Prince dies at 57: artist who 'rewrote the rulebook' found dead at US home

Prince dies aged 57 for unknown reasons at his Minnesota home    Initially found unresponsive, officials later declared he was dead    Prince had spent a short period in hospital at the weekend    Obama praises "one of the most gifted and prolific musicians of our time"    Culture stars who died in 2016Prince, the pioneering musician, has died at his home at the age of 57, days after being rushed to hospital after falling ill on tour.

The singer, real name Prince Rogers Nelson, was confirmed dead at Paisley Park, Minnesota, the estate where he lived and worked in a recording studio, after his body was found unresponsive.Fans laid purple flowers on Thursday around the compound in tribute as they flocked to console one another, with musicians around the world hailing Prince and his legacy.The singer, one of the best-selling artists of all time with countless hits including Purple Rain, When Doves Cry and Kiss, died days after making an emergency landing mid-tour for hospital treatment after suffering flu-like symptoms.

The singer had been recuperating at home, throwing a party on Saturday night in which he appeared to be back on his feet and telling guests to “wait a few days before you waste any prayers” on him.Fans had initially held out hope news of the death, first reported by US celebrity website TMZ, was a hoax, after several false rumours over the last few years.But on Thursday night, Prince’s publicist released a statement saying: “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.“

There are no further details as to the cause of death at this time.”Prince's best songs Carver county sheriff's office added: "Prince Rogers Nelson (57) found dead at Paisley Park Studios in Chanhassen, MN. We are investigating the circumstances of his death."An audio recording of the emergency call revealed a police dispatcher requesting an update on a “male down not breathing" at Paisley Park. She then says "CPR started 9:49", indicating that an attempt was made to revive the musician.

Earlier this month, Prince had rescheduled tour dates in Atlanta as a result of illness but later resumed concerts, performing two in one day to avoid letting fans down. But last week, the Grammy and Oscar Award-winner was rushed to hospital after falling ill midway through his US tour Piano and Microphone tour.The private jet carrying him made an unscheduled landing at Quad City International Airport in Moline, Illinois, after the singer felt unwell mid-flight.He was taken to hospital for treatment but released three hours later, with a spokesman later confirming he had been fighting flu for several weeks.On Saturday, he held a party at Paisley Park, posting a photograph early Sunday morning showing a scene from the Chanhassen, Minnesota compound.He described it on Twitter as a party "to give thanks for the good weather and all the love and support."He did not perform, but he did make a short speech to the crowd, who had paid $10 to attend.

Addressing speculation about his health, he told them: “Wait a few days before you waste any prayers.” TMZ reported that Prince had been seen visiting his local pharmacy four times since returning home, with a source claiming he looked "more frail and nervous than usual". Prince was a source of hits for others, from Sinead O'Connor's Nothing Compares 2 U to Cyndi Lauper's When You Were Mine. He also wrote "Manic Monday" for the Bangles


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