"The fan base I have now, they're so sophisticated; they almost expect me to do the unexpected, and that gives me a lot of room to challenge myself as well as them," Prince shared on PBS.

Prince's gender-bending originality challenged the norm.

His music was beyond provocative, and It influenced countless artists.

His sound transcended genres — raining down with individuality.

But his message was to always find unity.

"We're at a place now in this country where we're going to have to work together, and stop looking at each other's affiliation, and start taking care of each other. It's desperate times," Prince shared on ABC.

He truly was a prince among men who left the stage far too early.

Prince died at the age of 57.

This video includes clips from TBSPBSWarner Bros.ABC and Universal Music and images from Getty Images.