Jon Bream’s major feature celebrates Prince as the country’s hottest pop star. His album Purple Rain is outselling Michael Jackson’s Victory, “When Doves Cry” is a massive hit, and the film Purple Rain opens in theaters on Friday. THE STORY The article is a comprehensive hometown triumph piece marking the peak of Prince-mania: Purple Rain album dominating sales charts, beating the Jacksons. “When Doves Cry” breaking records as the fastest-selling single in Warner Bros. histor

"Let’s Go Crazy" was the second single released from Purple Rain, Prince’s sixth studio album and the first credited to Prince and the Revolution. In the UK and Europe, it was issued as the third single following Purple Rain. The B‑side, "Erotic City," was previously unreleased and featured Sheila E., marking her first appearance on a Prince‑credited release. Recorded at Sunset Sound, Los Angeles, during the Purple Rain sessions. "Let’s Go Crazy" opens the album and film, fea

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

Artist: Doug Henders Year: 1984 (signed DH 89) Medium: Ink and graphite on paper Size: 10.75" x 14" Iconic minimalist artwork created for Prince and The Revolution’s groundbreaking Purple Rain Tour (1984–1985). This striking design features only Prince’s eyes, nose, and lips — one of the most recognizable visual symbols from the Purple Rain era. Key Content Notable Details The piece was drawn by renowned artist Doug Henders and used as a key visual element during the massive

Purple Rain is Prince’s sixth studio album and the soundtrack to the 1984 film of the same name. A groundbreaking fusion of rock, pop, R&B, and funk, it became his commercial and artistic peak, cementing his status as a global superstar. RELEASE DETAILS Artist: Prince and The Revolution Label: Warner Bros. Records Date: June 25, 1984 (US) / July 13, 1984 (UK) Catalogue: 25110 Format: LP Country: United States / United Kingdom (worldwide release) THE STORY Purple Rain is a den

This special commercial limited edition double 12" pack was released to boost sales during the massive success of the Purple Rain era, pairing the full-length single with a bonus 12" of 1999 Artist: Prince Label: Warner Bros. Date: June 22, 1984 Catalogue: W9286T + SAM 199 Format: Double 12" Single (Limited Edition Commercial Pack) Country: UK Written by: Prince Produced by: Prince TRACK LIST UK Double 12" Limited Edition Commercial Pack (W9286T + SAM 199) Disc 1 – Side A Whe

A local report in the Minneapolis Star and Tribune announcing that Prince’s feature film Purple Rain will premiere in Los Angeles (not Minneapolis) on July 25 or 27, while recapping his recent 25th birthday concert at First Avenue and the chart success of the single “When Doves Cry.” Publication: Minneapolis Star and Tribune Date: Sunday, June 17, 1984 Country: United States Section / Pages: Entertainment / In the Wings Title: In the wings (Purple Rain premiere details) THE S

Released on June 13, 1984, as a maxi single and the lead track from Purple Rain, "When Doves Cry" marked a pivotal moment in Prince’s career. Recorded entirely by Prince — vocals, instruments, production, arrangement — the track showcased his total creative autonomy at the exact moment he was about to dominate global culture. Issued five weeks before the album, the single arrived worldwide with 17 Days as its B‑side, the first track officially credited to Prince and the Revol

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

Prince’s managers launch a coordinated music-video campaign to promote both the upcoming Purple Rain album and film, using the groundbreaking “When Doves Cry” video as the centerpiece. Publication: The Herald-News Date: Sunday, June 10, 1984 Country: United States Location: Passaic, New Jersey Section: Entertainment THE STORY The article describes the six-minute “When Doves Cry” video in vivid detail — Prince wearing a gold crucifix in a milk-white bathtub surrounded by flutt

Prince’s managers launch a coordinated music-video campaign to build hype for both the upcoming Purple Rain album and film, using the groundbreaking “When Doves Cry” video as the centerpiece. Publication: Lexington Herald-Leader Date: Sunday, June 10, 1984 Country: United States Location: Lexington, Kentucky Section: Entertainment / Front Page (with large photo) THE STORY The article describes the six-minute “When Doves Cry” video in detail — Prince in a milk-white bathtub w

A hometown report in the Star Tribune covering Prince’s private 25th birthday concert at First Avenue in Minneapolis, where he performed new material from his forthcoming feature film Purple Rain. Publication: Star Tribune Date: Friday, June 8, 1984 Country: United States Section / Pages: Entertainment / Local News Title: Prince celebrates 25th birthday with a private concert THE STORY The short article notes that Prince, the Minneapolis-born rock star, celebrated his 25th bi

The Time released “Ice Cream Castles” as the lead single from their third album on May 30, 1984 in the USA. It was issued with “Tricky” as the B-side, a track written and performed by Prince (uncredited). 7" Commercial Single (7-29247) A-Side RELEASE DETAILS Artist: The Time Label: Warner Bros. Records Format: 7" Vinyl Single Country: USA Released: May 30, 1984 Genre: Funk, R&B, Minneapolis Sound A-Side: “Ice Cream Castles” Written by: Prince & The Time Produced by: Prince &

The Time released a rare variant of the “Ice Cream Castles” single in Brazil featuring a different B-side — “My Drawers” — instead of the usual “Tricky” found on all other releases. 7" Commercial Single (7-29247) Front RELEASE DETAILS Artist: The Time Label: Warner Bros. Records Format: 7" Vinyl Single Country: Brazil Catalog Number: 16.269 Released: 1984 Genre: Funk, R&B, Minneapolis Sound A-Side: “Ice Cream Castles” Length: 4:20 B-Side: “My Drawers” Length: 3:55 TRACK LIS

Staff writer Jon Bream argues that the Minnesota Music Awards should strive for greater credibility, noting Prince’s third consecutive performance at the event as evidence of its growing significance. PUBLICATION Publication: Star Tribune Date: May 27, 1984 Country: USA Section / Pages: Page 91 Title: Area music industry should strive for awards credibility THE STORY The commentary discusses the fourth annual Minnesota Music Awards, highlighting Prince’s performance for the

A brief pre-release announcement in a local Minnesota newspaper hyping Prince’s upcoming feature film Purple Rain, describing it as a love story between a struggling musician and a beautiful dancer/singer set in the music world PUBLICATION Publication: St. Cloud Times Date: Thursday, May 24, 1984 Country: United States Section / Pages: Page 12 Title: Purple Rain THE STORY This short article from central Minnesota’s St. Cloud Times gives readers an early glimpse into Prince’s

Coverage of local music awards notes that Prince, after a steamy three-song performance, did not accept his awards in person. He sent Wendy Melvoin (guitarist in his band) to pick up the trophy. She quipped, “He screams. I don’t. That’s why I’m accepting.” Publication: Minneapolis Star and Tribune Date: Tuesday, May 22, 1984 Country: United States Section: Awards coverage (continued from page 1C) THE STORY The article highlights Prince’s rising prominence with his “distinctiv

“In the wings” column provides one of the most detailed local updates yet on Prince’s upcoming film and soundtrack. The movie, filmed last fall in the Twin Cities, is expected in late summer. The soundtrack album drops June 18. Publication: Minneapolis Star and Tribune (Minneapolis Tribune) Date: Sunday, May 20, 1984 Country: United States Section: In the wings (Page 6G) Byline: Jon Bream THE STORY The article breaks the long media silence with a comprehensive overview: Plot:

Prince’s groundbreaking, minimalist masterpiece and the lead single from Purple Rain, When Doves Cry became his first US number 1 and one of the defining singles of the 1980s. Artist: Prince Title: When Doves Cry Release Date: 16 May 1984 (US 7" release) Label: Warner Bros. Format: 7" Vinyl Catalogue Number: 7-29286 Country: United States Length: 7:41 (combined A/B sides) When Doves Cry was the first single from Purple Rain and was released five weeks before the album. Althou

Jon Bream announces Sheila E. as Prince’s latest protégé with her debut single “The Glamorous Life” now out on Warner Bros. Prince’s new album Purple Rain (the soundtrack to his upcoming movie) is set for release on June 18, with the film possibly arriving in theaters in July. Prince’s new single “When Doves Cry” drops this week, while The Time’s “Ice Cream Castle” single arrives May 30. Publication: Minneapolis Star and Tribune Date: Sunday, May 13, 1984 Country: United Stat

One final note: Wendy Melvoin, the new guitarist in Prince’s band, is the daughter of Mike Melvoin, president of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (which bestows the Grammys). Publication: Minneapolis Star and Tribune Date: Sunday, March 11, 1984 Country: United States Section: Entertainment / Prince Update column “Wendy Melvoin, the new guitarist in Prince’s band, is the daughter of Mike Melvoin, president of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Scien

Purple Rain has been edited down to under two hours, but Prince still needs to film one remaining scene with his on-screen love interest, Apollonia (née Patty Kotero). Additional notes on Apollonia’s background, a song sent to Sheena Easton, Wendy Melvoin’s connection to Prince’s band, and Prince and the Revolution topping the Village Voice critics’ poll. Publication: Minneapolis Star and Tribune Date: Sunday, March 11, 1984 Country: United States Section: Entertainment / Pri

Local coverage notes that Prince’s first movie, Purple Rain, was completed during the holidays in chilly downtown Minneapolis. It also reports that the superstar may appear in a major Hollywood film about blues legend Robert Johnson, alongside Mick Jagger and others, starring Eartha Kitt and Ben Vereen. Publication: Minneapolis Star and Tribune Date: Wednesday, February 1, 1984 Country: United States Section: Entertainment news brief THE STORY The brief celebrates Prince as a

Prince has been nominated for two Soul Music Awards at the upcoming American Music Awards: Most Popular Soul Male Vocalist and Soul Album of the Year for 1999. Meanwhile, he is in Los Angeles shooting additional scenes for his film Purple Rain. Publication: Minneapolis Star and Tribune Date: Sunday, January 8, 1984 Country: United States Section: Entertainment news brief THE STORY The item reports Prince’s double nomination at the Dick Clark-produced American Music Awards (to