Happy Birthday Prince: Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction & Performances

The word “iconic” gets thrown around a lot in the music world. But few embody the superlative better than Prince. Not only does the Purple One literally have his own symbol, but his guitar playing is singular, dance moves impeccable, songwriting genius and output prolific. Iconic.

Today marks what would have been Prince’s 62nd birthday. He died tragically on April 21, 2016 at 57 in the midst of his landmark Piano & A Microphone Tour due to an accidental opioid overdose. While he gave the world countless iconic moments, his performance at his 2004 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction was one of the many highlights in his illustrious career.

Prince opened up the ceremony with his classics “Let’s Go Crazy,” “Sign ‘O’ The Times” and “Kiss” along with a quick cover of the Sam & Dave classic “Soul Man.” OutKast’s Big Boi and André 3000 as well as Alicia Keys then inducted the Purple One. Prince headed into the Rock Hall with Bob Seger, ZZ Top and George Harrison among others. It was during an all-star jam tribute to George with Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne, Steve Winwood and more that Prince stole the show on the Harrison-penned Beatles song, “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” during which he delivered one of the greatest live guitar solos of all time, adding his own incomparable flair to Eric Clapton’s original while George’s son Dhani Harrison grinned from ear to ear. To punctuate the performance, Prince flung his guitar in the air and walked off stage. Iconic.

To celebrate Prince’s birthday, watch his Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction performances along with his acceptance speech below:

While My Guitar Gently Weeps via R&RHOF

Let’s Go Crazy via R&RHOF

Sign ‘O’ The Times via R&RHOF

Kiss via R&RHOF

Acceptance Speech via Florian Y