Entertainment Music Remembering Prince's Life in Photos The world became a little less colorful on April 21, 2016, when musical pioneer Prince died at age 57. Here, we reflect on his life and his music via some of his most unforgettable images By Julia Emmanuele Julia Emmanuele Julia Emmanuele is a former writer/reporter at PEOPLE. She left PEOPLE in 2018. People Editorial Guidelines and Grace Gavilanes Grace Gavilanes Grace Gavilanes is a former associate editor at PEOPLE. She left PEOPLE in 2018. People Editorial Guidelines Updated on December 21, 2023 12:42PM EST Close Photo: Rex Shutterstock The iconic musical artist Prince died at just 57 years old on April 21, 2016, leaving behind a lasting legacy of incredible hits, pivotal on-screen moments and the message of staying true to one's self. Here, look back on his life in photos on what would have been his 65th birthday, June 7, 2023. 01 of 26 Prince AP The Purple One was born Prince Rogers Nelson on June 7, 1958. Over the course of his career, he won seven Grammys, an Academy Award, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and changed the music industry completely. 02 of 26 1980s The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty The star is all passion while performing. 03 of 26 1984 Richard E. Aaron/Redferns/Getty The legendary performer is seen onstage during his Purple Rain Tour. 04 of 26 1984 Richard E. Aaron/Redferns/Getty A candid portrait shows the singer belting out his hits in front of an audience. 05 of 26 1984 Alamy Prince in character as The Kid, the protagonist of his now-iconic film, Purple Rain. 06 of 26 1984 Warner Bros/Everett In addition to being a box-office success, Purple Rain also earned Prince an Oscar for Best Original Song Score. 07 of 26 1985 Georges De Keerle/Getty Prince accepts the award for Best International Artist at the British Record Industry Awards in London. 08 of 26 1985 The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Donning an adorned headband as part of his signature standout style, Prince smiles during a concert. 09 of 26 1985 The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Caught in a candid moment, Prince speaks with a fan at one of his album signings. 10 of 26 1985 The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty The singer dons a jacket honoring Minneapolis, Minnesota, the city where he was born. 11 of 26 1985 The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty His critically-acclaimed musical career aside, Prince was also known for his outlandish and memorable style choices. 12 of 26 1985 Phil Sandlin/AP Prince performs what was supposed to be his final ever live performance at Miami's Orange Bowl on Easter Sunday. 13 of 26 1986 Nick Ut/AP Presenting at the American Music Awards in January 1986. 14 of 26 1986 AP Performing at Wembley Arena in London, his first concert there after a five-year hiatus. 15 of 26 1986 Alamy Prince, in a still from his second film Under the Cherry Moon, for which his album, Parade, served as the soundtrack. 16 of 26 1986 Warner Bros./courtesy Everett Collection Under the Cherry Moon, in which he played a gigolo who falls in love with an heiress after planning to swindle her out of millions, marked Prince's directorial debut. 17 of 26 1987 Olivier Boitet/AP Prince performs at the Paris Bercy Stadium for thousands of fans. 18 of 26 1991 Kevork Djansezian/AP Wearing a see-through yellow jumpsuit, Prince performs "Get Off" at the MTV Music Video Awards. 19 of 26 1993 Mirrorpix/Everett Shortly after changing his name to his symbol, the performer is seen onstage during his Act II Tour at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham. 20 of 26 1994 Dave M. Benett/Getty The Artist Formerly Known as Prince celebrates the opening of his store in Camden, London. 21 of 26 1995 Mirrorpix/Everett Always full of energy, Prince performs his greatest hits during his Ultimate Live Experience Tour. 22 of 26 1998 Tim Clary/AFP/Getty Prince sits courtside at the NBA All-Star Game, which was held at Madison Square Garden that year, next to filmmaker Spike Lee. 23 of 26 1999 Sinead Lynch/AFP/Getty Prince poses for photographers alongside his first wife, backup singer and dancer Mayte Garcia, at the De Beer and Versace "Diamonds Are Forever" charity fashion event. 24 of 26 2004 Michael Caulfield/WireImage Beyoncé, a lifelong Prince fan, joins him onstage at the Grammys to perform a medley of his greatest hits. 25 of 26 2005 Kevin Winter/Getty Before being honored with the Vanguard Award at the NAACP Image Awards, Prince takes the stage for an unforgettable performance. 26 of 26 2007 Evan Agostini/Getty Prince performs at the Super Bowl halftime press conference two days before playing the halftime show on February 4.