Rogers Nelson released 39 solo studio albums, won seven Grammys, earned 30 nominations, and influenced every artist that was to come after – he also penned hits for many others, including Sinead O’Connor’s Nothing Compares 2 You. He was able to achieve what so many strive to do in the name of artistry; touch the soul.

He reached musical-icon status with the release of 1984’s Purple Rain (this sold 13 million copies in the US alone), which coincided with the film of the same name, and throughout his vast career, he sold millions of records while always choosing to remain out of the public eye, letting the music speak for itself. Beloved for his mythic persona and stage presence, gifted vocal abilities and flamboyant fashion sense, Prince is a performer who?we’ll never see the like of again.

United in grief, fans, music lovers and everyone who felt lifted and inspired by his emotive lyrics and music is coming together to pay tribute to this incredible musician. Below are just some of the moving words and gestures. RIP Prince.

Words fail with a loss of this magnitude. Prince was a rare genius, & despite news reports will absolutely live forever. Thanks for the joy

? Hozier (@Hozier) April 21, 2016

PRINCE. Larry, Edge, Bono, Adam pic.twitter.com/3pJTLuHoEh

? U2 (@U2) April 21, 2016

I never met Mozart, I never met Duke Ellington or Charlie Parker
I never met Elvis
But I met Prince – Bono pic.twitter.com/ruD6Su3aMh

? U2 (@U2) April 22, 2016

I am so saddened to hear of Prince’s passing. Prince was a revolutionary artist, a wonderful musician and composer. 1/3

? Mick Jagger (@MickJagger) April 21, 2016

We lit City Hall purple to pay respect to a legend. #PrinceRIP pic.twitter.com/W5fU5A2xqT

? Mayor of Los Angeles (@MayorOfLA) April 22, 2016

The word genius is overused. Prince, however, was a super-genius. Prolific and visionary. And always a sweetheart. Soundtrack of my life.

? Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) April 21, 2016

I can’t. I just can not. #Prince

? shonda rhimes (@shondarhimes) April 21, 2016

I’m so sad we’ve lost @prince the legend,the master,a musical juggernaut that knew no boundaries.He left indelible footprints in music.RIP

? Gloria Estefan (@GloriaEstefan) April 21, 2016

pic.twitter.com/VLXQuEHrCo

? Jimi Hendrix (@JimiHendrix) April 21, 2016

Lots of guitars gently weeping today #Prince #RIP https://t.co/NLi14Hn1NX

? Kevin Bacon (@kevinbacon) April 21, 2016

Prince the doves really are crying now. Listening to your music. Remembering you. #RIPPrince

? Oprah Winfrey (@Oprah) April 21, 2016

In honor of Prince, an early look at next week’s cover, “Purple Rain”: https://nyer.cm/G6UMqot pic.twitter.com/myN15OxsCO

? The New Yorker (@NewYorker) April 21, 2016

A photo posted by Beyonc? (@beyonce) on Apr 21, 2016 at 3:00pm PDT

It was Raspberry Beret. I was 4 years old. Yes, 4. I remember that I instantly loved it. “Mommy, who is that singing?” Seems weird but it’s true. More than a “once in a lifetime” artist… Just a ONCE IN FOREVER ARTIST. I’m still in shock as I write this and I feel this overwhelming grief. But, we should all turn away from that and HONOR this musician that changed all of our lives, our perspectives, our feeling, our whole being. From another planet? Probably. Royalty, for sure. Us worthy..? Laughable. They say don’t meet your idols… That they let you down. But, some of my greatest, funniest (yes, he was hilarious), and most prolific encounters and conversations about music came from the moments that I spent with him. It would be silly to say that he has inspired our music… It’s beyond that. He’s somewhere within every song I’ve ever written. I am sad, but I will smile when I think of every second that I had the fortune of being in his company. We have lost our greatest living musician. But his music will never die. Prince, NOTHING COMPARES… #RIPPrince

A photo posted by Justin Timberlake (@justintimberlake) on Apr 21, 2016 at 11:04am PDT

You have been an icon and pioneer on so many levels for me in my life -I remember when you asked me to dance on stage w you once and I was so shy… But I touched your chest and hugged you and my heart skipped 10 beats. Your music and spirit is eternal -thank u for letting us experience all your creative genius in all its glory. #prince #icon

A video posted by Jessica Alba (@jessicaalba) on Apr 21, 2016 at 11:19am PDT

He Changed The World!! A True Visionary. What a loss. I’m Devastated. This is Not A Love Song.

A photo posted by Madonna (@madonna) on Apr 21, 2016 at 11:17am PDT

Brilliant, creative, one of a kind, a true icon. RIP Prince.

A photo posted by Michael Kors (@michaelkors) on Apr 21, 2016 at 12:08pm PDT

Please say this is not true you were a genius I never missed a show .I love you #Prince Rogers Nelson R.I.P ??

A photo posted by Naomi Campbell (@iamnaomicampbell) on Apr 21, 2016 at 12:21pm PDT

“You don’t have to be rich to be my girl, you don’t have to be cool to rule my world. Ain’t no particular sign I’m more compatible with, I just want your extra time and your kiss.” Heavy heart. We will miss you.

A photo posted by Dianna Agron (@diannaagron) on Apr 21, 2016 at 10:23am PDT