Iconic singer, musician, songwriter, producer and composer Prince has died at the age of 57, as reported by the Associated Press. He passed away at his Paisley Park studio in Chanhassen, Minnesota.

According to reports, last week Prince and his team had to make an emergency plane landing in Illinois where he was then rushed to the hospital. A representative told TMZ that Prince had been suffering from the flu.

Born Prince Rogers Nelson on June 7, 1958 in the city of Minneapolis, the musician is one of the most influential and successful music artists in history.

Prince released his debut album For You in 1978 via Warner Brothers. Following up with his selft-titled second LP in 1979, Dirty Mind in 1980 and the 1981 recording Controversy, it would be his fifth release 1999 that would launch Prince into the top ten on the Billboard 200 chart, spawning critical success. Prince’s 1984 acclaimed Purple Rain elevated the singer into musical heights with the film boasting the same title becoming a hit at the box offices. Prince would go on to release thirty-three more albums including the 1987 LP Sign o’ the Times, Graffiti Bridge (1990) and his 1992 record.

Whilst considered to be one of the most ground-breaking artists in the music industry, an air of mystery continued to sit in the minds of his fans for decades. Performing secret shows in various cities and releasing albums on a non-conventional timeline made Prince also one of the most sought after acts in the business. His performances were nothing short of mind-blowing and his passion for the craft along with optimal musicianship has inspired countless recording artists across multiple genres.

We will follow with a full Prince piece shortly.