I sat at work and people ran into the edit bays with the news that Michael Jackson was gone. I was pregnant with my son.
We’d just dropped our son off to the babysitter and headed to date night when the DJ on the radio announced Whitney was gone. I was pregnant with my daughter.
I was on my way to pick up my daughter from preschool. I had just finished volunteering in my son’s class and I was running late. I looked at my phone and saw a text from my husband. “Are you a huge Prince fan?” I said, well, no. That was true. My huge fandom had been reserved for Whitney. Still, I was a Prince fan. After my answer he told me that Prince had passed. I dropped my phone. It was as if the news was too hot and had somehow burned my hands. Like by dropping the phone, I’d put the fire out and the news wouldn’t be true. There had to be more to the story. There had to.
That was it. He was gone. Another one. Another great one had left this world far too soon. My journey with Prince started when I was a little girl. I grew up an only child but I was always around my cousins. Together there were 3 girls and 1 boy. The three of us girls hung close. We did everything together. Our love of music was another thing we did together. While I probably am more passionate about music of the three of us, it all started together. We loved Anita Baker, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson and Prince. We went back and forth about who was better. Anita vs Whitney. Michael vs. Prince. It was just our thing.
One of my cousins was consistent about Prince. He was her favorite — hands down. I think her favorite color was purple because of him. Her mother had a few Prince albums. The one that stood out to me is the one where he had a blowout on the cover. It was classic.
There was a song I fell in love with too. The song was International Lover. I know now that I was too old then to be listening to any of his music. I didn’t care. I didn’t know what he was talking about, I just knew good music when I heard it. I still sing that song from time to time. He has several masterpieces that I shut down everything for just so I can sing along.
The man was a machine. A gifted, music making, genre bending, passionate machine. Watching him was watching someone operate firmly in their gifts. To know that. To feel that. Amazing. I have had a taste of that. I know it when it happens too. To be doing what you know you were put here to do. To do what it is you’d do for free just because you love it. Just because you have to do it. Just because it comes to you like your next breath. That’s the dream, right. It’s what we all want to feel. It’s why we have dreams.
We all need that thing that we do for the joy. If it’s meant, the money will come. A testament to that will be the music that Prince leaves behind. You know there will be several albums worth. Because he didn’t make music just for the applause. It was the passion. You saw it when he was on stage. You heard it on the radio. It inspired and continues to inspire so many. Find yours. Do it for you. Do it for those you’ll inspire along the way.
Guess I was a bigger fan than I thought.
31 Comments on Prince, Passion + Inspiration
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“We all need that thing we do for the joy. If it’s meant, the money will come.” WELL SAID!!! I am convinced that he was put on this earth to bless others with his music. He recognized that and gave it his all. May he rest in purple paradise.
I’ve been a huge Prince fan since Purple Rain. I’ve seen him in concert twice and always hoped to see him again. When I read the news today on my phone, I almost started crying. I felt like a part of my childhood had just died. He was such an amazing talent, with more to give. We’ve lost so many greats this year, it is sad.
So many great artists have died this year. It’s so sad. Prince will definitely be greatly missed by many.
Prince is an amazing artist and another good one that the world lost. I still can’t believe he is gone. The first time I heard the news, I honestly thought it was a hoax.
International Lover was my Grandmother’s fave Pronce song!
Prince is one of the great artists. My father used to like so much. He’s really a legend
I am a fan of him! He is really great and amazing. So glad to remember him again. Thanks!
Prince was my “first” crush back when I was 5 or 6 living overseas in the Azores Islands. He is a musical genius that will be remember throughout time. He will be missed.
This one hit me hard actually. I cried and teared up all day. He was a HUGE part of my high school, college and married life…HUGE. My heart hurts badly.
My sister was a huge fan of Prince, he is really amazing That is why my sister love him
His work ethic was second to none. He was consistently amazing. I can’t believe that he is gone.
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I’m such a HUGE fan of this guy ever since I was a kid. I know i do not know her personally but his music help shaped our personal lives. Thank you for sharing such beautiful write up. May he RIP.
Prince was a huge inspiration to a lot of musicians I know. He was extremely talented and will be remember as a great musician.
It’s so sad when some who touched so many lives passes!!! Prince will definitely be missed.
Another legend gone. He will be missed by people who loves and idolize him so much. Such an inspiration.
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amazing! great post
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I was very surprised when the news hit. Such a shame to lose big talent any time, but def. at his age.
I dont think I realize that i was a fan until he passed ether. Like i cant say that I am a die hard fan of his music but what I am a fan of is his individuality. I really loved how he was so comfortable in his own skin and did him. We talk about it, but he truely lived it.
Prince is such an amazing artist & he is one among those greatest legends you come across. I was really shaken when I heard the news & I double checked various sources to confirm, but still could not believe he is no more.
I’m not his fan but Prince really did great influence and inspiration.
I don’t think I realized how many people Prince truly touched until recently. Losing another great artist of our time always hurts.
I’m still in shock that Prince is gone!! I’m 46 and it seems like all of the artist of my time are dying
I love that Prince wrote music that he liked, he felt, he connected with. We just happen to like it, but he didn’t really care if we did or not. I adore his passion and dedication, I need to intensify my passion.
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I think a lot of people are realizing that they’re bigger fans than they thought. He has always been my favorite musician. Always.
I wasn’t a huge fan but his musical genius definitely can’t be denied.
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I was really young when Prince was in his prime, so what I know of him is mostly from hearing my older sister play his music. I may not have been a huge fan like so many others, but I can’t deny that he is gone too soon and will definitely be missed in the music industry.
LiveLifeWell,
Allison
I didn’t grow up lstening to Prince but just like you, I didn’t realize his influence on me. It’s a tragic loss but he left so much life behind.
His influence was so powerful. Its sad to hear of his passing, but he left so much life behind.
Yes! He is such a legend. I became more of a fan after learning about the humanitarian side of the artist.
Prince was a true inspiration to many people including myself. He will be missed. I will always enjoy his music.
Such terrible news and I hate that I was at work when I found out. It was so emotional.