1979 October 19: Prince Album Era

Announcement that Prince’s scheduled hometown concert at the Orpheum Theater on Sunday, December 16, 1979 has been canceled due to pneumonia contracted during his recent tour. Publication: The Minneapolis Star Date: Thursday, December 13, 1979 Country: United States Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota Section: Entertainment News THE STORY The brief report states that Prince’s concert set for Sunday at the Orpheum Theater has been canceled because he contracted pneumonia on his

Concert listing for Prince performing at The Bottom Line in New York City on Sunday, December 9, 1979, with shows at 8:30 PM and 11:30 PM. Tickets $5.50. Publication: Newsday (Suffolk Edition) Date: Sunday, December 9, 1979 Country: United States Location: Melville, New York Section: In New York / Entertainment Listings THE STORY The brief entry lists Prince alongside other New York area shows, noting performances at The Bottom Line with Lonnie Liston Smith also mentioned for

Advertisement for Prince’s hometown “Homecoming Christmas Show” at the Orpheum Theater on Sunday, December 16, 1979 at 8:00 PM. Billed as “The New Genius in Music.” Publication: Minneapolis Tribune (Star Tribune) Date: Sunday, December 9, 1979 Country: United States Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota Section: Entertainment / Concert Promotion THE STORY The ad features a large stylized “PRINCE PRINCE” headline with a dramatic portrait of Prince and a decorative Greek key border.

Brief update noting that Prince, the one-man band from Minneapolis, has the No. 1 song on the soul charts with “I Wanna Be Your Lover”, which is also climbing the pop charts. He has formed a band and is on the concert trail, with a performance scheduled for December 16 at the Orpheum Theater. Publication: The Minneapolis Star Date: Friday, December 7, 1979 Country: United States Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota Section: Future Files / Entertainment Brief THE STORY The short i

Report that Prince canceled his Philadelphia debut at the Bijou Cafe last night due to pneumonia in his left lung. The status of tonight’s show is uncertain. Publication: Philadelphia Daily News Date: Thursday, December 6, 1979 Country: United States Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Section: Entertainment News THE STORY The brief notes that Prince, described as a “hotshot blues rocker” and “young soul singer,” was forced to cancel his scheduled appearance at the Bijou the

A preview in the Philadelphia Daily News announcing Prince’s Philadelphia debut performance at the Bijou Cafe, highlighting his rising talent and flashy stage presence Publication: Philadelphia Daily News Date: December 5, 1979 Country: United States Section / Pages: Entertainment / Tops Tonight Title: Prince: local debut (see Tops Tonight) THE STORY The short piece promotes Prince’s two shows at the Bijou Cafe (8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.), describing him as a “hot young talent”

Concert advertisement for Prince (with Rich Hall) at the Bijou Cafe on Friday and Saturday, December 7 and 8, 1979. Publication: The Philadelphia Inquirer Date: Wednesday, December 5, 1979 Country: United States Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Section: Entertainment / Concert Promotion THE STORY The ad promotes Prince for two nights at the Bijou Cafe, followed by The Nighthawks and John Hammond. Reservations recommended at 1409 Lombard St., phone 735-4444. CONTEXT AND NO

Advertisement for Prince’s hometown “Homecoming Christmas Show” at the Orpheum Theater on Sunday, December 16, 1979 at 8:00 PM. Billed as “The New Genius in Music.” Publication: Minneapolis Tribune (Star Tribune) Date: Sunday, December 2, 1979 Country: United States Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota Section: Entertainment / Concert Promotion THE STORY The ad features a dramatic portrait of Prince with a decorative Greek key border. Tickets priced at $9.00 and $8.00 reserved,

Preview article announcing Prince’s Atlanta debut on Monday, December 3, 1979, at the Capri Ballroom as part of his first 12-city national tour. Publication: The Atlanta Constitution Date: Sunday, December 2, 1979 Country: United States Location: Atlanta, Georgia Section: Pop Music THE STORY The piece highlights the 19-year-old Prince as a self-produced wunderkind who wrote, played all instruments, and sang all vocals on his albums. It notes his second album Prince sold 250,0

Final pre-show advertisement announcing Prince performing at The Palace on Saturday, December 1, 1979. Tickets available at all top ticket locations and at the box office the day of the show only. Publication: The Houston Post Date: Friday, November 30, 1979 Country: United States Location: Houston, Texas Section: Entertainment THE STORY The brief notice promotes Prince as a “Soul-rock musician” at The Palace (5134 Richmond, in Windsor Plaza). Box office phone: 960-1318. CONT

Preview article highlighting Prince as a “hot young soul talent” performing at the Bijou Cafe on Wednesday and Thursday, December 5 and 6, 1979 (note: earlier ads listed Dec 7–8). Publication: Philadelphia Daily News Date: Friday, November 30, 1979 Country: United States Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Section: Entertainment THE STORY The piece calls Prince a “(Stevie) Wunderkind” and praises his self-contained talent — writing all tunes, playing every instrument, and cr

A concert review in The Los Angeles Times of Prince’s performance at the Roxy in Los Angeles, offering a mixed but insightful critique of the 19-year-old artist’s early live show during his first major tour. Publication: The Los Angeles Times Date: November 29, 1979 Country: United States Section / Pages: Jazz, Pop Music Title: (Prince at the Roxy review) THE STORY The review describes Prince as a “wunderkind” who produced, arranged, and played all instruments on his two Warn

Updated concert advertisement for Prince at the Bijou Cafe in Philadelphia on Friday and Saturday, December 7 and 8, 1979. Publication: The Philadelphia Inquirer Date: Wednesday, November 28, 1979 Country: United States Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Section: Entertainment / Concert Promotion THE STORY The ad lists Prince for two nights at the Bijou Cafe as part of the venue’s December schedule, following Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers and 20/20, and preceding John Ha

Concert advertisement for Prince at The Palace in Houston on Saturday, December 1, 1979 at 8 PM, presented as part of a larger Pace Concerts calendar. Publication: The Houston Chronicle Date: Sunday, November 25, 1979 Country: United States Location: Houston, Texas THE STORY The ad prominently features Prince in stylized script above the venue and date information. It appears alongside other December shows including Arlo Guthrie, Kenny Loggins, Blue Öyster Cult, and Styx. CO

Promotional chart advertisement for Prince in the “Top 40 This Week’s Fever” section, highlighting his hit single “I Wanna Be Your Lover” and announcing his appearance at the Roxy Theatre on November 26. Publication: The Los Angeles Times Date: Sunday, November 25, 1979 Country: United States Location: Los Angeles, California Section: Music Charts / Entertainment THE STORY The ad features a prominent photo of Prince and promotes his debut Warner Bros. album, which includes th

Updated Roxy Theatre calendar advertisement confirming Prince performing on Monday, November 26, 1979. Publication: The Los Angeles Times Date: Sunday, November 25, 1979 Country: United States Location: Los Angeles, California Section: Calendar / Entertainment (Page 97) THE STORY The ad lists Prince for November 26 as part of the venue’s November–December schedule, alongside acts such as Wayland & Madame, Bob Marley & The Wailers, Southside Johnny, Curtis Mayfield, Pat Methen

Concert advertisement for Prince at the Bijou Cafe in Philadelphia on Friday and Saturday, December 7 and 8, 1979 Publication: The Philadelphia Inquirer Date: Sunday, November 25, 1979 Country: United States Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Section: Entertainment / Concert Promotion THE STORY The ad lists Prince as part of the Bijou Cafe’s December schedule, appearing after Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers and 20/20, and before The Nighthawks. Reservations recommended. Ve

A album review in The Minneapolis Star of Prince’s self-titled second album, praising his rapid musical growth while noting areas for further development. Publication: The Minneapolis Star Date: November 20, 1979 Country: United States Section / Pages: Music Reviews Title: (Prince album review) THE STORY The review discusses Prince’s second album, highlighting the success of the single “I Wanna Be Your Lover” (which reached No. 3 on the soul charts) and praising tracks like “

Concert advertisement for Prince at The Palace in Houston, Texas, on Saturday, December 1, 1979, at 8 PM. Publication: The Houston Chronicle Date: Sunday, November 18, 1979 Country: United States Location: Houston, Texas Section: Entertainment / Concert Promotion THE STORY The ad features a striking promotional image of Prince with his signature early look and large stylized “Prince” logo. It announces his appearance at The Palace on December 1. CONTEXT AND NOTES This is part

Roxy Theatre calendar listing announces Prince performing on Monday, November 26, 1979. The ad also promotes other November shows including John Prine, Randy Hansen’s Machine Gun (Hendrix tribute), Jimmy Messina, Tom Scott, Pat Benatar, J.D. Souther with Katy Moffatt, Wayland & Madame, and Bob Marley & The Wailers (benefit show). Publication: The Los Angeles Times Date: Sunday, November 18, 1979 Country: United State Location: Los Angeles, California Section: Calendar / Enter

Prince’s self-titled second studio album, released in October19 1979, marked his commercial breakthrough and introduced the world to a more confident, funky, and sexually charged Prince RELEASE DETAILS Artist: Prince Label: Warner Bros. Records Date: October 19, 1979 Catalogue: BSK 3366 Format: LP Country: United States (international releases followed) THE STORY Prince’s self-titled album is a major step forward from his debut, showcasing a more assured artist with stronger

A rare 25-inch kick-drum head featuring the iconic "Prince" logo hand-painted in bold black cursive script, used by drummer Bobby Z. during Prince’s earliest live performances in 1979–1980. THE STORY This authentic kick-drum head from Prince’s very first touring band is a remarkable piece of early Purple Rain-era history. Measuring 25 inches in diameter, it features the artist’s name painted in large, elegant black cursive lettering positioned just above the microphone port.

Concert advertisement for Ashford and Simpson with Special Guest Prince on Saturday, December 9, 1978, at the Township (Township Auditorium) in Columbia, South Carolina. Tickets available at Township outlets or via Chargeit. Publication: The Columbia Record Date: Saturday, November 25, 1978 Country: United States Location: Columbia, South Carolina Section: Entertainment / Concert Promotion THE STORY The ad features a photo of Ashford & Simpson and promotes Prince as the openi