On the fifth anniversary of his death, fans of the iconic musician Prince are paying tribute to the legend who passed away on April 21, 2016, at his estate Paisley Park in Minnesota (NWI Times) at the age of 57. While the news of the anniversary is making headlines, the New York Post reports that Meghan Markle’s former friend has issued a warning to Prince Harry ahead of his solo trip to his father’s coronation next month, suggesting that the trip could “backfire terribly” (New York Post).
Meanwhile, in Minnesota, lawmakers are honoring the legacy of their native son and musical icon by voting to rename a suburban highway in honor of Prince (MPR News). As the world remembers the artist on this anniversary, various headlines are also focusing on the activities of the British royal family, including Prince William and his wife Kate Middleton’s visit to Birmingham to celebrate its diverse culture (Town & Country Magazine) and recent reports that Prince Harry and his brother Prince William are still not talking after Harry’s move to the United States (Vanity Fair).
One of the lesser-known facts about Prince is that he was a strong advocate for the rights of artists and musicians regarding their music royalties. According to BBC, while Prince was alive, he advocated for his own rights and the rights of other artists. He refused to let his music be streamed on Spotify, arguing that Spotify underpaid artists. Prince once famously called the internet “completely over” and in 2015 tweeted out “Record contracts are just like slavery” (BBC).
Despite the controversies surrounding the musician, Prince remains a musical genius whose influence has extended far beyond his death. His music continues to inspire new generations of artists and fans alike, and his legacy remains a reminder of the incredible talent and creativity that one individual can bring to the world.
