Prince's Purple Reign: A Personal Journey Through Music and Loss

The year was 1983, I LOVED the Little Red Corvette. My father had a passion for muscle cars and he was a Chevy guy so duh this song was a hit for me. Prince's sultry voice filled me with a crush that couldn't be compared and at just 5'2", Prince seemed attainable to my 5' frame. Man, he was mine. Little did I know then that this musical genius would go on to sell over 100 million albums, win seven Grammy Awards, and be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and I would grow on to be 5" taller than him by 7th grade. Unless he was in heals of course. Can you imagine how my muscle car dad thought about that? Ha! Regardless, his influence on my life would prove to be as enduring as his impact on the music industry.

A Lesson in Friendship

While Prince was teaching me about music and style, life was teaching me about friendship through the bond between my mother and her best friend, Tippi. Their relationship was a masterclass in friendship, guiding me and Tippi's son, Tom, in the art of truly being a friend and laughing til it hurt.

When Tippi passed away at 40, the loss was profound. The packed church pews at her memorial service in Virginia, years after she had moved to California, were a testament to the lives she had touched.

Words of Tribute

As a high school junior, I wanted to put into words the impact she had on my mom and how it shaped my understanding of what it means to be a best friend. With the help of my English teacher, Mr. Mariani, I crafted a tribute that not only honored Tippi and my mother but also secretly incorporated lyrics by Prince: "Always cry for love, never cry for pain."

These words from "Sometimes It Snows in April" resonated deeply, bridging the gap between my musical idol and the real-life loss and how deeply music can make us feel things.

The Purple One's Legacy

Clearly, Prince's influence extended far beyond my personal experiences. His androgynous persona and defiance of gender norms made him a symbol of individuality and freedom. He was not just a musician but a virtuoso who played 27 instruments on his debut album alone.

His support for female artists like Sheila E. and his collaborations with talents such as Misty Copeland showcased his commitment to nurturing new voices in the industry. Prince's work with protégé acts like The Time and Vanity 6 further cemented his role as a mentor and visionary.

When I heard of his passing in 2016, time stood still. The loss of this musical icon who had been a constant presence in my life since childhood was almost unbearable.

Prince and Tippi, though worlds apart, were both GOATs in their own right – one in the realm of music, the other in the art of friendship. Their legacies continue to resonate with me and alwasy will.