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Wave of Prince Memories Washes Over Washington

Drudge Joins president, lawmakers in Purple Rain response to Prince's death

Prince performs onstage during his "HitnRun" tour last year in Montreal. (Cindy Ord/Getty Images for NPG Records)
Prince performs onstage during his "HitnRun" tour last year in Montreal. (Cindy Ord/Getty Images for NPG Records)

The death of Prince brought a wave of memories and condolences across Washington on Thursday after the pop music superstar was found dead in his home in suburban Minneapolis. He was 57.

Congress’ in-house music lover, Democratic Rep. Joe Crowley of New York, said, “Simply put, Prince was a genius. Whether it was pop, funk, rock, or gospel,  the depth of his talent was second to none. The world lost a true legend today.” He added that Prince’s album “Purple Rain” was the most influential showcase of his personal love and creation of music.

Fellow Minnesotans shared their sorrow:

The senator also issued a statement:  

“Like all Minnesotans I am shocked and saddened today. I grew up with Prince’s music. He was a superstar composer, an amazing performer and a music innovator with a fierce belief in the independence of his art. He made “Purple Rain” a household name, First Avenue a landmark, and brought international fame to Minnesota’s music scene. I was always so proud to say ‘Prince, he is from Minnesota.’ We grieve his loss today.”  

Democratic Sen. Al Franken said in a statement: “Prince got his start in a Minneapolis jazz band and went on to share his talent throughout Minnesota and the entire world. His artistry, innovation, and unparalleled presence inspired — and will continue to inspire — millions of people. To say he’ll be missed is an understatement. My thoughts are with his loved ones.”  

Democratic Rep. Keith Ellison also released a statement: ““My heart is heavy with the news of Prince’s passing. To the people of Minnesota, Prince was a cultural ambassador. He inspired countless others around the world with his music and theatrics. Prince showed us it was okay to be different. He showed us that the best way to be cool was to be yourself. Prince wasn’t merely a pop star – to many of us, he was much, much more.”  

“But the world will be a little less bright without Prince in it,” he added.  

Buildings and stadiums across the country turned purple and media sites paid tribute to the artist on their home pages.

Drudge Report went full-on Prince on its home page: six magazine covers of Prince and all of its headlines were purple. On Google’s home page, “Google” is written in purple and once users press the play button within the second “o,” purple rain falls across the letters.

President Barack Obama called Prince “a creative icon” and said he and first lady Michelle Obama were mourning his death.  

“Few artists have influenced the sound and trajectory of popular music more distinctly, or touched quite so many people with their talent,” Obama said in a statement. “As one of the most gifted and prolific musicians of our time, Prince did it all. Funk. R&B. Rock and roll. He was a virtuoso instrumentalist, a brilliant bandleader, and an electrifying performer.”  

Other politicians and political figures also joined in on social media:



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