LA City Hall to Be Lit Purple in Memory of Prince

LOS ANGELES, CA - At approximately 10 p.m., Los Angeles City Hall will be lit in purple in memory of Prince.

The death of musical icon Prince prompted a flood of stunned tributes from luminaries in the worlds of music and entertainment today, all hailing the 57-year-old icon for penning the soundtrack of a generation.

"And just like that ... the world lost a lot of magic," singer Katy Perry wrote on her Twitter account. "Rest in peace Prince! Thanks for giving us so much."

Prince -- born Prince Rogers Nelson -- was found dead at the recording studio at his Paisley Park estate in Minnesota. There was no immediate word on a cause of death, although he had recently been hospitalized with the flu, prompting him to cancel a pair of performances.

A master of showmanship, Prince created a musical style of his own, making him one of the best-selling artists of all time, thanks to hits including "When Doves Cry," "1999," "Raspberry Beret," "Kiss" and "Little Red Corvette." His talent was on full display in the 1984 film "Purple Rain," which became a cult sensation and propelled him to superstardom.

Prince won an Oscar for best original song for "Purple Rain." He also won seven Grammys.

"Never one to conform, he redefined and forever changed our musical landscape," said Neil Portnow, president/CEO of The Recording Academy. "Prince was an original who influenced so many, and his legacy will live on forever. We have lost a true innovator and our sincerest condolences go out to his family, friends, collaborators and all who have been impacted by his incredible work."

President Barack Obama issued a statement calling Prince "a creative icon."

"Michelle and I join millions of fans from around the world in mourning the sudden death of Prince," he said. "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.

"'A strong spirit transcends rules,' Prince once said -- and nobody's spirit was stronger, bolder or more creative," Obama said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, his band and all who loved him."

City News Service