Dear Prince,

It’s been a year since you transitioned. I hope you’re settling in nicely. Do you know what you’ll do next? Well, its’ probably too early for that. You made such an indelible mark on the world, a bit of rest is good.

Thank you, Prince, for the half-century of music, boldness, style, craftsmanship, and a side-eye that melts titanium.

Thank you for the incredible catalog of published work. I’ve been listening to it consistently for the past year, but I still haven’t gotten through the whole thing. I’ll listen to a song—one I’ve heard a hundred times—then a nuance in the lyrics, vocals or composition will come to the fore, changing the entire experience.

 

So now I listen with fresh ears–every time

You once said that you are Music. That’s certainly true, but I’d add Creativity to that as well.  Your music is as instructive as it is evocative. I marvel at the breadth of your skill: lyricist, composer, arranger, singer, musician¹⁰, producer, conductor, studio master. Not to mention your unwavering discipline and commitment to your craft; writing a song every day and delivering flawless performances in any condition, from driving rain to agonizing pain.

You were my first writing instructor when I was 14 and still my most trusted advisor as I get back to my writing roots. I am eternally grateful.

If the people picking over your bones had any sense, they would turn Paisley Park into a School of Creative Arts or at least offer a summer fellowship program for talented musicians.  You did say you always wanted to teach and you work with some of the finest musicians in the world so there’re plenty of teachers. And honestly, wouldn’t that be better than having a bunch of strangers traipsing through your private home?

BTW, I love the thing with the will.  The Folks are trying to figure out how to ‘exploit’ your assets and create ‘profit centers’ regardless of what how you feel. They’re fighting over ‘rights’ and ‘royalties, ‘ but your music is a gift to the world.

They can say they ‘own’ it but, no one can own the Spirit.  

The world is purple in your honor today. I hope you make it to a few of the parties, especially in Minneapolis. I wish I were there tonight.

I’m going to a Prince-themed Karaoke Night here in Memphis; it’ll just be regular folks singing your songs.  Try not to slay us all with your celestial side-eye when hit the wrong notes.  It’s all love.

be free

Eryka