The news that Prince had died suddenly at age 57 shocked and saddened music lovers around the world.

His mastery of a wide variety of genres — from funk to New Wave to fuzzed-out rock and straight-ahead R&B — made him immensely popular and influential.

Related stories: Prince dead at 57 / LIVE COVERAGE: Local news reports on the death of Prince

That’s apparent from the broad cross-section of celebrities who offered their condolences on social media.

Only now do we know what it sounds like When Doves Cry — the absence of music from loss of The Artist. RIP Prince (1958-2016)

— Neil deGrasse Tyson (@neiltyson) April 21, 2016

This is what it sounds like when doves cry.. Prince R.I.P.
Condolences to his family & 2 us all

— Whoopi Goldberg (@WhoopiGoldberg) April 21, 2016

"Dearly beloved
We are gathered here today
2 get through this thing called Life…"
-Prince

— Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) April 21, 2016

I can't fucking breathe right now

— Questlove Gomez (@questlove) April 21, 2016

And just like that…the world lost a lot of magic ✨ Rest in peace Prince! Thanks for giving us so much…

— KATY PERRY (@katyperry) April 21, 2016

Taking off for New York with a heavy heart. I will leave you with this- Prince live from the Capitol Theater, 1982. https://t.co/m9m837OBK0

— Talib Kweli Greene (@TalibKweli) April 21, 2016

You made a special day even more magical. #SBXLI

Rest in peace, Prince. pic.twitter.com/jjpCHRC5Eh

— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) April 21, 2016

I'm stunned & so saddened to hear about the passing of Prince. He changed it all!!!! The true definition of talent!! pic.twitter.com/Ni17GvPu67

— Billy Ray Cyrus (@billyraycyrus) April 21, 2016

I'm Crushed!! UK news reporting Prince Is Dead?! For Real?! Massive Loss for us all! What a Genius! Speechless.

— Samuel L. Jackson (@SamuelLJackson) April 21, 2016

Brother @MichaelBearden thank you for bringing Prince into my life , great memories …. https://t.co/XYXffrm6Dp pic.twitter.com/xi0zNcJsq2

— George Lopez (@georgelopez) April 21, 2016

In disbelief over this news… Rest In Power to the icon, the legendary… Prince #RIP ☔️☔️☔️☔️☔️☔️☔️☔️ pic.twitter.com/ZpitkVcK9o

— Cypress Hill ™ (@cypresshill) April 21, 2016

In my lifetime, there's never been an artist like Prince: so fearless, so uncompromising, so devoted to his music. This loss is incaculable

— The Mountain Goats (@mountain_goats) April 21, 2016

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