The world was very shocked at the death of iconic music singer Prince yesterday. There have been a variety of tributes to mark his passing. For example, many places, such as Niagra Falls, had their lights set to a purple setting as this was the artist's favorite color, not to mention many Facebook and Twitter posts from various celebrities who remember him. One artist who is paying his respect is one who was an influence on Prince with Stevie Wonder.
Prince said in a 1999 interview with Larry King, "I use Stevie Wonder as an inspiration, whom I look up to a great deal...for the way that he crafted music...and his connection to the spirit...back then, I used him as a role model as I play all the instruments...so word spread very quickly about what I could do." In a way, he is essentially crediting Stevie Wonder as the reason why he became so popular.
Stevie Wonder joined CBS News on Friday morning, saying that Prince did a lot for the music world, as well as "for the consciousness of caring about people." Wonder was very flattered to know that he influenced Prince but said that Prince has influenced him too. Wonder had always wanted to play the guitar, and he found an instrument to make a similar kind of sound like Prince, bringing it in CBS studio.
Charlie Rose asked Wonder about the genius of Prince, who responded, "It was the marriage of his love for music, and the marriage of his love for humankind, the marriage of his love for equality, the fact that he was not afraid, he did never allow his dreams to be put to sleep based on fear."
He also said something that was a testament of Prince as a person and not a musician: "And I just wish that the world, everyone of whatever culture, ethnicity or religion, that you take a moment to remember how irresponsible we all are by not following the direction of people," Wonder said, "Listen, let's have a day, a week, a month, a lifetime of love. It's not impossible."
Prince has always had a certain sense of mystery about him, and even his death is still a mystery to this writing. Prince was not afraid to sing about controversial topics, and to speak his mind. Wonder talked about how it wasn't important that the listener know Prince personally, but that Prince wore his "sincerity on his sleeve, and that was the most important thing."
Prince and Stevie Wonder would often talk about social issues such as gun control as well as Black Lives Matter. As a tribute to Wonder's friend and fellow musician, Wonder played the harpeji singing the classic song "Purple Rain." He didn't sing for too long and had to stop. It was a great tribute from one great musician to another.
