He might be edging towards 60 but Prince is showing no signs of hanging up is stiletto heels just yet - far from it.
Born Prince Rogers Nelson in Minneapolis on 7 June 1958, the US singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and actor wrote his first song at the age of seven and has since gone on to pen hundreds of songs during his incredible career including modern day classics like 'Sign O' The Times', 'Kiss', '1999', 'The Most Beautiful Girl In the World' and 'Purple Rain'.
His songs have been recorded - and covered - by everyone from Sinead O'Connor (Prince wrote her mega-selling 'Nothing Compares 2 U'), Chaka Khan, Tom Jones and even Kim Basinger.
His own brand of pop/rock/funk/soul/r&b has helped him shift over 100 million records worldwide and has Grammys, a Golden Globe and an Oscar on his mantlepiece.
And, it seems, the best is yet to come as he continues to sell out gigs and create a huge buzz wherever he lays his (feathered) hat.
So, as he celebrates his 56th birthday, we're celebrating with 56 rare and very beautiful shots of the small but perfectly-formed man himself.
Happy birthday, Prince!
