How the Rock World Mourned Prince With ‘Purple Rain’ Covers
Family, friends and fans offered a variety of tributes to Prince after his death in April 2016. But fellow musicians honored him the best way they know how: by covering his music.
Several key songs emerged in the set lists of other musicians — from those who were friends with the reclusive genius to those who were simply inspired by him — with "Purple Rain" being the dominant tune. The song is taken from Prince's album (and film) of the same name — which was reissued in 2017, putting it back on the charts.
The song was covered after his death by everyone from classic rockers like Bruce Springsteen and Santana to Jennifer Hudson and Dwight Yoakam. Prince's 1984 hit seemed to provide catharsis for the performers and the fans.
Below, you can watch a sampling of some of these "Purple Rain" covers.
Bruce Springsteen
Pearl Jam
Santana
Jeff Beck and Beth Hart
Dream Theater's Jordan Rudess
Stevie Wonder
Mavis Staples
Jennifer Hudson
Dwight Yoakam
Jimmy Buffet
Old Crow Medicine Show and Margo Price
Sufjan Stevens & Gallant
Minnesota House of Representatives
Prince Magazine Covers: Tributes From Around the World