By: Brianna Bonham
Photo Editor

Fans across the world mourn over the death of singer-songwriter Prince. At age 57 he was found dead in his home on April 22, 2016.

Focusing on his death and how he died would be a shame, as he lived a life worth remembering and celebrating. He was a very private person with his personal life, but his stunning stage presence and musical mastery was enough to inspire masses.

Coming into the spotlight in the ‘80s, along with artists and groups like Boy George and Twisted Sister, Prince’s fashion was always flamboyant, and he exuded confidence like no other. What makes him stand out is his individuality, and the fact that his style wasn’t an act but a part of who he was.

He was always wearing some sort of heels, whether they were stilletos or heeled boots. Heels on women have always been seen as attractive, or even sexual, and Prince’s impenitent donning of heels showed that they can be seen the same way on men. He did the same with sequins, ruffles, lace, etc. Anything that was seen as “feminine” he wore and suddenly it was seen as androgynous and handsome.

He challenged the idea of gender conformity in some of his lyrics as well. “I’m not a woman. I’m not a man. I am something that you’ll never understand,” Prince sings in hit “I Would Die 4 U.” He kissed gender barriers goodbye and embraced his sexuality. Prince was unafraid of his sexuality and often demonstrated that through his style, stage presence, and music until it became a part of his image.

Prince was a brilliant musician. He was a multi-instrumentalist and very skilled in all of them, particularly guitar. His fingers were paint, his guitar was a canvas, and the beautiful rhythms he created were so complex. One of his standout guitar moments for me was his performance in the Super Bowl XLI halftime show. The pure passion in his face as he played showed his love for the instrument.

With unique vocals and catchy lyrics, his music was meant to be sung along with. Standout songs such as “When The Doves Cry,” “Kiss,” “Let’s Go Crazy,” and “Raspberry Beret,” were on the Billboard Hot 100 hits for multiple weeks. His blend of funk, R&B, pop, and rock just worked and enraptured fans in his sweet melodies, loud guitar, and funky keyboard.
Prince lived for music. He was influenced by music at a young age by his parents who were both musicians, and throughout his life he produced dozens of albums and went on dozens of tours.

His unapologetic and unquestioning individuality serves as an inspiration for many fans today, whether or not they are straight, gay, bisexual, pansexual, transgender, gender fluid, or cisgender. No matter how they identify, Prince shows that it’s ok to love yourself and be whoever you want to be.

Fans across the world have been celebrating his life with mass dance parties and cover performances for days after his death. Thousands gathered outside of Minneapolis nightclub First Avenue which was featured in the movie “Purple Rain.”

A legend such as Prince will continue to live on in spirit through his music, and the many lives he has touched.