As we mourn the passing of a rock icon this week, I realized the music of Prince has been a bigger part of my life than I thought.

  • 1

    Let's Go Crazy

    Prince is the awkwardness of wondering if you should play air guitar, shuffle off the floor or just stand there when the long solo played at the end of "Let's Go Crazy" at high school dances.

  • 2

    When Doves Cry

    Prince was the guys across the hall at Summer camp in 1984 playing "When Doves Cry" over and over and over and over and over again.

    Photo: Kevin Winter, Getty Images
    Photo: Kevin Winter, Getty Images
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  • 3

    My Name Is Prince

    I was lucky enough to see Prince twice  (2000 and 2004) and he had the entire arena in the palm of his hand. More than 10,000 fans hung on his every word and whisper.

    Prince is charisma. Elvis had it. Michael Jackson had it. Charming as he is, Paul McCartney doesn't have it. Jon Bon Jovi works hard as a front man and has all the right moves but Prince has that charisma. Prince is a superstar.

    I didn't know 80% of the songs he played but it ranks as one of the best concerts I have ever seen.

    Photo: Jed Jacobsohn, Getty Images
    Photo: Jed Jacobsohn, Getty Images
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  • 4

    Vegas, Baby

    One of my favorite nights in Las Vegas was watching an amazing Prince tribute band at the Boardwalk Casino. Slammin' tunes, cold Captain & cokes and a hot slot machine was a winning combination.

    Sadly, like Prince, the Boardwalk is gone.

    Photo: Ethan Miller, Getty Images
    Photo: Ethan Miller, Getty Images
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  • 5

    While My Guitar Gently Weeps

    Prince was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, the first year he was eligible and stole the show with his mad guitar skills during the all-star jam honoring George Harrison.

    I was on the radio the day George passed too; some days at work are tougher than others.

  • 6

    Party Like it's 1999

    I've spent my weekends running karaoke for the last 16 years and the music of Prince has been heard at nearly every single show.

    Thankfully we will always have the incredible music this gifted musician left with us.

    Photo: Kevin Winter, Getty Images
    Photo: Kevin Winter, Getty Images
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