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 (@Neil deGrasse Tyson) 1461259637.0
This is what it sounds like when doves cry.. Prince R.I.P. Condolences to his family & 2 us all— Whoopi Goldberg (@Whoopi Goldberg) 1461259768.0
"Dearly beloved We are gathered here today 2 get through this thing called Life..." -Prince— Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin-Manuel Miranda) 1461258355.0
I can't fucking breathe right now— Questlove (@Questlove) 1461258402.0
And just like that...the world lost a lot of magic ✨ Rest in peace Prince! Thanks for giving us so much...— KATY PERRY (@KATY PERRY) 1461258810.0
You made a special day even more magical. #SBXLI Rest in peace, Prince. https://t.co/jjpCHRC5Eh— Indianapolis Colts (@Indianapolis Colts) 1461259912.0
I'm stunned & so saddened to hear about the passing of Prince. He changed it all!!!! The true definition of talent!! https://t.co/Ni17GvPu67— Billy Ray Cyrus (@Billy Ray Cyrus) 1461259892.0
I'm Crushed!! UK news reporting Prince Is Dead?! For Real?! Massive Loss for us all! What a Genius! Speechless.— Samuel L. Jackson (@Samuel L. Jackson) 1461258782.0
Brother @MichaelBearden thank you for bringing Prince into my life , great memories .... https://t.co/XYXffrm6Dp https://t.co/xi0zNcJsq2— George Lopez (@George Lopez) 1461259781.0
In disbelief over this news... Rest In Power to the icon, the legendary... Prince #RIP ☔️☔️☔️☔️☔️☔️☔️☔️ https://t.co/ZpitkVcK9o— Cypress Hill ™ (@Cypress Hill ™) 1461259571.0
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 (@The Mountain Goats) 1461259436.0