Pop star Prince dead at 57

Celebrity news site TMZ on Thursday broke the news that Prince Rogers Nelson, known as the musician and performing artist Prince, died at the age of 57.

Yvette Noel-Schure, Prince's publicist, later confirmed that the artist had died at his home on Thursday.

"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," Noel-Schure said.

Local authorities said they were investigating a death at Paisley Park, where Prince's recording studios are located.

Carver Country Sheriff Jim Olson said deputies responded to a medical call at 9:47 am local time (1647 UTC) from the Paisley Park studio. After arriving, they discovered an unresponsive body in the elevator.

After attempting to resuscitate the man, he was pronounced dead at 10:07 am. He was later identified as Prince. However, authorities have yet to disclose the cause of death.

Prince's legacy

Prince won seven Grammy music awards, from 32 nominations. His albums "1999" and "Purple Rain" were also given the Grammy Hall of Fame Award.

At the Oscars, too, he won the Academy Award for Best Original Song Score to the title track of "Purple Rain," the musical score of the film by the same name.

"Purple Rain" was also ranked 76 out of US magazine Rolling Stone's 500 greatest albums. Three other Prince albums were also named on the list.

The artist, who underwent several name changes, including a brief stint as "The Artist Formerly Known as Prince," was also known for hit singles including "Little Red Corvette," "When Doves Cry" and "1999."

'A true genius'

Fellow musicians, artists and industry representatives took to Twitter to pay homage to the late Prince.

"Rest in power, Prince," wrote Def Jams co-founder Russell Simmons.

American guitarist Lenny Kravitz, who performed with Prince, described him as a "brother."

Prince was the "greatest performer I have ever seen," British singer-songwriter Elton John said on Instagram.

"A true genius. Musically way ahead of any of us. Sang with him twice on stage. What an honor. Rest in peace you purple warrior," John added.