**** I'm really down about this, just gutted. This one is going to hurt for a long time, it's hard to express the sadness. He was brilliant, plain and simple, music just flowed from him in every way and his talent was boundless. I think even his most ardent fans likely never appreciated him for his incredible musicianship, more wrapped up in his persona and his act to really sit back and understand how great he really was. He could play anything and his production skills were second to none, the sounds he created and blended were so unique, yet so grounded in a classic past. I had the pleasure of seeing him a number of times, his live shows were so genuine and heartfelt, the guy was the real deal. He was legit rocking it out or doing something more soulful and he could funk it up with anybody (Bruno Mars is Prince in his wildest ****ing dreams). Honestly don't think I've been this bothered since Stevie Ray died. ****!