Minnesota Remembers Prince

Music legend dies at age 57. Fans remember his life, music, and legacy.

The news of Prince’s death spread from Chanhassen to all around the globe.

Prince was a worldwide icon, yet in many ways retained his Minnesota roots.

Fans lined up to pay their respects at Prince’s Paisley Park studio, at First Avenue, and by listening to his classic songs..

News of the loss of one of Minnesota’s own spread through the airwaves like 103.3 KUMD.

“In Minnesota we’re all reeling. The world is reeling,” said KUMD host Chris Harwood.

Prince produced a sound all his own, but remained in tune with the rest of Minnesota.

“In many ways, he was such a Minnesotan. He was such a shy person that just seems to define what Minnesotans are thought of as being,” said Harwood.

He kept his studio and home in Minnesota while the entire world listened and watched his purple reign.

“If you go to any dance club now, any place playing techno, anything playing synthesized rock, anything funk, r and b based, all of it has Prince’s fingerprints on it,” said Harwood.

Like fellow musicians we’ve lost, some say the music ended too soon.

“I don’t want to compare it to Elvis but you know Elvis left at 42 and here’s Prince going at 57, it’s just a shame,” said local musician Tony Tracy.

Many landmarks across the state were lit in purple to honor Prince.

“He was a Minnesota icon and so I think his loss as a state will be felt quite dearly,” said Harwood.