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'Purple Rain' superstar Prince, 57, dies at US studio complex

( Agencies ) Updated: 2016-04-22 09:54:03

Recording artist Prince accepts his award for best male R&B artist at the 2006 BET Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, US, June 27, 2006. [Photo/Agencies]

Prince, the innovative pop superstar whose songwriting and eccentric stage presence electrified fans around the world with hits including Purple Rain and When Doves Cry, died on Thursday in Minnesota. He was 57.

His influential, genre-defying music blended jazz, funk, R&B, disco and rock, winning seven Grammy Awards and an Oscar.

Prince was found unresponsive in an elevator at his Paisley Park Studios compound, which included his home, in the Minneapolis suburb of Chanhassen, according to the Carver County Sheriff's Office.

In a transcript of a 911 call made from the complex and released by the sheriff's office, an unidentified male initially reported that someone was dead at the home, later identifying that victim as Prince.

The sheriff's office said it was investigating the circumstances. The local medical examiner's office said in a tweet that an autopsy had been scheduled for Friday.

Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger hailed his fellow singer and musician as "revolutionary" and one of the most unique and exciting artists of the last 30 years. Prince was an original lyricist and a "startling" guitar player, he added.

"His talent was limitless," Jagger wrote on Twitter.

President Barack Obama called Prince "one of the most gifted and prolific musicians of our time," and said few had influenced "the sound and trajectory of popular music more distinctly."

Distraught devotees gathered outside the Paisley Park compound in mourning.

"His music made the hair on your arms stand up," said one, Kristina Dudziak, 44. "It felt like he was making love to his guitar. ... It's a sad day," she added, starting to sob.

Sheila E., a singer and percussionist who worked closely with Prince in the 1980s, wrote on Twitter: "My heart is broken. There are no words. I love you!"

The performer's death was the most notable passing of a music giant since rock star David Bowie died of cancer at 69 on Jan 10.