It’s odd when you hear about a celebrity’s death and depending on your connection with that artist it can affect you in such a way that it leaves you speechless, sad, and nostalgic all at the same time.
Prince was a staple in my childhood. I looked up to him. Purple Rain was my first movie. My aunt took me after begging her because I was too young at the time. She’s no longer with us, but it is a fond memory and one I treasure. Ironically, it was Prince’s first motion picture. I loved every minute of it, watching my idol on the big screen. The movie was compelling but hard to understand, especially at 12.
Justin Timberlake posted this earlier today, “I’m still in shock as I write this, and I feel this overwhelming grief. But, we should all turn away from that and HONOR this musician that changed all of our lives, our perspectives, our feeling, our whole being.” And my sentiments are the same.
Prince understood the power we all have within, the power to create. He proved to us that talent and creativity, no matter who you work with, is something to be protected, and should always represent who we are as artists. It’s a sacred gift.
He sold over 100 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling artists of all times. He won seven Grammy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, an Academy Award and inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004. It’s hard to capture his accomplishments, awards, and songs all in one article, it’s impossible, an impressive resume that will span a lifetime.
Songs like, Do Me Baby, When Doves Cry and Purple Rain continue to inspire me with a long list of others. I listen to Do Me Baby frequently but today this song takes on new meaning and a reminder for all of us to stop fooling around and start living our lives bigger and better. I can hear the heavens and my life screaming, Do Me Baby!
Prince was fearless and gave me the courage to be who I am today. I didn’t realize the impact he played in my life until his death. I honor and treasure his memory, music, and the impact he made in my life.
His passing is also a hardcore reminder for all of us. We have one life to live. Don’t waste your time being angry, sad or unhappy. Life is a precious gift and a temporary one.
Watching family, friends, and the celebrities we grew up with pass away is a hard pill to swallow. There is nothing we can do about it. However, what we can do is treasure their gifts, and in this case, it’s the music Prince leaves behind for us all to enjoy.
Make sure you say, “I love you” to those you love including “I’m sorry” to those who no longer have a purpose in your life. It makes the journey in life much more enjoyable.
Prince, Thank you!
Now, enjoy this Prince musical tribute by DJ Relentless. He’s one of our contributing writers.
