1984 July 26 : Purple Rain Movie

Star Tribune retrospective feature marking the 40th anniversary of the iconic Purple Rain movie premiere and the legendary star-studded afterparty that followed in Hollywood, looking back with vivid detail at one of the most memorable nights in Prince’s career and in the history of pop culture. The article dives deep into the electric atmosphere of the 1984 event, the excitement surrounding the film’s debut, the fashion, the celebrities in attendance, and the lasting cultural

The June 19, 2024 edition of the Star Tribune (Variety section) celebrates the 40th anniversary of Prince’s Purple Rain with a special feature and 40 facts about the landmark film and album. Publication: Star Tribune Date: June 19, 2024 Country: United States Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota Section: Variety / Front Page THE STORY The section highlights the enduring legacy of Purple Rain, including local celebrations, a new book, and the film’s cultural impact on Minneapolis.

Prince’s groundbreaking semi-autobiographical film Purple Rain became his first movie released on home video format, arriving on VHS in the United States on November 19, 1984, and quickly becoming a major commercial success as both a cultural phenomenon and a top-selling videocassette. RELEASE / PUBLICATION DETAILS Artist: Prince Title: Purple Rain Date: November 19, 1984 Label: Warner Bros. Home Video Format / Type: VHS Home Video (also Betamax / LaserDisc) Country: United S

November 4, 1984 – April 7, 1985 TOUR DATES • November 4, 1984 — Detroit, MI — Joe Louis Arena • November 5, 1984 — Detroit, MI — Joe Louis Arena • November 7, 1984 — Detroit, MI — Joe Louis Arena • November 8, 1984 — Detroit, MI — Joe Louis Arena • November 9, 1984 — Detroit, MI — Joe Louis Arena • November 11, 1984 — Detroit, MI — Joe Louis Arena • November 12, 1984 — Detroit, MI — Joe Louis Arena • November 14, 1984 — Greensboro, NC — Greensboro Coliseum • November 15, 198

This substantial Southern Illinoisan feature by Nancy Weil examines Prince's extraordinary rise during the Purple Rain phenomenon and asks whether Prince could challenge Michael Jackson's position at the top of American pop music. The article compares the two performers' audiences, personalities and commercial appeal while documenting the continuing success of the Purple Rain album and film and the rapidly selling forthcoming Prince tour. Publication: Southern Illinoisan Date

"The Glamorous Life" was released in the United Kingdom on October 15, 1984 as the first single from Sheila E.'s debut album of the same name. It was also the first release of any kind to carry Sheila E.'s name as the credited artist. The single had originally appeared four weeks before the release of the parent album. The standard 7-inch edition presented a 3:41 edit of "The Glamorous Life", backed with "The Glamorous Life Part II", a 3:12 continuation of the main recording.

A local cinema advertisement promoting the continuing theatrical run of Purple Rain, showing Prince's film entering its third successful week at the Broadway Twin Theatre in Albert Lea, Minnesota. Publication: The Albert Lea Evening Publication Date: October 10, 1984 Country: USA Event Date: October 1984 – Purple Rain theatrical run This cinema advertisement appeared in The Albert Lea Evening Tribune and promotes the ongoing screening of Purple Rain at the Broadway Twin Theat

Released: October 1, 1984 (USA) / October 5, 1984 (UK) Apollonia 6 is the first and only album by Apollonia 6, the group assembled by Prince following the departure of Vanity from Vanity 6. Released shortly after the group's appearance in the film Purple Rain, the album followed the success of Sex Shooter, which was featured prominently in the movie. Apollonia 6 effectively replaced Vanity 6 within Prince's expanding musical empire and served as one of several side projects d

"Purple Rain" was issued as the third single taken from Purple Rain, the sixth studio album by Prince and the first album credited to Prince And The Revolution. The release also marked the second single to carry the Prince And The Revolution billing. Colored 7" - USA - 7-29174 Purple vinyl + plastic picture sleeve Arriving ten weeks after the album's release, the single received extensive international distribution and continued the remarkable commercial momentum generated by

This short music industry report highlights Prince's extraordinary commercial success during the Purple Rain era. The article focuses on overwhelming demand for concert tickets, expanding tour plans, and the continuing chart dominance of both the Purple Rain album and the single "Let's Go Crazy." Publication: Minneapolis Star and Tribune Date: September 23, 1984 Country: United States Appearing in the newspaper's music column, the article opens with the question, "Just how ho

This Duluth News‑Tribune article from September 16 1984 profiles Vanity, the former Prince protégé, as she embarks on her solo career. Written by Lynn Van Matre of the Chicago Tribune, the piece explores Vanity’s decision to leave Vanity 6 and Prince’s circle to pursue independence in music and film. Publication: The Duluth News‑Tribune  News‑Tribune and Herald Date: September 16 1984 Country: United States The article recounts Vanity’s reflections on her time with Prince, wh

This Star Tribune full‑page advertisement from September 8 1984 promotes Prince’s debut motion picture Purple Rain, celebrating its seventh consecutive week in theatres. The ad features the bold endorsement from Newsweek critic David Ansen, who hailed Prince as “The New Prince of Hollywood.” Publication: Minneapolis Star and  Tribune Date: September 8, 1984 Country: United States The advertisement highlights Purple Rain’s enduring success in Minneapolis cinemas, listing six

Jon Bream reports on the star-studded Hollywood premiere of Purple Rain at the Mann Chinese Theatre, followed by a lavish purple-themed party at the Palace. Celebrities, fans, and industry figures turned out as Prince’s hometown film took Hollywood by storm. Publication: Minneapolis Star and Tribune Date: Saturday, July 28, 1984 Country: United States Section: Entertainment (Page 7C) Byline: Jon Bream, Staff Writer THE STORY The article captures the electric atmosphere of th

The July 27, 1984 edition of The Globe reports on the glittering Hollywood premiere and party for the film Purple Rain, starring Prince. Publication: The Globe Date: July 27, 1984 Country: United States THE STORY The article describes the gala premiere and party at the Palace nightclub following the Thursday night showing at Mann’s Chinese Theater. Guests included Steven Spielberg, Eddie Murphy, Christopher Reeve, John Cougar and members of Devo and Quiet Riot. Prince arrive

The July 27, 1984 edition of the Star Tribune reviews the film Purple Rain, focusing on Prince’s performance and the movie’s strengths and limitations. Publication: Star Tribune Date: July 27, 1984 Country: United States The review discusses how the film’s storyline closely mirrors aspects of Prince’s own life, making it difficult to assess his acting range. It praises the music sequences and Prince’s commanding stage presence while noting that the dramatic elements feel less

Purple Rain — the 1984 American rock musical drama film directed by Albert Magnoli and written by Magnoli and William Blinn — premieres on July 26, 1984 at Mann’s Chinese Theatre, Hollywood, California. The film marks Prince’s debut as a leading actor, with many elements of his personal life mirrored in the character of “The Kid.” Filmed on location in Minneapolis and Los Angeles, the movie features Minnesota landmarks including the Crystal Court of the IDS Center and the Fir

A detailed two‑part feature exploring Prince’s mysterious persona and the cultural impact of his film debut in Purple Rain, published in the Wisconsin State Journal on July 26 1984. THE STORY The article, written by Sid Smith of the Chicago Tribune, examines Prince’s growing influence in popular culture following the release of Purple Rain. It describes him as an “enigma” — a pop star whose talent and secrecy fuel fascination. The piece discusses Prince’s dual identity as bot

A chart‑report feature comparing Prince’s record‑breaking success with Michael Jackson’s, highlighting “When Doves Cry” and Purple Rain as dominant forces in 1984 pop music. Publication: Lincoln Journal Star Date: Thursday, July 26, 1984 Country: USA THE STORY This Newhouse News Service article announces Prince’s triumph over Michael Jackson in both singles and album sales. It opens by noting that Jackson had shattered all previous records, yet Prince’s When Doves Cry had sur

A full‑page theatrical advertisement announcing the premiere of Prince’s first motion picture Purple Rain, featuring a striking image of Prince on his motorcycle and a critical quote from Rolling Stone. Publication: Star Tribune (Minneapolis Star and Tribune) Date: Thursday, July 26, 1984 Country: USA THE STORY This black‑and‑white advertisement promotes the opening of Purple Rain, Prince’s debut feature film. The layout features a bold headline quote from Rolling Stone criti

Major pre-release coverage on the eve of the film’s opening, describing Purple Rain as Prince’s “emotional biography” and “ultimate creative gesture.” Extensive details on production, cast, script development, and the team behind the project. Publication: Minneapolis Star and Tribune Date: Wednesday, July 25, 1984 Country: United States Section: Entertainment (Pages 1C & 6C) Byline: Jon Bream (main articles) THE STORY The spread includes: “Film is ‘emotional biography’”: Deep

This Minneapolis Star and Tribune feature from July 1984, written by Jon Bream, explores Prince’s early life and musical beginnings in Minneapolis. The article traces his childhood, family influences, and formative experiences that shaped his artistry, offering a rare glimpse into the man behind the music at the height of his Purple Rain fame. Publication: Minneapolis Star and Tribune Date: July 23 1984 Country: United States THE STORY Part of a biographical series ti

The third studio album by The Time, released in conjunction with the band’s appearance in the movie Purple Rain. Largely written, recorded, and produced by Prince (under the pseudonym Jamie Starr), Ice Cream Castle features the hits “Jungle Love” and “The Bird” and marked the group’s biggest commercial success. Artist: The Time Title: Ice Cream Castle Date: July 2/9, 1984 Label: Warner Bros. Records Format / Type: LP / Cassette / CD Country: USA TRACK LIST LP / MC Side One Ic

Article Context & Main Highlights Key Content “Rochester to be site for Prince music video segment” Release Date: July 5, 1984 Publication: Post-Bulletin (Rochester, Minnesota) Date: Thursday, July 5, 1984 Prince and his production team selected extras in Rochester for a music video segment tied to his upcoming Purple Rain album and movie. The piece reports on the local excitement and rumors surrounding the filming at Le Bistro. Notable Details The article notes that only abo

Prince’s managers use the groundbreaking “When Doves Cry” music video as part of a coordinated campaign to promote both the Purple Rain album and film. Publication: Anderson Independent-Mail Date: Sunday, June 10, 1984 Country: United States Location: Anderson, South Carolina Section: Entertainment / Page 2D THE STORY The article highlights Prince appearing on a motorcycle in the six-minute “When Doves Cry” video, which is part of a coordinated campaign by his managers (Bob C