News of the memorial comes after Prince’s family members released a statement last week (ends08May16) insisting that there has yet to be an official occasion of remembrance for the singer. The location had been kept a secret leading up to the event.
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Manuela Testolini and Mayte Garcia were front and center, along with Gwen Stefani, Spike Lee, Eric Benet, Dita Von Teese, Larry King, Janelle Monae, Tony Kanal, Nile Rodgers, Herbie Hancock and Tavis Smiley.
Little is known about the show but sources told Billboard that keyboardist Greg Phillinganes opened the memorial with “Sometimes It Snows in April”.
The gathering was held at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences building in Beverly Hills.
Lee opted for the Nike Kobe 11 “Eulogy” sneakers featuring a hyper grape to black gradient, with hyper grape taking up the front and midfoot sections and black occupying the heel.
Other big names who attended the memorial included jazz musician Esperanza Spalding, record producer Bobby Z, R&B singer Mavis Staples and singer Jill Jones.
Prince was married to Manuela Testolini from 2001 to 2006.
The ladies have put together a memorial for the late legend but only those closest to the singer were allowed to attend. Prince’s childhood friend and early bandmate Andre Cymone also appeared at the service.
Another memorial is still be planned by Prince’s family. Together, the family is planning an official memorial service and public event to take place in the near future. We appreciate the public’s patience and have been comforted by your outpouring of love, support and condolences. “Details will be coming soon”.
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Prince died at the age of 57 last month.
