Across a nation mourning the loss of Prince, one of its most iconic artists, purple reigns.
Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton directed that a bridge in Minneapolis remain bathed in purple light through the weekend.
“Prince, and his music, defined an era,” Dayton said. “Minnesotans and our nation mourn the loss of a great artist today; one who has left an unforgettable mark on music history.”
Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed took similar action, and City Hall was lit up in a purple glow Friday night.
“Prince led a singular, dynamic career, spanning four decades and reaching generation after generation of fans. His incredible live performances moved people to dance and to feel,” Reed said. “His memory will be indelibly tied to our city and the fans who celebrated him here.”
The mayor suggested fans play their favorite Prince songs in tribute. (He’s a “Raspberry Beret” man, by the way: “It never fails to put a smile on my face and a song in my heart.”)
Prince died Thursday at 57, one week after two sold-out shows at the Fox Theatre, his final public full-length concerts ever. Authorities completed an autopsy Friday and have released the artist’s body to his family. The cause of death remains undetermined and officials didn’t comment on tabloid speculation regarding drug use.
Carver County, Minn., Sheriff Jim Olson did say that no signs of trauma were detected and that investigators do not suspect suicide.
While answers remained elusive, tributes large and small came together swiftly. The Carmike and AMC theater chains announced plans to show Prince's film "Purple Rain" in hundreds of theaters nationwide. (See carmike.com or amctheatres.com for details and showtimes.) Locally, the Plaza Theatre plans a special screening at 11:59 p.m. April 28. (Details: plazaatlanta.com.)
Yacht Rock Review plans a "Purple Rain" performance at 7:30 p.m. April 29 in Piedmont Park. (Details: parktavern.com/events/yacht-rock-purplerain.)
On a more intimate note, the social messaging app Snapchat added a purple filter. Atlanta street performer Baton Bob wore purple finery as he entertained commuters Friday. And a number of Atlanta radio stations altered their regular programming to drop Prince tunes into their rotations.
“This is certainly a big event internationally and nationally,” said Olson, the sheriff whose department is investigating. “I can tell you that we are going to leave no stone unturned on this, and make sure the public knows what happened.”
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