Prince, known largely for his flamboyant stage presence and groundbreaking music, is perceived by audiences around the world as a legendary pop icon. His innovative music blends elements of pop, rock, funk, soul, R&B and more, leading him to be greatly respected for his musicianship and songwriting abilities. His distinct and versatile voice, eclectic artistic persona and proficiency in numerous instruments further cement his place as one of music's most influential figures.People often see Prince as a trendsetter in fashion, gender norms, and cultural attitudes due to his androgynous image and the sexual themes in his music. Despite often being media shy, he was seen as highly charismatic on stage.In real life, Prince was known to be a highly private individual. He was deeply religious, becoming a Jehovah's Witness in 2001; his faith is reflected in some of his later songs. Friends and acquaintances have described him as humble, intelligent, and kind – contradicting his larger-than-life stage presence. He was reported to live a healthy lifestyle, was vehemently against drug use, and had a strong work ethic.Like others, he was not without controversy, such as changing his name to a symbol due to a contractual dispute, which was seen by some as eccentric. He was also known for his firm stand on artists' rights and had multiple conflicts with record labels over control of his music.It's important, however, to remember that perceptions may vary among individuals, and different people will hold different impressions of both Prince’s public persona and his personal life based on their own personal experiences and the information they have encountered about the artist.