Mourning Prince: Those That Knew Him Best

The world was stunned this morning with news of the sudden and tragic death of legendary artist Prince and in recent hours, fans, celebrities, fellow musicians, industry figures and even US President Barack Obama have paid tribute to the iconic musician.

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Among the people who have reacted to the news are those who have a personal history with Prince, including collaborators, band mates and close friends. 

See how those who knew Prince best have paid their respects. 

stevie wonder

In the past, Prince has cited fellow legendary singer/songwriter Stevie Wonder as one of his inspirations. The two performed live together on several occasions, including at the 2006 BET Awards. 

In an interview with CNN today, the 65-year-old musician described Prince as "someone who allowed himself to be himself and encouraged others to be themselves".

"He was incredible," Wonder said.

"I'm just glad I was able to say to him I love you the last time I saw him.

"He was very free — and to do what he did without fear was a wonderful thing because it's always great. It is always great when we don't allow fear to put our dreams to sleep — and he didn't.

"It is rare for me that I can feel with every single breath how he just passionately loved music."

wendy melvoin & lisa coleman

Wendy Melvoin and Lisa Coleman worked with Prince in the '80s as part of his backing band, The Revolution. The band's first venture with the singer came in the release of one the most popular albums of all time in 1984, Purple Rain, which sold over 16 million in the US alone. 

Following the band's split in 1986, Wendy & Lisa went on to form their own act, though they performed with Prince in later years.

sheila e

A frequent collaborator with Prince, Sheila E acted as drummer for his band between 1987-1989, as well as providing vocals for his tracks, Let's Go Crazy and Erotic City in 1984.

As well as featuring as the opening act on Prince's Purple Rain Tour, the late singer also produced three of her albums in the '80s, including The Glamorous Life (1984), Romance 1600 (1985) and Sheila E (1987). 

The two continued to perform together even after she left the Prince-lead bands. 

sheena easton

Prince wrote Sheena Easton's chart-topping track Sugar Walls, released in 1985, which was named by Tipper Gore as one of the 'Filthy Fifteen' - a list of songs deemed indecent because of their lyrics.

In 1987 Easton appeared in his concert film, Sign O' The Times, in which they debuted the chart-topping duet U Got The Look. The pair followed it up with another duet, The Arms Of Orion.

In a statement given to Entertainment Weekly, Easton said of Prince's death, "It is impossible to imagine him not being here.

"The world of music was forever changed the day he picked up his guitar. His talent was breathtaking, his heart was kind, and all of us have been blessed to have had a glimpse into this sweet and magical soul."

mayte garcia

Though he produced her 1995 album Child Of The Sun, Mayte Garcia is best known as the ex-wife of Prince. After meeting in 1990, Garcia was recruited as a dancer for future Prince tours. 

Garcia and Prince married in Minneapolis in 1996 and in the same year, the couple lost their son, Gregory, just a week after he was born due to Pfeiffer syndrome — a rare genetic disorder that affects the skull and bones in the hands and feet. 

It is believed Garcia was the inspiration behind the artist's 1994 track, The Most Beautiful Girl In The World.

In a statement given to People, Garcia said, "I can't even think of the words of what I'm feeling.

"This man was my everything, we had a family. I am beyond deeply saddened and devastated.

"I loved him then, I love him now and will love him eternally. He's with our son now." 

Garcia and Prince divorced in 2000.

maceo parker

After working with the legendary James Brown in the '60s, saxophonist Maceo Parker went on to record with Prince and his band The New Power Generation.

Parker appeared in a number of Prince albums that included Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic, Musicology, 3121 and Indigo Nights.

cat glover

Cat Glover choreographed several Prince music clips and concert films, as well as serving as a backing vocalist and dancer on his Sign o' the Times Tour and Lovesexy Tour.

Glover claims to also be the creator of the famous 'Cat Scat' dance move as featured in Prince's U Got The Look music video.