A private memorial service was held for Prince on Wednesday and some of those closest to the late music icon turned out to pay their respects and honor the singer's memory.
The
solemn event was organized by Prince's ex-wives, Manuela Testolini and
Mayte Garcia, and held at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Los Angeles. The
location of the memorial was a closely-guarded secret in the days
leading up to the event.
A
number of celebrities attended Wednesday's emotional gathering,
including musician Nile Rodgers, model Dita Von Teese, and Prince's ex,
English singer Anna Fantastic, who were spotted by photographers as they
arrived at the event.
Filmmaker Spike Lee also came out to celebrate Prince's life and legacy.
The
Oscar-nominated director took to Instagram before the event to share a
look at the purple ensemble he'd be wearing to the memorial in Prince's
honor. "Purple Beret And Purple Kobe's For Prince Memorial Tonight In El
LAY," Lee wrote in the caption.
A photo posted by Spike Lee (@officialspikelee) on
According
to the program from the two-and-a-half hour event, obtained by ET, the
service began with a rendition of Prince's single "Sometimes it Snows in
April," performed by musician Greg Phillinganes. Academy of Motion
Pictures Arts and Science President Cheryl Boone Isaacs then make the
opening remarks.
Additional
"reflections" and tributes were made by Rodgers and Lee, as well as
talk show host Tavis Smiley and the President of the National Academy of
Recording Arts and Sciences, Neil Portnow. They were "very nice," an
eyewitness told ET of the speeches, adding that Issacs said she "hated
to gather for this, but glad" to see so many people there.
Additional
big-name guests included Gwen Stefani, Larry King, jazz musician
Esperanza Spalding, record producer Bobby Z, Rev. Michael Beckwith,
singer Jill Jones along with R&B singer Mavis Staples, who "gave the
most moving tribute of the night," the eyewitness adds. She sweetly
told the group he "made her feel like the most beautiful woman in the
world."
Two
separate invite lists were written, one created by Testolini and the
other by Prince's former manager Kiran Sharma. The closest family member
to attend the event was the singer's step-brother, Omarr Baker.
Prince's childhood friend and early bandmate Andre Cymone also appeared
at the service.
The
special evening was closed out with several clips of Prince's
performances as well as his Oscar acceptance speech, ET learned. Also
shown as the memorial concluded were the "Purple Rain" tributes
performed around the world following his passing, from stars like Bruce
Springsteen and Jennifer Hudson.
Last
Friday, Prince's family released a statement addressing speculation
regarding Wednesday's ceremony and future memorial plans:
"Contrary to previous and current reports, there has been no memorial, funeral or tribute service for Prince that was organized or authorized by the family or Paisley Park representatives. Together, the family is planning an official memorial service and public event to take place in the near future. Prince and his music influenced so many people that we feel inspired to celebrate his life and legacy in just the right way. We appreciate the public’s patience and have been comforted by your outpouring of love, support and condolences. We look forward to sharing with the world this celebration of, and farewell to, our Prince. Details will be coming soon."
The
statement was signed by Prince's sister, Tyka Nelson, and his five
step-sibling, Alfred Jackson, John Nelson, Norrine Nelson, Omarr Baker
and Sharon Nelson -- all of whom are possible inheritors to the musician's ample fortune.
Prince died on April 21 at the age of 57. The legendary musician
was found unresponsive in an elevator when officials responded to a
emergency call at his Paisley Park Studios in Chanhassen, Minnesota.
Check out the video below for a look at the family's emotional memorial service held on April 23 at Paisley Park.
(Originally published on Thursday, May 12, 2016, at 12:10 am PT)
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