Philadelphians remember Artist Formerly Known as Prince

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Locals found unique ways to honor The Artist Formerly Known as Prince Thursday, including a 5-mile run all around Philadelphia.

"We're going to take it to the river, we're going to bring some tunes, some beats, we're gonna be dancing," said Liz Pagonis, Philadelphia runner. "We're gonna party all over Philly."

The musical legend's sudden passing seems to be all people are talking about.

"I think I was the first one to play it at MMR, and we put on 'Little Red Corvette' and the phones lit up!" said Pierre Robert, 93.3 WMMR.

Robert tells us he remembers when Prince first hit Philadelphia airwaves.

"They were going, 'Do you think people will like this?' and I said, 'I absolutely do,'" said Robert. "It's a different sound."

Known for his monster hits like "Little Red Corvette" and "Purple Rain," Prince was a gifted sing-songwriter and multi-talented musician known for pushing the envelope, even pioneering the "Minnesota" sound.

"That sound of Minneapolis ruled in the 80s and 90s," said Philadelphia radio host Patty Jackson.

"Like the Motown sound, like the Philly sound," said Philadelphia music legend Kenny Gamble.

"I like the 'Diamonds and Pearls,' and I like all the stuff from the 80s," said Nicole Stowman of South Philly when asked what her favorite songs were by Prince.

"He was innovative, he set a bar for all musicians, you cannot deny him," said Sandra Holmes of Old City. "He was relevant when I was a young girl, he's relevant today."

"He had that unique vision, he followed it," said Robert. "He was a one of a kind."