Today I learned, shockingly, that Prince passed. Ironically, I had just talked about him in my music class as one of the true successors to the black rock style created by Jimi Hendrix. But more than that, Prince was uniquely original and he pushed what began in the early stages of his career as pure funk into a synthesis of musical genres that often defied description yet, through his genius, became instantly recognizable and appealing. I always felt deeply connected to his music; I bought his first album in a record store and downloaded his latest on my computer. In between the years and technologies, I never grew tired of his sound because Prince never failed to surprise, intrigue, and delight. It was clear that like all great musicians, he was constantly chasing an elusive lyric or sound –something that apparently made him less than whole. In that pursuit, he relentlessly worked at his craft and poured his soul out with each release. Prince had a song entitled Let’s Work (a funk jam and a personal favorite) and that is exactly what he did for nearly four decades. He gave his all in the studio and on the stage, and I am sure that when he completed those sessions and performances he was envisioning ways to continue to evolve and expand his sound and his spirit—perpetual gifts to us all. Like many others today, I mourn the loss of my “guitar hero,” yet I am comforted by being the recipient of the fruit of his labors. Rest in peace my brother; your place in the pantheon of musical giants is secure.
– Dr. Frank Woods