First Luther Vandross in 2005. Then, Michael Jackson in 2009. Whitney Houston in 2012. Now, Prince.
A generation of musical icons is slowly and painfully being taken away from us way too soon. Prince Rogers Nelson, 57, was found dead Thursday morning at his Minnesota home, according to the Associated Press.
The world is speechless. Prince was a musical pioneer, inspiring millions with songs like “I Wanna Be Your Lover,” “Purple Rain,” “Let’s Go Crazy,” “Raspberry Beret,” “Little Red Corvette” and “Kiss.”
Prince’s peers and other celebrities took to social media to express their grief and cherish their memories of Prince.
Guitarist and music producer Nile Rodgers is overwhelmed with emotion by the loss of Prince. He wrote his tribute to Prince on Twitter:
#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
The Recording Academy, a.k.a. The Grammys, called Prince a true music innovator. President and CEO Neil Portnow released the following statement:
“Our Grammy family is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of seven-time Grammy Award winner Prince. Today, we remember and celebrate him as one of the most uniquely gifted artists of all time. Never one to conform, he redefined and forever changed our musical landscape. Prince was an original who influenced so many, and his legacy will live on forever. We have lost a true innovator and our sincerest condolences go out to his family, friends, collaborators, and all who have been impacted by his incredible work.”
Comedian Kevin Hart was shocked to hear the news. On Instagram, he posted a picture of Prince with the following words:
“I’m floored by this one… Heaven got an amazingly talented angel today. You will be missed man!!!! #RIPprince #Legend”
A photo posted by Kevin Hart (@kevinhart4real) on
Also influenced by Prince’s music catalogue, Missy Elliott took to Twitter to reminisce on the picture of Prince she had drawn on her wall.
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
Lenny Kravitz, Quincy Jones, Earvin Magic Johnson and many more are posting tributes to Prince on social media.
Ne-Yo: “Not Prince”
Not Prince ????
— NE-YO (@NeYoCompound) April 21, 2016
Jazmine Sullivan: “Some artists’ death hit u like losing a family member. I’m so sad.”
Some artists’ death hit u like losing a family member. I’m so sad.
— Jazmine Sullivan (@jsullivanmusic) April 21, 2016
Questlove: “Long Live The King”
Long Live The King.
— Questlove Gomez (@questlove) April 21, 2016
Lionel Richie: “I can’t believe it, I’m in total shock. So many wonderful memories, I will miss him. #Prince”
I can’t believe it, I’m in total shock. So many wonderful memories,
I will miss him. #Prince— Lionel Richie (@LionelRichie) April 21, 2016