The iconic artist known as Prince, who took on the music industry by storm in his fight for creative freedom, died Thursday, April 21st at Paisley Park studios in Chanhassen, Minnesota at age 57. “It is with profound sadness that I am confirming that the legendary, iconic performer, Prince Rogers Nelson, has died at his Paisley Park residence this morning at the age of 57,” said his publicist Yvette Noel-Schure. Prince first said he wasn’t feeling well in early April, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, and canceled at least one concert in Atlanta. Some days later, he took the stage, but after that concert, the singer’s plane made an emergency landing so he could receive medical treatment.

CNN.com reports numerous career highlights for Prince.  He has won seven Grammy Awards, and has earned 30 nominations. Five of his singles have topped the charts and 14 other songs hit the Top 10. He won an Oscar for the original song score to the classic film Purple Rain. He was nicknamed, “His Royal Badness,” for his rather kinky music and “Purple One” after his notable and unique style. His sound was as memorable as his fashion. He created what became known as “’Minneapolis sound,’ which was a funky blend of pop, synth and new wave,” according to CNN.com.

The controversies that followed him and his music only made his fans love him more. “Darling Nikki,” is a song that details a one-night stand, and it prompted the formation of the Parents Music Resource Center. He also had less controversial hits, like when he wrote “Purple and Gold” for his home football team, The Vikings.  He was the halftime performer at the Super Bowl in 2007. Last year while addressing the unrest following the death of Freddie Gray while in police custody in Baltimore, Prince released the song “Baltimore.” He performed at a benefit concert in the city and gave a portion of the proceeds to youth groups in Baltimore.