The Music World Reacts to the Passing of Prince, and the Outpouring of Love Is Real
Carlo Allegri/Getty Images (originally color, B&W by Slate)
As soon as the news was confirmed that Prince had died on Thursday at the age of 57, the outpouring of love and grief was immediately apparent throughout social media. His influence is massive, having touched all corners of popular culture, from music to comedy to film and art. Below, a collection of just a few of the artists who were inspired by the Purple One.
U wanna learn what a great song is? Go listen to every fucking song on Purple Rain. Then listen. To Nothing Compares 2 U. RIP Prince. Fuck.
— Diane Warren (@Diane_Warren) April 21, 2016
"Dearly beloved
-- Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) April 21, 2016
We are gathered here today
2 get through this thing called Life..."
-Prince
Gutted. Mourning with you.
-- Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) April 21, 2016
I'm sorry I can not accept that prince has died. I will give the world time to correct its mistake. fuck that.
— el-p (@therealelp) April 21, 2016
Prince, if you can still hear, thank you for your musical genius, love and hiring KILLER lady musicians when no one else would. We owe you.😓
-- Neko Cock of Mons (@NekoCase) April 21, 2016
RIP to @prince…a true artist in every sense of the word. Gone way too soon.
-- Quincy Jones (@QuincyDJones) April 21, 2016
#RIP our dearly beloved #Prince. Tears and love on our tour bus. @CHICorg @nilerodgers I'll never forget my brother. We've had #good times
-- Nile Rodgers (@nilerodgers) April 21, 2016
Long Live The King.
-- Questlove Gomez (@questlove) April 21, 2016
i can't believe what's happening right now. i just woke up but it feels like I'm dreaming. we live in a world where Prince passes away???
-- The Weeknd (@theweeknd) April 21, 2016
R.I.P. His Purple Majesty. Thank you for everything.
-- CHVRCHΞS (@CHVRCHES) April 21, 2016
No!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-- ErykahBadoula (@fatbellybella) April 21, 2016
And just like that...the world lost a lot of magic :sparkles: Rest in peace Prince! Thanks for giving us so much...
— KATY PERRY (@katyperry) April 21, 2016
When Eric Clapton was asked how it felt to be the world's best guitarist he replied: "I don't know. Ask Prince". #RIP
-- Michelle Branch (@michellebranch) April 21, 2016
😔😔😔😔😔
-- Lupe Fiasco (@LupeFiasco) April 21, 2016
In Minneapolis right now...and it's raining...
Prince...😔😔😔😔😔
I am praying for the family of, every loved one of, artist touched & musician influenced and… https://t.co/LDrZGjYcX4
-- Monica (@MonicaBrown) April 21, 2016
PRINCE, sad to say, has passed on!!! He was a Giant. My deep condolences go out to his family, friends and fans.
-- Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) April 21, 2016
Oh my god I can't believe that Prince has died…he was a great great talent…RIP
-- Billy Idol (@BillyIdol) April 21, 2016
None of prince's albums are available in digital format. You Have to find a physical copy. I appreciate that, bout to go an adventure
-- Lil Chano From 79th (@chancetherapper) April 21, 2016
R. I. P to the King Prince thank u for inspiring me to be a Musician First and using this tool to heal people
— Wyclef Jean (@wyclef) April 21, 2016
prince - my first music hero. my god. fist on chest...he changed my world of possibilities as a songwriter. https://t.co/PSAnLhASOr
-- Amanda Palmer (@amandapalmer) April 21, 2016
I loved this Man. Too soon. Can't comprehend it but it's unfortunately true. Heaven is yours. RIP #Prince #RIPPrince pic.twitter.com/EH8paEvn75
-- MC HAMMER (@MCHammer) April 21, 2016
"Devastated to hear the news about Prince. An enormous talent that we were all big fans of." - Duran Duran pic.twitter.com/478Q9dVF7K
-- Duran Duran (@duranduran) April 21, 2016
Numb. Stunned. This can't be real.
— Justin Timberlake (@jtimberlake) April 21, 2016
Today is the worst day ever. Prince R.I.P I am crying!
-- Boy George (@BoyGeorge) April 21, 2016
Rest in power, Prince.
— Russell Simmons (@UncleRUSH) April 21, 2016
Just sat in bathroom and cried like a baby.
-- Just Blaze (@JustBlaze) April 21, 2016
Shocked and saddened to hear the news about Prince. The music world will miss his prolific genius.
-- Al Yankovic (@alyankovic) 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
Doves will cry tonight. We celebrate you brother and this thing called Life. Godspeed to the great Afterparty. #Prince
-- The Jacksons (@Jacksons) April 21, 2016
I will miss a good friend who was so talented. He was such a great performer / guitar player. Sleep well Prince 🙏 pic.twitter.com/4EZLFyGw9X
-- Ronnie Wood (@ronniewood) April 21, 2016
PRINCE . You legend. Rest In Peace
-- lily (@lilyallen) April 21, 2016
Dam. Peace the Gawd Prince. Real legend. Real skill. Real master in the world of sound. Thank you for the multiple wavvs. #RIPPRINCE
-- OMARION (@1Omarion) April 21, 2016
Once again Heaven's band just got even more incredible. One of my absolute idols #Prince. Thank u for showing me what true GREATNESS is!!
-- Darius Rucker (@dariusrucker) April 21, 2016
This is so heartbreaking💔 I had this Prince pic drawn on my wall years ago because his music inspired so many R.I.P😥 pic.twitter.com/60msa6hm3I
-- Missy Elliott (@MissyElliott) April 21, 2016
I LOVED him, the world LOVED him. Now he's at peace with his Father. Rest in power, @prince, my brother. pic.twitter.com/ZN6cc3WWuF
-- Chaka Khan (@ChakaKhan) April 21, 2016