Reservoir’s Senior Vice President of Creative & Business Development, Faith Newman, is as known for her love of soul, hip-hop, and R&B music as she is for her notable industry accomplishments. Upon learning about the untimely passing of legendary artist, performer, and visionary Prince, the lifelong music fan-turned-executive shared her strongest Prince memories and emotions with us. Read Faith’s thoughts below:

“The first picture is of me and my boyfriend getting ready to see the movie Purple Rain in 1984. I wore purple tights with black fishnet stockings over them, a black leotard, a tuxedo jacket, my Prince button, and fingerless lace gloves. We wanted to dress up because Prince made you feel like you were part of his movement. It wasn’t just the music—it was the clothes, it was the lifestyle. We were part of the revolution. We were part of the ‘New Breed’.

The second picture is of my dorm room at GW my freshman year of college. As you can see, it’s literally wall-to-wall Prince. He loomed so large in my life.

I am heartbroken, and confused, to have lost him. Prince wasn’t just an artist; he’s like somebody you grew up with. I started listening to his music when I was thirteen. He was just a part of my life. He was always there.” – Faith Newman