By Vanessa Wolfe

“Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here today to get through this thing called life.”

When I got the text message, I thought it must have been a hoax. I immediately took to Google to find something – ANYTHING – to disprove what I had just been told. Then one by one, the news articles rolled in… Prince dead at age 57.

This colorful piece by Rob Ozborne is a great testament to the High Priest of Pop

I can still remember the first time I watched “Purple Rain”. I was instantly captivated by him. His swagger, the way he dressed, the way he moved, and the music. Everything about him was brilliant – super-human, even. Prince was audacious and distinct, and his ability to transcend genres with such fluidity was enamoring. His genius inspired millions to express themselves. To be themselves fully, unabashedly, no matter what. He encouraged us to create. Because this Purple One cared for his fans, as we cared for him.

This @jfineoriginal captures his essence.

Elegantly edgy – Bill Robinson did a wonderful job with this piece.

It is a rare thing that a person comes along and has the ability to touch so many people so deeply with their craft. Prince was, by every definition of the word, an  icon. He was an original. An innovator. A true master musician and composer that could make you get up and dance and feel love and heartbreak all in one album. His presence could be felt through the speakers. And now his absence will haunt us with every note.

Scott Laumann shows us another side of His Royal Badness.

2016 has proven to be a trying year for the music industry, and Heaven must sound pretty amazing right now. This is what it sounds like when doves cry.