Pop singer Prince has died at the age of 57.

His body was discovered at his Paisley Park compound in Minnesota USA, where his recording studio is located early on Thursday.

Prince, whose real name is Prince Rogers Nelson, suffered a medical emergency earlier this month that forced his private jet to make an emergency landing in Illinois.

The Carver County Sheriff's Office tweeted that an investigation was under way on Thursday morning.

They told the Minneapolis Star Tribune that the identity of the deceased was being withheld until next of kin had been notified.

They tweeted: "Deputies are on scene of a death investigation at Paisley Park in Chanhassen. More info to follow."

The world of showbusiness has paid its respects to Prince.

Chic frontman Nile Rodgers tweeted: "#RIP our dearly beloved #Prince. Tears and love on our tour bus... I'll never forget my brother. We've had #good times."

Rapper Lupe Fiasco wrote: "In Minneapolis right now...and it's raining... Prince..."

Singer Lily Allen said: "PRINCE . You legend. Rest In Peace."

Kiss Singer Gene Simmons wrote: "PRINCE, sad to say, has passed on!!! He was a Giant. My deep condolences go out to his family, friends and fans."

Chelsea Clinton, daughter of Bill and Hillary, tweeted: "Thank you Prince. All my thoughts & prayers are with all your loved ones."

Singer Katy Perry also paid tribute to the musician, writing: "And just like that...the world lost a lot of magic. Rest in peace Prince! Thanks for giving us so much..."

He was widely regarded as one of the most inventive musicians of his era and many of his songs are seen as classics.

He became an international superstar in 1982 after his breakthrough album 1999 and was most famous for hits including Purple Rain, When Doves Cry and Kiss.

His music career spanned more than three decades and he won seven Grammy Awards, sold more than 100 million records and won an Oscar for Best Original Song Score for Purple Rain.

The singer was also seen as an eccentric with a tendency towards bizarre career moves, such as changing his name to an unpronounceable symbol in the 1990s.

He was in the process of writing an untitled autobiography which was due to be published in 2017.