It has been a few weeks since Prince passed. The crowds at Paisley Park are still there every weekend. I drive by there everyday, and watched as the memorial grew.
Who knew when I drove by Paisley Park early in the morning April 21st that a few hours later, it would be an international story?

I have lived just down the road from both his old house and Paisley Park for many years and only saw him once around town.  He had many shows at Paisley Park and we just never got around to going. Sort of regret that now.  I saw him in concert only once - it was a great show and I was glad I went. I was able to tour Paisley Park when it opened and walk around in the enormous stage area where he did his concerts. I hope it stays open as a museum and/or a recording studio. It would be a shame to close it up after all these years.

I was working at a music store near Chanhassen in 1984 when Purple Rain hit. We could not keep it in stock. My coworkers all had stories about him being a local, and his bodyguard, Big Chick, was a regular customer. Prince was outselling every other artist after that.

Like many others, I have been watching him on youtube lately. He was a phenomenal performer with his band 3eyed girl. His performance playing Stratus at the Montreux Jazz Festival is stunning, He was way more than just Purple Rain. His guitar skills were fantastic - he just did not get the props for his guitar playing.  He made it look so easy.

Here are a few pictures of Paisley Park taken not long after he passed on April 21. The memorial was just starting and the crowds were not quite there yet.