Philadelphia's Music Community Pays Their Respect To Prince
By Natasha Brown
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Prince, one of the most innovative and influential musicians of the modern-era, is gone. Prince is dead at the age of 57.
Fans left flowers and shed tears outside of Prince's home and studio compound, Paisley Park, in Suburban Minneapolis. He was found unresponsive in an elevator there on Thursday morning.
Just last week, Prince was taken to the hospital with flu like symptoms, but there is still no word tonight on the cause of death. An autopsy will be done on Friday.
Local radio stations have saturated the air waves with Prince, allowing listeners a chance to vent.
The 7-time Grammy winner burst onto the scene in the late 70's. Music legend Kenny Gamble, like many, is still absorbing the tragic news and reflecting on the impact one artist had on the music industry.
"He's one of those great talents that only come along every now and then...once a generation," Gamble said.
Guitarist Mike Tyler, who performed with Prince here, praised his ever-evolving commitment to social justice citing his most recent work written about the death of Freddie Gray in Baltimore.
"The only good part is he has so much unheard music that they're going to be able to keep him relevant for you know, the next 30 years," Tyler said.
"Out of all the celebrities I've met, I've never met Prince," said legendary radio host Patty Jackson. Although she never met Prince, she does have a lasting memory of the young artist during a performance in Philly many years ago.
"I can tell you the first time he was at the ice skating rink on Walnut St. He came out -- the trench coat, thigh high boots -- and no one understood it," Jackson said.
The often flamboyant man, who stood at 5'2", now leaves a legacy that looms larger than life. For many, his music will continue to provide the soundtrack for their lives.
Tributes have been pouring in from celebrities and artists all throughout the music industry. Even President Obama paid his respects to Prince.