One of the most iconic artists of our time and a favorite son of Minneapolis, Prince, was found dead in Chanhassen at his Paisley Park compound Thursday morning. He was 57.
The entire state of Minnesota seemed to be in shock and mourning once news of Prince’s passing spread. Tributes began sprouting up almost immediately with fans heading to Paisley Park (his Chanhassen, MN recording studio) and First Avenue – the Downtown Minneapolis club Prince made famous in the classic movie, “Purple Rain.” That shock may have been felt hardest by those closest to the man who created what is now known as the “Minneapolis Sound.”
“The reason I came to Minneapolis was because I heard Prince’s music and I said I want to go there and be in a band,” said Ricky Kinchen, bassist for the soul/funk band Mint Condition. “As a kid I heard Prince play the bass and I was blown away. He’s the reason I’m funky.
The Mint Condition bass player said in many ways he and his bandmates owe their careers to Prince.
“There probably is no Mint Condition without Prince. Prince signed The Time, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis (of The Time) signed us, but that doesn’t happen without Prince.”
Kinchen said a close friend called him from outside of Paisley Park and told him there was a death at the compound. Immediately Kinchen speculated it was Prince.
“At that point I just started tearing up. I was just hoping it wasn’t him,” said Kinchen.
Mint Condition played multiple shows with Prince, including shows in Paris, Belgium and as part of the 21 straight shows in Los Angeles at the Forum in 2011. Kinchen said one of his biggest regrets is he never got a picture together with the icon. Of his fondest memories of Prince, Kinchen said it was watching and hearing him play guitar.
“When he hit the guitar … man. And he got better each time. Nobody could play like that … nobody,” said Kinchen. “He was close to 60 and he was better than most in their prime.”
Paris Strother, producer and singer with the Grammy Award-winning band KING, said she was devastated to hear of the passing of Prince, who mentored the group for the past five years. Paris Strother, along with her twin sister Amber Strother and Anita Bias came under Prince’s wing following the release of their 2011 EP, “The Story.” Prince heard the three-song set and reached out to the group, inviting them to a show in Charlotte, N.C. The group would later work and record out of Prince’s studio.
“To work with him and knowing how he wanted the world to hear us was such an honor,” said Paris Strother.
She said KING remained in close contact with Prince and just two days prior to his passing they agreed to play a show at Paisley Park in August. The trio recently played an intimate sold out show at the Ice House and Prince came to hear the group.
“We didn’t know if he was coming our not but he came and had an area set up for him and a girl near him told us that he said, ‘Wow, did you hear that? Did you hear that,’ talking about something we did during our song ‘Hey.’ He seemed to be blown away and a fan saw him and started talking loud because she was so excited to see him and he told her, ‘Shut up and listen.’”
Paris Strother said her phone was deluged with text messages alerting her of Prince’s death. She said Amber Strother was with her when she got the news and Bias came to join them so they could be together to comfort one another.
“We affectionately called him Dad,” said Paris Strother. “We’re taking it as a family loss.”
Obama on Prince
The reaction to the passing of Prince Rogers Nelson; more commonly simply known as Prince, has come from all reaches of society.
Prince was found unresponsive at Paisley Park – his home and entertainment compound – early Thursday (April 21) morning. He was 57.
The death came as a shock to most, even after word spread that the prior week his plane had to make an emergency landing due to what was said to be flu-like symptoms. But Saturday before his death Prince hosted a party at Paisley and reportedly told fans he was in good health.
Statements from around the globe flooded in, with dignitaries and celebrities expressing their condolences. Even President Obama issued a statement within hours of Prince’s passing.
“The world lost a creative icon,” said the president. “Michelle and I join millions of fans from around the world in mourning the sudden death of Prince. Few artists have influenced the sound and trajectory of popular music more distinctly, or touched quite so many people with their talent. As one of the most gifted and prolific musicians of our time, Prince did it all – funk … R&B … rock and roll. He was a virtuoso instrumentalist, a brilliant bandleader, and an electrifying performer.”
Gov. Mark Dayton said in a statement that Prince made Minnesota a better place.
“Prince, and his music, defined an era,” said Dayton in a statement. “His tremendous talent was matched only by his generosity and commitment to improving his community. Minnesotans and our nation mourn the loss of a great artist today; one who has left an unforgettable mark on music history, and whose contributions to the betterment of our state will be remembered for years to come.
“Prince, and his music, defined an era. His tremendous talent was matched only by his generosity and commitment to improving his community. Minnesotans and our nation mourn the loss of a great artist today; one who has left an unforgettable mark on music history, and whose contributions to the betterment of our state will be remembered for years to come.”
Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges said Prince was a city treasure.
“For the residents of Minneapolis, the loss of Prince is too large to describe. His music brought untold joy to people all over the world. But in Minneapolis, it is different. It (his death) is harder here,” said Hodges in her statement. “Prince was a child of our city and his love of his hometown permeated many of his songs. Our pride in his accomplishments permeates our love of Minneapolis.
“From his youth in the Minneapolis Public Schools, to his graduation from Central High School, to his breakthrough performance at the Capri on Broadway Avenue, to his worldwide success, he was one of us. He gave us more opportunities to hear his music than anyone else. What a blessing. Only now may we realize how lucky we were.”
Rep. Keith Ellison said April 21 will be remembered as a dark day in history.
“My heart is heavy with the news of Prince’s passing. To the people of Minnesota, Prince was a cultural ambassador. He inspired countless others around the world with his music and theatrics. Prince showed us it was okay to be different. He showed us that the best way to be cool was to be yourself,” said Ellison. “Prince wasn’t merely a pop star – to many of us, he was much, much more. The world will be a little less bright without Prince in it.”
Sen. Amy Klobuchar thanked Prince for being the state’s top ambassador.
“I grew up with Prince’s music. He was a superstar composer, an amazing performer and a music innovator with a fierce belief in the independence of his art. He made ‘Purple Rain’ a household name, First Avenue a landmark, and brought international fame to Minnesota’s music scene. I was always so proud to say ‘Prince, he is from Minnesota.’”
