By Lydia Yeshitla ’17, Arts and Entertainment Editor

Funk Lord. Rock Star. Provocateur. Genius. No other words can simply describe Prince and his incomparable style. His ability to effortlessly combine his unparalleled charisma, evocative lyrics, and multidisciplinary approach to performing music makes him a hero. It would be almost impossible to imagine what pop and R&B would sound like today had Prince not recorded and performed his revolutionary music. As we remember his legacy, it is vital that we also look back to some of the ways he transformed the identity of a rockstar through his short, but profound, 57 years.

Though a world without Prince is difficult to fathom, it does not have to feel tragic, as his performances radiated nothing but pure joy and spirit. These performances were legendary, oftentimes featuring guitar solos that transcended the basic sound of a guitar, and Jonathan Daniel from USA Today clearly agrees, as he says, “some are questioning whether a guitar was just a guitar during Prince’s Super Bowl halftime show.” Prince was known from beginning each performance with a small and mysterious prelude which would lead to a more vibrant and enormous showcase. That was his style, and he made this clear at the 2007 Super Bowl Halftime Show, where he began his medley by projecting his shadow onto a large, flowing sheet, through which he would tear to reveal a grand entrance. Prince had proceeded to blow the audience away that night in the relentless Miami rain, which didn’t bother him one bit. In fact, when he was asked by the halftime show producer, Don Mischer, if he was okay, Prince responded, “can you make it rain harder?”. Clearly, Prince’s “go-getter” attitude definitely prompted his fans to label the evening as “the night Prince walked on water”. The rain wasn’t purple, but it definitely helped Prince stun the audience with a legendary show.

While Prince’s legendary moments on stage have earned himself an honor, he should equally be remembered for his generous philanthropy acts off stage. Nicknamed “The Silent Angel”, Prince secretly donated to charities that benefitted schools, children, and his neighborhood as well as other communities. One of his many charitable acts include an anonymous million dollar donation to the non-profit organization, Harlem Children’s Zone, which assisted families who were struggling with homelessness. In addition to helping the poverty-stricken, Prince played a pivotal role in organizations attempting to provide environmental change. Van Jones, an environmental activist and leader of the non-profit organization, “Green For All”, owes much of his group’s success to Prince’s “behind-the-scenes” humanitarianism. Jones discloses that ”“there are people who have solar panels right now on their houses in Oakland, California that don’t know Prince paid for them.” Prince’s humanitarian involvement defied the stereotype that mocks celebrities in their pursuit to gain more media attention. His desire to remain unknown in such various acts of service only serves to further increase his well deserved recognition.

Within the Newark Academy community, Prince’ passing is, too, a passionate topic. Chloe Yu ‘17, an active participant in our school’s choral program, commented, “As a singer, I looked up to Prince and have always appreciated his work. But I don’t feel a need to feel any huge pangs of sadness because his music was so great that we should focus on remembering him.” Zak Cox ‘17, who happens to have his own rock band, expressed more heartfelt emotions, saying, “Prince’s sudden death really got to me. I looked up to his guitar skills ever since I was young; he was my inspiration.” Though the Newark Academy community was undoubtedly shocked with grief from Prince’s death, the student body seems to be more focused on remembering his career and the incredible ways he evolved music genres.

Prince’s grand performances and visual flair cannot be remembered without the acknowledgement of his effortless acts that assisted less fortunate communities. So, let’s not mourn about Prince’s passing, but instead, reminisce on the various ways he evolved pop music and made an impact on the lives of those in need.