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Tributes for Prince Pour In; President Obama Weighs in on Brexit; President Obama to Visit Queen Elizabeth; Survivor Recounts Sinking of Ship in Mediterranean; Jewish Group Aims to Put Focus on Modern-Day Slavery This Passover. Aired 8:00a-9:00a ET
Aired April 22, 2016 - 08:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
[08:00:34] KRISTIE LU STOUT, HOST: I'm Kristie Lu Stout in Hong Kong and welcome to News Stream.
A unique musical talent is lost and the world mourns the death of Prince.
And the Obamas arrive for lunch with the Queen at the U.S. weighs it on Brexit.
An iconic singer, a singular songwriter, a legendary producer and an unparalleled guitarist. Now one person embodied all of that talent, he was
Prince. And the world has lost him at the age of 57. He was found unresponsive Thursday morning inside an elevator in his estate near
Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Now, paramedics tried to perform CPR, but they were unable to revive him.
Authorities have scheduled an autopsy in the coming hours to try to determine the cause of death. And like many of you, I grew up watching
listening to Prince and we were transfixed by his music, and starstruck by his presence.
And famously, Prince dressed in purple. So tonight we are shading the newsroom set in his favorite color. Upon hearing news of his death, many
of us started that journey just looking back and remembering Prince and his music, a unique talent who had his own style, his own sound, even his own
symbol.
Anderson Cooper has more.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
PRINCE, MUSIC LEGEND: Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to get through this thing called life. Oh no, let's go.
ANDERSON COOPER, CNN ANCHOR: Prince was born Prince Rogers Nelson in 1958 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, music was in his blood. His mother was a
singer and social worker, his father a jazz pianist.
PRINCE: My father left his piano at the house when he left and I wasn't allowed to play it when he was there, because I wasn't as good as
him. So when he left I was determined to get as good as him. I taught myself how to play music and I just stuck with it, and I did it all the
time.
COOPER: A singular dedication to music was the guiding force of his life and career from the beginning. Through five decades of music, songs
that immediately set down anchors in countless hearts. Prince's debut album "For You" came out in 1978 when he was just 19 years old. He played all of
the instruments and produced the record himself. Two more albums quickly followed.
PRINCE: I am here because of the golden age of the '60s, '70s and '80s in music and that's when artists played their own instruments, wrote their
own songs.
COOPER: Prince's first mash hit came in the '80s, the album included "Little Red Corvette" little track, 1999.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: How would you describe your music? PRINCE: The only thing I could think of because I really don't like categories, but the only
thing I could think of is inspirational. And I think music that is from the heart falls right into that category. People who really feel what it is
that they're doing.
COOPER: In 1984, Prince and the Revolution released "Purple Rain", track was timeless and including "Let's Go Crazy" "I Would Die For You" and
"When Doves Cry."
That album in movie of the same name made Prince an international superstar, the Purple Rain had begun.
Ever the prolific song writer, Prince released an album a year through the '80s and early '90s. In 1987, he unveiled the Paisley Park Recording
Studio in a state just outside his hometown of Minneapolis. A few years later during a dispute with his record label, he changed his name to a
symbol and was often referred to as the artist formerly known as Prince, or simply and appropriately just "The Artist."
[08:05:27] PRINCE: I had to search deep within my heart and spirit, I wanted to make a change, move to a new plateau in my life. And one of the
ways in which I did that was change my name.
COOPER: Eventually he went back to being called Prince and continued making music and touring. He was passionate about performing live, wanted
to interact with audiences, to play and sing without using a prerecorded track.
PRINCE: I think that's cool for the circus, you know, trapeze artist has to catch the other person right on cue. But music is not like that, it
should be organic and unexpected.
COOPER: An absolutely electric performer with unparalleled skills on the guitar, he took the stage in 2007 for what many consider the greatest
Super Bowl performance of all time.
In pouring rain, he showed millions why there never was or will be anyone quite like Prince.
PRINCE: Purple rain, purple rain, oh yes. Don't it feel good.
COOPER: In recent years, Prince kept releasing music and performing. The last album HITnRUN Phase Two was released just a few months ago, he
announced piano and microphone tour of smaller venues. After seven Grammys, an Oscar, and five number one singles, Prince's legacy is what his life
was, music.
PRINCE: Ultimately all music is or can be inspirational. And that's why it is so important to let your gift be guided by something more clear.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
LU STOUT: I love hearing his music.
Now, since word of his death monuments in many places turned purple to pay tribute to Prince. And this is San Francisco city hall just bathed in
purple light. Niagara Falls and Target Field in Minneapolis were also decked out in the color synonymous with the late artist.
And the support extends further afield to Toronto and the UK where London's O2 arena put Prince tributes on giant screens. And NASA tweeted
out this photo of a purple nebula in honor of Prince.
Now, Prince influenced countless other musicians. Stevie Wonder was especially hit hard by the passing of his close friend. They performed
together several times, including last year at the White House. And Stevie Wonder told our Anderson Cooper that the news of Prince's death was a total
shock.
Here's more of that interview.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
STEVIE WONDER, MUSIC ARTIST: Well, it is a heart break and I was shocked. I didn't believe it. And I find it so hard to believe -- you know,
in this journey of music, we as artists create that sort of create the reflection of society and reflect really the people that really wanted to
see a better world, a better people, our unity of people, all those things as music too and we'll continue to do for those of us who will continue to
listen to it.
It's heart break to lose a member of that army of love.
COOPER: That army of love. The clip that Prince there we showed, talking to Larry King, saying you were a role model for him and inspiration
to him. I think when it came to playing his own instruments. I wonder, how does Prince influence you? How does he inspire you?
WONDER: Well, he was a great musician. He loved music. He loved playing his instrument. And, you know, the times that we did jam together
were amazing. All of the various people he would bring together. And most of all, he brought all the various cultures together.
He could play classical music if he wanted to. He played jazz if he wanted to. He could play country if he wanted to. He played rock, you know,
he played blues. He played pop and everything. He was just a great musician. And very cognizant of what his responsibility was as a musician
and human being.
COOPER: Today, I was watching recording of a concert that you did in Paris back in 2010. You were performing "Superstition." Prince was
accompanying you on the guitar. And what I think gets lost sometimes about Prince is, I mean, he wasn't just a great songwriter, he was a stellar
guitar player. And wasn't just guitar, he played nearly all the instruments on all, on his first five albums. I mean, that's incredible.
[08:10:15] WONDER: Yeah, it's amazing.
And, you know, it's fun to do that because basically, you're going inside yourself and you're really giving people every single part of what
you feel. It is what your soul is saying, "This is how I wanted this to be played".
And fortunately, I can play it and express myself. It's like an artist painting a picture. So he was a great artist of picture, sound, picture and
music. This is an amazing day as we see so many things happening. The heartbreak to see this man, who was so talented, be taken away from us.
But I know that, you know, the almighty God has far greater things for him to do eternally. So I just hope that we celebrate his music and
celebrate his purpose that he fulfilled.
COOPER: With that in mind, that idea of celebrating his music. I know you and Prince sang together at the White House last year. Is their a
favorite song of yours? Is there something, I think you're piano, is there anything that comes to your heart, that comes to your head, in terms of
music when you think of him?
WONDER: You know, I love Purple Rain and the whole album was in credible, but I love the stuff that he did. You know, the song that -- I
like the whole album, but I think I like (inaudible). It was like an interesting kind of song.
And -- but, again, as people I heard say earlier today on CNN, there was someone that said he was able to mix the blessing of life of God and
yet, you know, the marriage of sex and passion. So that's very, very true. He had fun doing it.
And, you know, it's rare for me that I can feel with every single breath how he just passionately loved music. It's like when musicians can
jam, there's nothing like it in the whole world. I guess, it's like when, you know, ball players are playing and they're excited about the game.
Well, it is the same thing with us as musicians to be able to say, "OK. You could do that and let me - watch me do this." "And you can do that, I'll do
that". It is just a lot of fun and he was incredible with that.
COOPER: Is there - I don't want to put you on the spot, is there any song you want to sing a little of or play a little of? Again, I don't want
to put you on the spot if you're not up for it.
WONDER: I think I would probably breakdown if I do a song right now. But, you know, he was incredible. And I'm just glad that I was able to say
to him, I love you the last time I saw him.
COOPER: And he wrote a lot of songs for other artists over the years, and he was also a philanthropist, donating instruments for young musicians,
was concerned about social justice issues about. I mean, he did a lot of things for charity and didn't necessarily get his name associated with
that. He did a lot of things anonymously.
WONDER: Well, I think his spiritual commitment was far bigger than, you know, him having to say he did this and he did that. His commitment was
in the action of what he did, not with the satisfaction of letting people know that he did it.
COOPER: How do you, I don't know if I should even ask this question because it is maybe too soon to figure this out and certainly we'll always
have the music, but how do you hope people remember him?
WONDER: Just a great musician, a great producer, great song writer, someone that allowed himself to be himself and encouraged others to be
themselves. And he was very free and to do what he did without fear was a wonderful thing because it's always great, it is always great when we don't
allow fear to put our dreams to sleep, and he didn't.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
LU STOU: A tender and revealing interview with Stevie Wonder about the loss of Prince.
And with the news of Prince's death, a natural reaction would be, of course, to listen to his songs. But if you went to Spotify or Apple Music
to find his music, you may have been surprised to find that it's simply not there.
Now, Prince was among a handful of musicians who held on to control of how fans accessed his music. In 2014, he pulled his music from Spotify and
other services and at the time tweeted this, quote, "essentially streaming has offered labels the ability to pay
themselves twice while reducing what is owed to artists."
Now, the one place you can find it, hip-hop icon Jay-Z's music service Title. Right now the site's home page is decked out in Purple with
Prince's album covers. Or of course, you can head over to your local record store.
And his albums were often made to be heard as complete works of art.
Well, have much more on Prince and his legacy a little bit later in the program. But after the break, the U.S. president wades into the Brexit
debate. We'll have a live report from Windsor Castle as Barack Obama's UK visit gets under way.
It is Earth Day and world leaders are gathered in the UN for a historic event. We have got the details coming up.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[08:18:09] LU STOUT: Coming to you live from Hong Kong, you're back watching News Stream.
Now, the U.S. president has an urgent message for the UK: stay in the European Union.
In a British newspaper column, Barack Obama writes that the so-called Brexit would hurt Britain's economy. That's seen him branded by the leave
campaign as a hypocrite, interfering in British affairs. And it comes just hours ahead of his meeting with the Prime Minister David Cameron and
two months before the British people have their say in a referendum.
Now Mr. Obama is having lunch with the queen at Windsor castle this hour. Our Max Foster is right outside and joins us live.
And Max, we know that President Obama has pretty strong feelings about Brexit. Could that come up at lunch with the queen?
MAX FOSTER, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: It probably could, actually, but the point is, we'll never find out, because the queen is very
determined to stay well out of politics. That's been the signature, really of her entire reign. And sure she'll express views to him, but we won't
hear about them. We'll hear about them this afternoon after he's left here and he's gone on to Downey Street.
He's got a bilateral meeting with David Cameron. And then there will be a press conference with David Cameron and President Obama in Downing
Street. And he's going to be asked lots of questions about this.
It was always going to be the big talking point, but when the paper came out this morning and we all discovered this, it was much more punchy
than any of us expected, harking back to the war, saying that America fought for the unity that we have in Europe right now. They fought for the
European Union, all of these American lives lost in that war were for that sacrifice.
And he's very concerned that Britain may be -- they have from being at the top table of the European Union, it's caused an almighty fury among the
various camps in the political campaigning leading up to June where they will have this referendum about whether or not we should stay within the
European Union. And it's going to be a big talking point this afternoon, certainly after this lunch.
I have to say, one of the most extraordinary moments of this lunch so far, Kristie, has been the fact that President Obama flew in on his
helicopter and then was picked up Prince Philip and driven off in he's 94- years-old. So, I'm sure there was some nervousness amongst the White House staff as they saw him drive off with the leader of the free world in the
passenger's seat.
LU STOUT: Absolutely.
And thanks for picking up and reporting on that key detail for us.
And while we have you, we know that the queen is still set celebrating her 90th birthday. Can you tell us what's in store for today?
FOSTER: Well, there's -- she's not doing anything today apart from this lunch.
We're assuming that the president will give her a present. But we're not getting any advice on what that might be, or whether or not there even
is a present.
But you can imagine it's pretty hard person to buy for. So, usually it's something -- some sort of moment of American-UK history, or something
that the president can bring over from the collection. We have no idea whatsoever. So, waiting to hear on that.
There's so much secrecy around this lunch. There's very little to report about it, unfortunately, apart from the fact that we saw the
president trying to find a position with the queen for the official photo and the queen just says, you know, you stay where you are. She's very much
in charge of this lunch.
LU STOUT: Absolutely.
Max Foster reporting live for us from Windsor. Thank you. Take care.
Now, China says dozens of the Taiwan citizens it has in custody have confessed to telecom
fraud. Now, the group was deported from Kenya despite a protest by the Taiwan government.
A Kenyan court had acquitted them, but China said the victims of the alleged fraud are all on the mainland and the suspects should be tried in
courts there.
Now, Taiwan has accused Beijing of overstepping its legal bounds. A delegation from Taiwan is now in Beijing to try to sort it all out.
And staying in China, investigators in the city of Jingiang looking into a fire and explosion at a
chemical warehouse. Now, local authorities say that there are no reports of casualties. Chinese media report that the factory stored liquid oil and
gas products.
Nearby factories have been evacuated as a precaution.
Now sundown on Friday marks the start of Passover, that is the holiday when Jews commemorate the biblical story of how their ancestors escaped
slavery in Egypt. And this year, a group of rabbis is hoping to bring the story into the modern age.
And Jonathan Mann has more in this CNN Freedom Project report.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We're going to talk a little bit about Passover.
JONATHAN MANN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: These Jewish children in suburban Atlanta are learning about Passover, a holiday when Jews recount the story
of their ancestors' exodus from slavery in Egypt.
But this year they'll be talking about modern-day slavery, too. The anti-slavery organization
Free the Slaves has partnered with a group of rabbis to create The Passover Project, a toolkit for Jewish people to make Passover about slavery past
and present.
MAURICE MIDDLEBERG, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, FREE THE SLAVES: This issue has particular resonance for Jewish history and belief and over the next
few years we want to recruit 180 congregations, schools, and institutions to be part of this.
Hey, rabbi.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Maurice.
MIDDLEBERG: It's good to see you.
MANN: They've just launched the program and already have about 20 synagogues signed
up. Among them, this Temple Kehillat Chaim in Roswell, Georgia.
RABBI HARVEY WINOKUR, TEMPLE KEHILLAT CHAIM: We always look for projects that are in the area of what we call in Judaism takunoalum (ph),
things that help us prepare the world. And in looking at the responsibilities that we have, it gave us an
opportunity to be connected in the way we haven't been connected. before.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: As I light the candles...
MANN: In Kehillat Chaim Sunday school, children are learning how to bring the issue of modern-day slavery to the table at the Passover seder,
the traditional holiday meal.
CAROLINE FIGIEL, TEACHER, TEMPLE KEHILLAT CHAIMUsually at a Passover seder, you have symbols that remind us of the pyramids, symbols of the
bitterness of slavery. And this year we've place add tomato on our seder plate to remind us that just a couple years ago in Florida there was an
issue of slaves, unpaid workers, harvesting tomato crops.
Slavery is illegal in every single country. Yet it happens in every single country, even our own.
Anytime we can make religion relevant to a child so it's just not some nebulous idea but that it's concrete and relevant, I think that's really
important.
We know about social issues like hunger and homelessness, but I think they're surprised when we find out that slavery actually exists in 2016. I
think the children were absolutely amazed, and the fact that someone their age in a different area in the world under different circumstances, that,
you know, there by the grace of god go them it could lap to them as well.
[08:25:04] MIDDLEBERG: Every year when Jews gather for the seder, it always begins with (SPEAKING IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE), we were slaves of the
Pharaoh. It ends always with another phrase (SPEAKING IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE) and now we are free.
So the linkage between Jewish history and modern day slavery is so immediate and transparent.
And beyond that, what I really hope is that when -- when people ask those traditional questions, why is
this night different from all other nights? That part of the answer is going to be, because this night we have decided to join the modern
abolitionist movement and be part of eradicating slavery in our time.
MANN: Jonathan Mann, CNN,Atlanta.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
LU STOUT: And you can always find out more about the CNN Freedom Project on our website. And this week, a closer look at how online
predators are caught and we take you to Vietnam where some young girls are being smuggled across the border and sold into forced marriage in
China. Just go to CNN.com/Freedom for more.
Now, leaders from dozens of countries are getting together in New York. And we'll tell you
why this year's Earth Day could be one of the most important ever.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(HEADLINES)
LU STOUT: Now, it has been one month since the deadly terror attacks in Brussels. Members of the Belgian parliamentary investigation laid
wreaths at the Maalbeek metro station, 32 people were killed in the bombings that struck that station and the city's airport.
Now it is Earth Day, and fittingly, leaders from around the world are gathered at the United Nations for the historic signing of the Paris
climate agreement.
Now, CNN's Richard Roth is at the UN and he joins us now live. And, Richard, why is a turning point in history?
[08:30:18] RICHARD ROTH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, people who are solidly, of course, behind this climate agreement think it is going to
provide momentum. It's a major step. At last 165 countries, many represented at the head of state level, have committed to signing and
ratifying the treaty signed in a big ceremony in Paris last December.
It's very easy on this type of issue for things to slack off, relax. The political leaders want to
keep momentum going, but they are going to need 55 percent of all emitters, plus 55 countries, at
least, to put it into force.
Complicated arrangements, but big emitters like China, the U.S., are on board to sign.
The president of the United States and China made this announcement a few weeks ago and so they feel it is a big deal in getting world emissions
under control, or starting somewhere. They know it's a long slog ahead. Some believe not enough is still being done. They've come here to say
we're ready for the challenge. We'll see -- Kristie.
LU STOUT: Yeah. Very significant to have the world's biggest emitters on board signing this deal including the U.S. and China, as you
point out. And despite all this, there are still a number of critics out there who say it's not enough, that there should be a warming limit lower
than two degrees. Could you tell us a bit of the criticism out there?
BLACK: Yes. The criticism is that the countries are not going far enough, that these are once again, despite the lofty language, promises,
which we've seen in many other international agreements. Despite there's one senses more determination. When you get China, the biggest polluter
and the U.S. and many other countries ready to come here and sign, but many of them will have to, of course, ratify in their parliaments, or whatever
national system.
Many people have said they'd want to get this done in the United states before a new president. China has internal issues. Will it affect
the economy in trying to improve the amount of carbon emissions? But I think here at the world, they're ready to pronounce some sort of momentum.
We will see.
LU STOUT: And separately, we know that the embattled president of Brazil is there.
Dilma Rousseff, she's there in New York for the signing ceremony. Is she getting some unwanted attention there?
BLACK: Well, so many world leaders I think have their own national problems. I know it sounds odd, but here in that UN pile up of over 160
world leaders it won't really get that much notice. So, I'm sure people will keep their eye on here. She's supposed to speak at least once this
morning regarding Brazil's commitment for climate change. Will she be in power when the ratification might take place in Brazil?
LU STOUT: Good point to raise there. Richard Roth, live from New York. Thank you.
Now, there has been a major setback for the Summer Olympic host Rio de Janeiro. A large stretch of a seaside bike path has collapsed, killing two
people. Now, the city says a strong wave struck the path causing a 50 meter section to just fall away on to the
beach below.
It is one of Rio's major renovation projects ahead of the 2016 games that will begin in
August.
Now, the UN says as many as 500 migrants are feared dead after a ship carrying migrants sank in the Mediterranean. It happened last week when
human traffickers crammed people on to an overcrowded ship headed to Europe. Now, CNN's Atika Shubert spoke to one of the 41 survivors.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MUHIDIN HUSSEIN MUHAMED, SURVIVOR: The captain of this -- he say that -- he shouted, he said say, whoa, whoa! Ship coming. The ship going to go
down.
The ship is going down like this.
ATIKA SHUBERT, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: So completely turned over.
MUHAMED: Completely down like this. Then I watched the people swimming. They don't know how to swim. They go like this. They say --
help us, help us. And they saying help us.
With my brother, just like -- my brother told me that, please, help me brother. Please. The water coming very badly. They taking like this
water. They're taking like this water. The ship was going immediately down. I never seen any ships -- I've seen -- I just shouted. I just
cried. I can do nothing.
People they're crying. Oh they say, help us, help us. All the people are going very far, the water is taking, the water is taking like this.
They are going very far.
I've seen only the jacket, you know the jacket of the safety. We have something light, like light -- I'm seeing the lights. I'm seeing the
lights, they are going very far. I can do nothing. I'm watching my brother. I'm just looking, some of my brothers can be safe? No, nothing.
[08:35:04] SHUBERT: What happened to your brothers?
MUHAMED: They are dead. Six brothers there.
SHUBERT: All six of your brothers?
MUHAMED: Yes. All six brothers.
SHUBERT: Very sorry. That's terrible.
MUHAMED: I'm watching my brother. He told me, Muhidin, help me. I couldn't help. I can't. I can't.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
LU STOUT: You can see how difficult it was for Atika to hear that account, for all of us to listen what he went through.
You're watching News Stream. And after the break, we'll have much more on the legacy of Prince. We know that fans are gathering around the
world to mourn and to pay tribute to the legend.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
LU STOUT: Welcome back. Now around the world fans celebrating the life and music of Prince. You could say that they're partying like it's
1999. In this hometown of Minneapolis, this nightclub held a rave in his honor, with images of Prince projected above everyone's head.
So, many around the world were so affected by his music and now they're helping for it to live on.
Joining me now with more on this is CNN Money media reporter Frank Pallotta. He's live from New York. He joins us now. And Frank, I've been
following with much delight your social media feeds overnight -- the video, the pictures, you were at this incredible -- looks like it was a
spontaneous dance party in New York. What was it like to dance through the night there in New York to remember Prince?
FRANK PALLOTTA, MEDIA REPORTER: Well, the dearly beloved and I got together last night to get through this thing calmed life. And Spike Lee
put it on in Brooklyn at his production company. There was so many people wearing purple, as I am today. There was dancing. There was crying.
There was people of all different colors, and all different diversities, and women and children, and men just kind of coming together and paying
tribute to this, this great artist that the world lost yesterday.
LU STOUT: Yeah, fans all over the world are listening to his music, are wearing purple, like you and me. I found it difficult today to stream
Prince's music. I can't find Prince on Apple Music or Spotify. It's difficult to find his videos on YouTube. Where should we go?
PALLOTTA: Well, the place that you can pretty much find it is on Title. He kind of has an exclusive deal there. And perfect example, I
don't know if you can see this. But on my phone I actually had to download "Purple Rain" because it's the only place I could get it. I had to
actually buy an album, which is something I haven't done in years. And yesterday it really hurt, because I wanted to go on YouTube and listen to
"Baby I'm a Star" and all these other great songs I love of Prince. You just
can't find it, because Prince as much as a hitmaker controlled his artistry and he wasn't a fan of digital music. He didn't appreciate how the
artists were compensated for their art, for their work. So he pulled everything pretty much off of the internet and kept things to albums.
He was a huge fan of albums and an appreciator of the way music has traditionally been out.
LU STOUT: Yeah. And there's always vinyl, CDs. In fact, I have to go home after this
broadcast, dig out my old Prince CDs so I can listen to his music tonight, instead of streaming, which is what I usually do.
And fans, we have just been so star struck by Prince. You know, his very unique, singular style, his sound. Of course he had that symbol for a
period of time. What do you think fans, like yourself, love most about Prince?
[08:40:15] PALLOTTA: It's that he was Prince. When I say Prince, which is a word that we
designate for royalty, we think of royalty and I think of this great artist. And he reached everyone. He was not one genre -- he wasn't rock,
he wasn't pop, he wasn't R&B. Even all of the newspapers in New York today, all of them are just completely Prince.
New York Daily News, The New York Times -- Prince. And even the New York Post. Everyone loved Prince. And that's because he was a unique in
talent, second only in his generation to probably Michael Jackson. And we won't see anyone like him again.
We'll see great artists, but we'll never have Prince.
LU STOUT: Absolutely. He was so talented and he did -- I mean, he had so many talents.
He was a singer. He was a producer. He was a guitarist. Is there anything else that you've learned about Prince that has surprised you?
PALLOTTA: The thing that I've really learned about Prince is how savvy of a businessman he
was. He really understood his business. He wasn't -- he just didn't -- he sold 16 platinum albums, 7
multi-platinum albums and 23 gold records. But more so than that, he controlled his brand.
One of the reasons he became a symbol was because he was in a contract dispute with his label and he felt that they owned that name, his name, and
he took it back.
And he was also someone who went beyond gender and beyond genre. He was someone able to control his brand, control his image, and still be able
to reach all of these different people in an industry that at times promotes cookie cutter artists and template music.
It's a huge loss for not only popular culture, but for the music world.
LU STOUT: Absolutely a tremendous loss. Frank Pallotta, wearing purple no less, of CNN Money joining us here on the program. Thank you so
much, and take care.
PALLOTTA: Thank you so much.
LU STOUT: And as we said, throughout the show, take care.
Now, Prince he was a man of many, many talents. And beyond his musical gifts, there is another area in which he excelled. He was
allegedly a pretty good basketball player. Now, in this fame sketch from Chappelle's Show, comedian Charlie Murphy tells of the time he went to
Prince's house in the '80s and the musician challenged him to a game of basketball.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CHARLIE MURPHY, COMEDIAN: Never judge a book by its cover. This cat could ball, man.
Play ball.
He was crossing cats, like -- crossed me up. I mean, my knees slammed together. He getting rebounds like Charles Barkley. Smashing it down.
DAVE CHAPPELLE, COMEDIAN: Shoot the J! Shoot it! Trying to play.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
LU STOUT: And that was based on a true story. Prince did play basketball, of course. It's not known how much of it is true, large parts
are. And old newspaper reports, they did show that Prince did play for his high school team. It's pretty clear Prince approved of the sketch, because
a picture of Dave Chappelle playing him became the cover of one of his singles.
And that is News Stream.
END