Dearly beloved
We are gathered here today
To get through this thing called life

 

 

It’s only been a few hours since I heard the news about the untimely passing of Prince. I am still in shock and heartily saddened by this news. Driving home, Purple Rain came on the radio and I had to pull over because tears flooded my eyes.

At only 57 years old, Prince was a musical genius and one of my generations’ greatest musical icons. A truly remarkable man, Prince constantly reinvented himself over the years. His music is timeless and immortal.

When I think of the 1980’s, the top musical artists who come to mind are Duran Duran, Michael Jackson, Madonna, and of course, Prince. While his 1984 movie Purple Rain had sub-par acting, the music was incredible, not only from Prince and the Revolution, but also Morris Day and The Time. It remains a classic 80’s music movie.

Prince heavily influenced and helped budding musicians such as Sheila E., Vanity, and Sheena Easton get their grip on the music world. His guitar talents can stand with some of the best guitarists in the world, like Jimi Hendrix and Eddie Van Halen. He oozed sexuality and was more than just a musician, but a revolutionary sex icon for many of us young teenage girls growing up in the 80’s.

The lyrics to his songs were emotional and real. Prince never minced words. He was a style icon and always walked to the beat of his own drum. But the one thing Prince will always remain in my heart for was his no-holds-barred attitude on life, sex and music.

While Prince didn’t play music that was even remotely close to Punk Rock, I can honestly say I don’t think there is another musician out there who was more Punk in his attitude than Prince. So many times he threw the proverbial middle finger to the establishment and blazed his own path, not only musically, but overall in everything he did.

From shredding incredibly amazing guitar licks while in stiletto heels on stage to changing his name to a symbol (“The Artist Formerly Known As Prince”), Prince did his thing, always well and with incredible style. He didn’t care if what he was doing was popular or with the status quo – if he wanted to do something, he went full speed ahead and never looked back.

We, as his surviving musical generation, need to take a page from his book.

If you have something inside that is burning and lights you up with creative desire, then go for it, with crazy purple passion, just as Prince would. Throw up your middle finger to all the naysayers and pursue your greatest dreams. What do you have to lose?

 

You better live now
Before the grim reaper come knocking on your door

Tell me, are we gonna let the elevator bring us down
Oh, no let’s go!

 

RIP Prince Rogers Nelson 1958 – 2016