EXCLUSIVE: Dave Chappelle, John Mayer and Stevie Wonder Pay Tribute to Prince With Star-Studded Jam Session

By
ETONLINE

Prince's music lived on in a big way when Dave Chappelle enlisted some famous friends for a special "jam sesh."

The comedian held an impromptu performance at No Name Club in Los Angeles, California, on Tuesday night and, along with 180 or so VIPs in attendance, John Mayer and Stevie Wonder joined Chappelle to pay tribute to the legendary music icon.


EXCLUSIVE: Mariah Carey Reacts to Prince's Death: 'I'll Never Get Over It'

Chappelle began the night with a touching speech remembering "the greats" that we've lost recently, including David Bowie, Garry Shandling and, of course, Prince. The Chappelle's Show star revealed that a friend delivered the news about Prince's death -- on April 21 at the age of 57 -- in person, so that a devastated Chappelle wouldn't be alone.

"Tonight is for Prince," Chappelle said.

Mayer played what amounted to a four-hour set with the rest of the band, while Wonder performed throughout the night, including his own hits, Michael Jackson classics, The Beatles and "Purple Rain." When the "Superstition" singer didn't know the words to one song, he would cue what key the band should start playing and begin a different song.

Chappelle ended the night with another story about the last time he saw Prince, which happened to be the last time Wonder saw the "When Doves Cry" singer. They were all at the White House, with President and Mrs. Obama, dancing in the Red Room.


WATCH: The Real Prince, According to the People Who Knew Him Best

When Wonder wasn't onstage, he was drinking red wine and dancing with a woman in a nearby booth. Rapper Nas made a surprise appearance and freestyled over the band's cover of MJ's "Human Nature," while Kid of Kid 'n Play hit the stage at one point with his own freestyle.

As for A-list attendees, Naomi Campbell watched from the balcony not far from Kate Hudson and Keanu Reeves, who was holding what appeared to be Hudson's purse throughout the concert -- perhaps a date night? Or just another apparently non-romantic evening out like the one she had with J.J. Watt?

Mayer performed another rendition of "Purple Rain" to close out an evening no one will forget.

Meanwhile, the Internet is abuzz that Prince predicted his own death. Listen to the haunting lyric that is going viral -- as well as longtime collaborator Sheila E. saying she "knows" how Prince died -- in the video below.