1979 October 19: Prince Album Era

“Bambi” is a rare international single release from Prince’s self-titled second album. It was issued as the A-side in only two countries and highlighted Prince’s emerging rock guitar style. RELEASE DETAILS Artist: Prince Label: Warner Bros. Records Format: 7" Vinyl Single Country: Belgium (also Barbados) Released: September 27 1980 Genre: Rock, Funk, R&B A-Side: “Bambi” Written by: Prince Produced by: Prince Arranged by: Prince B-Side: “Still Waiting (Edit)” THE STORY “Bambi

A rare, intimate early interview with 21-year-old Prince as he began to capture the hearts of a new generation of fans. SOURCE DETAILS Publication: Right On! Date: August1980 Country: United States Section / Pages: Main Feature THE STORY This in-depth profile by Cynthia Horner presents Prince as both a musical genius and an enigmatic personality. The article explores his self-produced debut album For You, his multi-instrumental talent, his reluctance to discuss his personal l

Feature profile on Prince ahead of his concert with Rick James at the Mid-South Coliseum. The 19-year-old Minneapolis artist is highlighted as a self-produced wunderkind with major crossover success via “I Wanna Be Your Lover.” Publication: The Memphis Press-Scimitar Date: Friday, April 18, 1980 Country: United States Section: Entertainment / Record Review & Preview Byline: Bill E. Burk, Press-Scimitar Record Reviewer THE STORY The article portrays Prince as a shy, enigmatic

“Sexy Dancer” is the sixth worldwide single by Prince, released exclusively in the UK and Japan. It is a high-energy funk track from his self-titled second album Prince (1979) RELEASE DETAILS Artist: Prince Label: Warner Bros. Records Format: 7" Vinyl Single Country: UK Released: 11 April 1980 Genre: Funk, Disco A-Side: “Sexy Dancer” Written by: Prince Produced by: Prince Arranged by: Prince B-Side: “Bambi” THE STORY “Sexy Dancer” was released on April 11 1980 as Prince’s six

INTRO LINE: “Sexy Dancer” was released in Japan with “Why You Wanna Treat Me So Bad?” as the B-side. This was one of only two territories (UK and Japan) where the single was commercially issued. RELEASE DETAILS Artist: Prince Label: Warner Bros. Records Format: 7" Vinyl Single Country: Japan Released: April - 11 - 1980 A-Side: “Sexy Dancer” Written by: Prince Produced by: Prince Arranged by: Prince B-Side: “Why You Wanna Treat Me So Bad?” Written by: Prince Produced by: Princ

"Still Waiting" is the third single from Prince’s self-titled second album Prince. It was his first ballad released as a single. A-Side: Still Waiting (Edit) (3:48) Catalogue #: US: WBS 49226 RELEASE DETAILS Artist: Prince Label: Warner Bros. Records Format: 7" Vinyl Single Country: USA Released: 25 March 1980 Genre: Funk, R&B A-Side: Still Waiting (Edit) (3:48) B-Side: Bambi (4:22) Catalogue #: US: WBS 49226 US Variants (Full Track Listings) 7" Commercial Single (WBS 492

They’re calling him the next Stevie Wonder, and perhaps with a good reason. The singer-composer known simply as Prince appears to be on his way to becoming the biggest solo solo artist in years.

"I Wanna Be Your Lover" is the lead single from Prince’s self-titled second album Prince. This 1980 international release helped extend the song’s global success following its strong US performance. RELEASE DETAILS Artist: Prince Label: Warner Bros. Records Format: 7" Vinyl Single Country: Germany Released: 15 February 1980 Genre: Funk, R&B, Disco Length: 2:57 (Edit) A-Side: I Wanna Be Your Lover (Edit) (2:57) B-Side: My Love Is Forever (4:08) Catalogue #: Germany: WB 17560 I

Michael Anthony reviews Prince’s hometown launch of his 1980 tour at the Orpheum Theater in Minneapolis. The 20-year-old singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist — already generating buzz with two Warner Bros. albums and the hit single “I Wanna Be Your Lover” — delivered a flashy 75-minute set showcasing his emerging star power. Publication: Minneapolis Star and Tribune (Minneapolis Tribune) Date: Monday, February 11, 1980 Country: United States Section: Entertainment /

A glowing hometown concert review in The Minneapolis Star by Jon Bream praising 20-year-old Prince’s performance at the Orpheum Theater, calling him a captivating, exciting, and commanding entertainer with star potential as he prepares for his first major national tour. Publication: The Minneapolis Star Date: Monday, February 11, 1980 Country: United States Section / Pages: Entertainment / Concert Review Title: Home-grown Prince: On way to stardom? THE STORY Jon Bream reviews

Day-of-show advertisement for Prince’s rescheduled hometown concert: “TONIGHT – The New Genius in Music” at the Orpheum Theater in Minneapolis. Showtime 8:00 PM. Publication: Minneapolis Star and Tribune (Minneapolis Tribune) Date: Saturday, February 9, 1980 Country: United States Section: Entertainment / Concert Advertisement THE STORY The ad promotes Prince’s performance that very evening at the Orpheum Theater. It features the same dramatic black-and-white portrait of Prin

A hometown “Critic’s Choice” preview in The Minneapolis Star by Jon Bream promoting 20-year-old Prince’s upcoming concert at the Orpheum Theater, highlighting his breakthrough hit “I Wanna Be Your Lover,” recent national TV appearances, and upcoming tour with Rick James. Publication: The Minneapolis Star Date: Friday, February 8, 1980 Country: United States Section / Pages: Critic’s Choice / Entertainment Title: Critic’s Choice THE STORY Jon Bream introduces Prince as the 20

"I Wanna Be Your Lover" is the lead single from Prince’s self-titled second album Prince. The Netherlands received both 7" and 12" editions in early 1980 to support the single’s growing European popularity. RELEASE DETAILS Artist: Prince Label: Warner Bros. Records Format: 7" & 12" Vinyl Singles Country: Netherlands Released: 6 February 1980 Genre: Funk, R&B, Disco 7" Single A-Side: I Wanna Be Your Lover (Edit) (2:57) B-Side: Just As Long As We’re Together (Edit) (3:25) THE S

Jon Bream’s feature captures the growing local excitement around 21-year-old Prince as his hit “I Wanna Be Your Lover” climbs the charts and he prepares for major performances. SOURCE DETAILS Publication: The Minneapolis Star Date: February 6, 1980 Country: United States Section / Pages: Entertainment / Feature THE STORY This profile explores the rising stardom of Prince, describing him as a multi-talented “one-man band” who writes, produces, and performs his own music. The a

Promotional ad for Prince’s rescheduled hometown concert: “The New Genius in Music” performing Saturday, February 9, 1980, at the Orpheum Theater in Minneapolis. Showtime 8:00 PM. Tickets $7.50–$8.50. Publication: Minneapolis Star and Tribune (Minneapolis Tribune) Date: Sunday, February 3, 1980 Country: United States Section: Entertainment / Concert Promotion THE STORY The advertisement features a dramatic black-and-white portrait of Prince and announces the rescheduled date

"Why You Wanna Treat Me So Bad?" is the second single from Prince’s self-titled second album Prince. A raw, emotional funk-rock track that showcased his growing range as an artist. RELEASE DETAILS Artist: Prince Label: Warner Bros. Records Format: 7" Vinyl Single Country: USA Released: 23 January 1980 Genre: Funk, Rock, R&B A-Side: Why You Wanna Treat Me So Bad? (3:49) B-Side: Baby (3:09) Catalogue #: US: WBS 49178 US Variants (Full Track Listings) 7" Commercial Single (WBS

"Why You Wanna Treat Me So Bad?" is the second single from Prince’s self-titled second album Prince. This New Zealand 7" release features "Bambi" as the B-side. RELEASE DETAILS Artist: Prince Label: Warner Bros. Records Format: 7" Vinyl Single Country: New Zealand Released: 1980 Genre: Funk, Rock, R&B A-Side: Why You Wanna Treat Me So Bad? (3:49) B-Side: Bambi (4:22) Catalogue #: NZ: WBS 49178 CONTEXT & NOTES The lyrics explore a relationship with a cruel lover. The song pro

"Why You Wanna Treat Me So Bad?" is the second single from Prince’s self-titled second album Prince. This US 12" promotional sampler features "Bambi" as the B-side. RELEASE DETAILS Artist: Prince Label: Warner Bros. Records Format: 12" Vinyl Single, Promo Country: USA Released: 1980 Genre: Funk, Rock, R&B A-Side: Why You Wanna Treat Me So Bad? (3:49) B-Side: Bambi (4:22) Catalogue #: US: PRO-A-848 US Variants (Full Track Listings) 12" Promo Single (PRO-A-848) A. Why You Wanna

Cash Box magazine charts published in the Daily News show strong early national momentum for Prince: his single “I Wanna Be Your Lover” holds at #3 on the R&B Singles chart, while his self-titled album sits at #3 on the R&B Albums chart. Publication: Daily News (New York) Date: Thursday, January 17, 1980 Country: United States Section: Entertainment / Cash Box Charts THE STORY R&B Singles: Michael Jackson – “Rock With You” Rufus & Chaka Khan – “Do You Love What You Feel” 3. P

Advertisement for Kool & The Gang with Special Guest Star Prince performing January 4 & 5, 1980, at the Circle Star Theatre in San Carlos, California. Friday 8:00 PM, Saturday 7:00 PM & 11:00 PM. Tickets $8.75. Publication: The San Francisco Examiner Date: Sunday, January 6, 1980 Country: United States Section: Entertainment / Concert Advertisement THE STORY The ad promotes Kool & The Gang as the main act with Prince as the featured opening / special guest performer for two n

"I Wanna Be Your Lover" is the lead single from Prince’s self-titled second album Prince. This UK 12" Special Limited Edition features extended versions of both sides, aimed at the dancefloor and clubs. RELEASE DETAILS Artist: Prince Label: Warner Bros. Records Format: 12" Vinyl Single Country: UK Released: January 1980 Genre: Funk, R&B, Disco Length: A-side ~5:47 / B-side ~6:24 A-Side: I Wanna Be Your Lover (5:47) B-Side: Just As Long As We’re Together (6:24) Catalogue #: UK

Advertisement listing Prince as a special guest with the Bar-Kays, Cameo, and Pleasure at the Greensboro Coliseum on Saturday, December 29, 1979. (This show was ultimately canceled.) Publication: The Durham Sun Date: Thursday, December 27, 1979 Country: United States Location: Durham, North Carolina Section: Entertainment / Concert Listings THE STORY The ad promotes a December 29 concert at the Greensboro Coliseum featuring the Bar-Kays with special guests Cameo, Prince, and

"I Wanna Be Your Lover" is the lead single from Prince’s self-titled second album Prince. The UK release featured "Just As Long As We’re Together" as the B-side and helped introduce Prince to British audiences. RELEASE DETAILS Format: 7" Vinyl Single Country: UK Released: 14 December 1979 Genre: Funk, R&B, Disco Length: 2:57 (Edit) A-Side: I Wanna Be Your Lover (Edit) (2:57) B-Side: Just As Long As We’re Together (Edit) (3:25) Catalogue #: UK: K 17537 THE STORY A catchy, upbe

Announcement that Prince’s scheduled concert at the Park West in Chicago on Thursday, December 13, 1979 has been canceled due to pneumonia. Publication: Chicago Tribune Date: Thursday, December 13, 1979 Country: United States Location: Chicago, Illinois Section: Entertainment News THE STORY The brief report states that Thursday’s Prince concert at the Park West has been canceled. It refers to him as the singer of “I Wanna Be Your Lover” fame. CONTEXT AND NOTES This cancellat