The City of Los Angeles, Where Prince Got His Wings
The City of Los Angeles was painted purple Friday, May 6 as fans, artists and more celebrated the life of music icon, Prince Rogers Nelson at the Los Angeles City Hall which was also the prime video location for his 1991 hit “Diamonds and Pearls.”
The evening was made possible by District 8 Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson, Radio Free 102.3 KJLH, Fusicology and other sponsors who helped to prepare and organize the Memorial Concert. A purple sea of over ten thousand fans attended the memorial tribute of the beloved musician, singer, songwriter, and actor. KJLH air personalities Tammi Mac, Don Amiche, and DJ-R-TISTIC kept the crowd pumped by playing many of Prince’s greatest hits.
KJLH air personalities and MC’s Aundrae Russell, Adai Lamar and Guy Black opened the show, welcoming fans from near and far, followed by a greeting from Community Activist Najee Ali who shared Prince’s dedication to activism and for the community he loved. Before the performers were set to hit the stage, Reverend Michael Beckwith opened the tribute with a prayer.
Prince’s legacy was present throughout the concert. Phenomenal artist, Enkone painted a smiling depiction of the icon while the show was in full swing. Prince’s band, New Power Generation provided live instrumentals for some of music’s greatest entertainers who lined up to perform all of Prince’s music or the music produced by him. The Time made a brief appearance on stage to address their adorning fans. During the show, white doves were released into the sky as the 1984 hit, “When Doves Cry played in the background.
Performances included the show opener, B Slade, whose high energy performance left the audience wanting more. Other star studded performances included: Marva King, “Kiss;” Eric Benet, I Wanna Be Your Lover;” Faith Evans, “I Feel For You;” Rahsaan Patterson, “Pop Life;” Aloe Blacc, “Diamonds and Pearls;” SEBU, “ Nothing Compares to You;” BJ the Chicago Kid, “ Do Me Baby;” and Dietrick Haddon, “Raspberry Beret;”
There was even a surprise performance by the one and only, Stevie Wonder.
“In the spirit of Prince, we gotta love one another. And we can’t just talk about it, we gotta be about it,” Wonder said.
Stevie Wonder and all of the musical guest closed the show singing Purple Rain. As fans departed the tribute, Prince’s personal DJ, ADAM12 continued to play all the hits from the vast catalog that has been left for all of us to enjoy. Thank you Prince for sharing your gift with the world. You will be forever missed. #LAlovesPrince
Check out some of the highlights from the tribute...