Obama Mourns 'Creative Icon' Prince

"Few artists have influenced the sound and trajectory of popular music more distinctly, or touched quite so many people with their talent."
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President Barack Obama mourned the death of Prince on Thursday, saying that the electrifying musician "did it all."

Prince was pronounced dead after being found collapsed in an elevator at his Paisley Park complex outside of Minneapolis Thursday morning.

"Today, the world lost a creative icon. 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," Obama said in a statement. "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."

The president also remembered Prince by quoting the musician.

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

Last summer, the Obamas hosted a private concert at the White House for friends and family that included performances by Prince and Stevie Wonder.

Before You Go

Prince Through The Years

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