James Otto Pays Tribute to Prince With Soulful ‘Purple Rain’ Cover [Watch]
The heartbreaking news of the death of Prince at age 57 this week is drawing artists out to pay tribute to the music icon. Country singer James Otto followed suit by honoring the legend with a rendition of "Purple Rain" on the Big D and Bubba radio show Friday morning (April 22).
Otto sounded like a natural with this cover as his rugged voice and vocal range served the ballad justice. You can hear his soul and passion pour out through the lyrics as he delivers this performance, while he still remains reverential to honor the passing of Prince.
The "Just Got Started Lovin' You" singer held Prince in the highest regards and was deeply affected by his death.
"RIP Prince. The world is feeling the loss of an unequalled musical genius. I have no words to express my sadness so I'll let his words do the talking," Otto posted on his Facebook wall.
Many artists have felt a similar reaction to Prince's untimely death, including Lady Antebellum singer Hilary Scott, Little Big Town, Jake Owen and Darius Rucker, who often covers "Purple Rain" in his live shows.
"He made me stand up and listen when the Controversy album came out," Rucker tells Rolling Stone Country. "And then he made me want to be in a band more than anything with 'Purple Rain.' I will forever be indebted to him for showing me true greatness."
Otto is currently on tour supporting his latest single, "Somewhere Tonight." His tour dates are posted on his website.
Watch: Hillary Scott Learns of Prince's Death
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Country Artists React to Death of Prince