[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 63 (Monday, April 25, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E575]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 MOURNING THE LOSS AND HONORING THE LIFE OF THE ARTIST WHO WILL ALWAYS 
                           BE KNOWN AS PRINCE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 25, 2016

  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, it is with a deep sadness and heavy 
heart that I rise today in tribute to Prince, whose extraordinary 
talent, creativity, innovation, and imagination touched the hearts and 
moved the feet of millions of music lovers in America and around the 
world.
  Prince transitioned from this life on Thursday, April 21, 2016, at 
Paisley Park, his Chanhassen, Minnesota residential and recording 
complex.
  He was just 57 years young.
  Mr. Speaker, it seems inadequate to note that Prince was a singer, 
songwriter, musician, producer, performing artist, and actor.
  Whoever said that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts had 
to be talking about the artist who was formerly known as, but will 
always be remembered simply as Prince by the legions of fans who loved 
the way he made them feel about themselves.
  So renowned were Prince's innovations, so electrifying was his guitar 
playing, so soul-affirming were the songs he penned, and so mesmerizing 
was his stage presence and unmatched vocal range that Rolling Stone 
Magazine lists Prince as one of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.
  Prince's musical career began in 1978, when his debut album ``For 
You'' was released, launching one of the most influential and culture 
shaping careers in the history of the music industry.
  Prince produced some of the most memorable music of his generation, 
including the signature anthem, the soul-stirring ``Purple Rain,'' 
regarded by many as the greatest song of the 1980s.
  Prince's unwavering courage and talent lifted him to a realm rarely 
accessible to musicians.
  Although his prolific body of work was the focus his fame, Prince was 
a citizen of the world and humanitarian whose life could be best summed 
up by the lyrics in ``Diamonds and Pearls,'' the hit single he penned: 
``If I could I would give you the world.''
  Prince anonymously supported and funded many community improvement 
organizations, such as ``Yes We Code,'' which worked with over 15 major 
technology companies to provide technology training to marginalized 
inner city youth.
  Due to his faith as a Jehovah's Witness he would not speak publicly 
about his numerous good works but all that knew him celebrated his 
tireless efforts to make the world a better place.
  Prince sold over 100 million records worldwide, making him one of the 
best-selling artists of all time, and the recipient of seven Grammy 
Awards, a Golden Globe Award, and the Academy Award for Best Music 
Original Score.
  Widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, Prince 
was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, in his first 
year of his eligibility.
  In addition to possessing one of the world's most distinctive voices 
and dance moves, Prince was a virtuoso on every instrument he played--
guitar, bass guitar, drums, keyboards, and Linn drum.
  Mr. Speaker, witnessing in person a performance by Prince was an 
incredible and unforgettable experience.
  Prince was proudly different and he inspired generations of fans to 
unapologetically embrace, celebrate, and love their authentic selves.
  My heart goes out to Prince's family and friends and the infinite 
number of fans mourning the loss of this music icon, this unique 
spirit, this incredible force of nature.
  Mr. Speaker, this is truly what it sounds like when doves cry.
  With the passing of Prince, the world has lost one of the greatest 
gifts of all; the pure joy we felt whenever Prince performed one of 
those songs that made us go crazy and party like it's 1999,
  Yes, Prince left us too soon; just like that little red corvette.
  As Horatio said of Hamlet: ``Good night sweet Prince, and flights of 
angels sing thee to thy rest.''
  Mr. Speaker, I request that the House observe a moment of silence in 
memory of the dearly beloved Prince.
  We will always remember him and in our hearts will always see him 
laughing in the Purple Rain.

                          ____________________