VOA慢速英语:Pop Musician Prince Dead at 57

American pop music superstar Prince has died.

His representative, Yvette Noel-Schure, told the Associated Press that the performer was found dead at his home near Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was 57 years old.

The singer and songwriter was widely praised as one of the most inventive musicians of his time. James Brown, the Beatles and Jimi Hendrix were among the artists that influenced him.

Prince was treated at a hospital last week. He was reportedly suffering from the flu.

Prince’s hits included "Little Red Corvette," ''Let's Go Crazy" and "When Doves Cry." The Minneapolis native began to gain fame in the late 1970s. His popularity continued to grow through the following years with such albums as "1999" and "Purple Rain."

I’m Caty Weaver.