Tributes paid to Prince following his death

Legion of entertainers express their sorrow and pay tribute to late singer

The remarkable musician and performer Prince has died at the age of 57. Here are three of his greatest hits.

The world of showbusiness has paid its respects to Prince, who has died aged 57.

Chic frontman Nile Rodgers tweeted: “#RIP our dearly beloved #Prince. Tears and love on our tour bus . . . I’ll never forget my brother. We’ve had #good times.”

Rapper Lupe Fiasco, who is scheduled to perform in Minneapolis tonight, encouraged concert-goers to wear purple in honour of the artist's iconic song Purple Rain.

US singer Prince. Prince has died at the age of 57. File photograph: Jean-Paul Pelissier/Reuters
US singer Prince. Prince has died at the age of 57. File photograph: Jean-Paul Pelissier/Reuters

“We gone put on for Prince tonight!” tweeted Fiasco.

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Singer Lily Allen said: "PRINCE. You legend. Rest In Peace."

Broadcaster Zane Lowe, wrote on Twitter: "I can't believe he has gone. Thank you for everything Prince. You will always be The Greatest #RIPPrince."

Hip hop artist Chance The Rapper said: “None of Prince’s albums are available in digital format. You have to find a physical copy. I appreciate that, ’bout to go an adventure.”

Meanwhile, actor Russell Crowe wrote: "The greatest live act I ever saw. Genius, poet, sexy mother f*****. RIP Prince."

Actor Samuel L Jackson tweeted: "I'm Crushed!! UK news reporting Prince Is Dead?! For Real?! Massive Loss for us all! What a Genius! Speechless."

British pop star Robbie Williams said: "Now Prince? No no no . . . RIP You genius x"

Radio DJ Huey Morgan said: "RIP Prince! One of the best of all time! You will be missed my brother."

Kiss singer Gene Simmons wrote: "PRINCE, sad to say, has passed on!!! He was a Giant. My deep condolences go out to his family, friends and fans."

Chelsea Clinton, daughter of Bill and Hillary, tweeted: "Thank you Prince. All my thoughts and prayers are with all your loved ones."

Singer Katy Perry also paid tribute to the musician, writing: “And just like that . . . the world lost a lot of magic. Rest in peace Prince! Thanks for giving us so much . . .”

Shock

Beach Boys star Brian Wilson tweeted: "I'm shocked to hear that Prince passed at such a young age. Musically, he could do it all: sing, play, arrange and produce. Love and Mercy."

Actor Kevin Bacon posted a video of Prince performing, adding: "Lots of guitars gently weeping today #Prince #RIP."

Hip hop artist Big Sean paid his tribute to the singer’s influence: “Rest In Paradise Prince and thank you for blessing us all with your work n’ presence.”

Duff McKagan said: “What do we do now? PRINCE. No. I hope you weren’t in much pain . . . your music saved me time and again.”

Singer Chaka Khan posted a picture of herself with Prince on Twitter, adding: "I LOVED him, the world LOVED him. Now he's at peace with his Father. Rest in power, Prince, my brother."

Sharon Osbourne wrote: "Seems like I'm in a dream. Prince dead at 57. There are no words to describe this loss."

Music producer Quincy Jones tweeted: "RIP to Prince . . . a true artist in every sense of the word. Gone way too soon."

Film director Spike Lee wrote on Instagram: "I Miss My Brother. Prince Was A Funny Cat. Great Sense Of Humour."

Rapper Missy Elliott posted an image of Prince on Twitter, saying: "This is so heartbreaking. I had this Prince pic drawn on my wall years ago because his music inspired so many RIP"

Singer and actor Jennifer Lopez also paid tribute on Twitter, writing: "Shocked and soooo sad!! #RIP PRINCE #music #legend #gonetoosoon"

Apple boss Tim Cook referenced the singer's innovation as a musician, writing: "Prince was a true innovator and a singular artist. His music and influence will live on for generations. Rest in peace."

Actor-singer Will Smith said in a Facebook post that he was "stunned and heartbroken," and had just spoken to Prince the night before his death.

“Today, Jada & I mourn with all of you the loss of a beautiful poet, a true inspiration, and one of the most magnificent artists to ever grace this earth,” he said.

"Prince" became the top-trending term on Twitter in the United States shortly after his death was reported. As of Thursday afternoon, his name had been tweeted more than 2.8 million times.

Veteran R&B artist Lionel Richie said on Twitter, "I can't believe it, I'm in total shock. So many wonderful memories, I will miss him."

"Numb. Stunned. This can't be real," added pop star Justin Timberlake.

"This is what it sounds like when doves cry.. Prince R.I.P. Condolences to his family & 2 us all," tweeted actor Whoopi Goldberg.

"Prince the doves really are crying now. Listening to your music. Remembering you. #RIPPrince," tweeted Oprah Winfrey.

Prince, born Prince Rogers Nelson, was a beloved icon in his home state of Minnesota. Following the news of his death, the Minnesota Vikings National Football League team tweeted "We've lost a legend way too soon."

Prince recorded a song about the Minnesota Vikings, “Purple and Gold,” in 2010.

PA