Hey Friend,

Truly another devastating day yesterday for the music business and fans all over the world. Prince passed away at the age of 57 years old. He left some HUGE shoes to fill.

I can't wrap my head around losing all these larger-than-life musical icons. David Bowie. Glenn Frey. And now Prince. WHAT IS GOING ON??!!

The news of Prince's passing brought a flood of memories back for me. His music from the early Eighties and movie "Purple Rain" are deeply embedded in my growing years as I transitioned to adulthood. Some of the best times of my life had Prince's music as a backdrop.

As soon as my daughter told me the news, I immediately put on his 1999 album and listened to it in entirety.

He had the ability to cross over to multiple genres - Soul, R&B, Funk, Rock, Pop, Gospel, Disco, Jazz and Hip Hop. He won an Oscar and seven Grammy awards. He could play any instrument he set his mind to, and on his first five albums did just that. 

The most powerful instrument he used was his voice - his vocal range was incredible. He had amazing control and knew exactly how to move throughout that range. He would often go from a soft falsetto to his trademark scream.

Larger than life persona, and yet very private. So incredibly energetic and flamboyant, he had the ability to whip a venue into a frenzy. 

I vividly remember making my way through a blizzard to attend the concert promoting the Purple Rain album and movie, and that left such an impression on me regarding Prince and his talent. The stage itself had multiple levels, and he moved all over it throughout the show. He had such an energy that was infectious - you couldn't help but get up and move with the music. I don't think anyone in the Richfield Coliseum sat down that night.

Probably the biggest impression he left on me was the fact that he embodied the universal appeal of music and was consistently removing boundaries between all styles. He never allowed the recording industry to dictate how he made his music or what he released. For his first album, Prince had the opportunity to have Maurice White from the band "Earth, Wind and Fire" do the production. But he told Warner Brothers that wasn't going to happen. Prince became Warner Brothers youngest producer to date at the age of 17. And he continued to do his own thing for his entire 40-year career.

The 1999 album really represents his ability to make music that crossed genres and appealed to everyone. Look at the song "1999". "1999" is a total R&B dance tune. The next track on the album is "Little Red Corvette," a rocker. He transitioned from Dance to Rock without missing a beat. The album also feature a number of R&B tunes. Then you have the Purple Rain album, which had Dance, Rock, a Ballad and plenty of synthesizer, giving a nod to New Wave.

If the film version of himself in "Purple Rain" was a true representation of personality, he could be a difficult person to deal with, but his body of work indicates that it was probably better to go with the flow where Prince was concerned - let him do his thing because it would be successful. The documentary "Prince In The 1980's" backs this opinion up with interviews from industry professionals and former band mates.

I guess that was part of the draw. People prefer to know where they stand. Musically, Prince wasn't into games - the music was too important. I have to respect that.

It's the same for me. If the music speaks to me, that's all I need. That's the bottom line. There are many artists that I don't necessarily agree with - their personal opinions, lifestyles or personalities don't fit with mine - but I don't hold it against them. The music stands on its own. As far as I'm concerned, Frank Zappa said it best: "Shut up and play your guitar!" Let your music do the talking.

One more crazy-talented angel making an entrance and taking his place in the Heavenly chorus... Can we stop now, God? Please?

Peace~

Dave