President Obama Praises Prince’s Strong and Bold Spirit After Icon’s Sudden Death

President Obama called Prince one of the most gifted and influential talents of our time while praising the boundariless strength of the late musician’s spirit.

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In a statement, The President said:

Today, the world lost a creative icon. Michelle and I join millions of fans from around the world in mourning the sudden death of Prince. Few artists have influenced the sound and trajectory of popular music more distinctly, or touched quite so many people with their talent. 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.

“A strong spirit transcends rules,” Prince once said — and nobody’s spirit was stronger, bolder, or more creative. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, his band, and all who loved him.‎

After the release of Purple Rain, there was a raging debate among eighties kids over Prince and Michael Jackson. With a harder sound and sexual lyrics, Prince was in many ways, the opposite of Jackson. Michael Jackson was a great performer, but Prince was a great musician. President Obama was correct. Prince influenced generations of musicians. He had the ability to hop across genres and write brilliant songs that could touch millions.

Prince was a transcendent talent. There will never be another musician quite like Prince, and there is something fitting about the man who is perhaps the most unique president in history praising one of the unique talents of modern American music.

Jason Easley

Jason is the managing editor. He is also a White House Press Pool and a Congressional correspondent for PoliticusUSA. Jason has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. His graduate work focused on public policy, with a specialization in social reform movements.

Awards and  Professional Memberships

Member of the Society of Professional Journalists and The American Political Science Association