Aretha Franklin & James Brown: "Gimme Your Love" Single (1989)

Prince's "Purple Mix" Remixes on UK Release

On October 30, 1989, Aretha Franklin and James Brown released "Gimme Your Love" as a single in the United Kingdom through Arista Records, featuring exclusive remixes by Prince under his Paisley Park pseudonym. This duet, the lead track from Franklin's album Through the Storm, marked the only collaboration between the Queen of Soul and the Godfather of Soul, blending their vocal power with funky R&B grooves. Prince's "Purple Mix" and its variants, produced in 1989, added his signature Minneapolis sound, including heavy bass, guitar, and vocoder effects. Issued in vinyl and CD formats, the single aimed to revive Franklin's chart presence amid the late-80s remix craze. Below, explore the background, significance, and details of this UK release.

Background and Context

Aretha Franklin and James Brown's Careers in 1989

Aretha Franklin, born March 25, 1942, was a 12-time Grammy winner by 1989, but her 80s output had been inconsistent after hits like "Jump to It" (1982). James Brown, born May 3, 1933, was a funk pioneer with enduring influence, though his chart dominance waned post-70s. Their duet "Gimme Your Love," written by Narada Michael Walden and Jeffrey Cohen, was recorded in 1988–1989 at Skyline Studios in New York, produced by Walden. Franklin handled lead vocals and some production, while Brown added his raw energy. The track's upbeat funk ("Gimme your love, baby / Gimme your love right now") fit the era's dance-oriented R&B.

The Through the Storm Album Era

Through the Storm, Franklin's 29th studio album, was recorded in 1988–1989 and released on September 25, 1989, through Arista. Featuring 10 tracks with guests like Brown and Whitney Houston, it peaked at #102 on the Billboard 200 and #16 on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, selling around 250,000 copies. Prince's remixes for "Gimme Your Love" were created post-album, at Paisley Park Studios, adding his funky layers to Walden's original. The single edit (4:49) focused on their vocal interplay, while remixes extended the groove for clubs.

Prince's Remixes

Prince, credited as Paisley Park, remixed "Gimme Your Love" in 1989, producing the "Purple Mix" (10:43 extended) and edits (e.g., Part One: 5:51, Part Two: 3:07). His versions incorporated heavy bass, guitar riffs, and subtle vocoder vocals (possibly his own, masked), transforming the original into a house-funk hybrid. This was one of Prince's rare 80s remix projects for others, bridging his Lovesexy (1988) era with production flair.

Chart Performance:

ChartPeak PositionUK Singles Chart#71US Billboard Hot 100Did not chartUS Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs#34

Modest UK entry at #71; stronger US R&B airplay (#34). No major international charting, but remixes boosted club play.

Promotion: A music video used archival footage of Brown and new clips of Franklin with dancers; aired on MTV and UK channels like The Chart Show.

Cultural Context

October 1989 saw the UK charts led by Jive Bunny's medleys and New Kids on the Block, with R&B remixes rising via house influences. The single's duet novelty and Prince's touch appealed to crossover audiences amid the Berlin Wall's fall.

The UK Single Release Formats

"Gimme Your Love" launched in vinyl and CD formats via Arista, emphasizing Prince's remixes for club appeal. Below are the confirmed UK variants, sourced from Discogs

and Prince Vault.

12" Vinyl Single

Vinyl, 12" Single

Label: Arista – 612 727

Format: Vinyl, 12"

Country: UK

Released: 1989

A Aretha Franklin & James Brown– Gimme Your Love (Parts 1 & 2) Purple Mix

B1 Aretha Franklin & James Brown– Gimme Your Love (Album Version)

B2 Aretha Franklin– He's The Boy

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Vinyl, 12" Single Promo

Label: Arista – KISS 12 DJ

Format: Vinyl, 12", 45 RPM, Promo

Country: UK

Released: 1989

A Gimme Your Love (Parts 1 & 2) (Purple Remix) 10:44

B Gimme Your Love 5:18

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7" Vinyl Single Gimme Your Love (The Purple Mix)

Label: Arista – 112 728

Format: Vinyl, 7", 45 RPM, Stereo

Country: UK

Released: 1989

A Aretha Franklin & James Brown– Gimme Your Love (Part One) (Purple Mix)

B Aretha Franklin & James Brown– Gimme Your Love (Part Two) (Purple Mix)

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7" Vinyl Single Gimme Your Love (The Purple Mix)

Label: Arista – 112 727

Format: Vinyl, 7", 45 RPM

Country: UK

Released: 30 Oct 1989

A Aretha Franklin & James Brown– Gimme Your Love

B Aretha Franklin– He's The Boy

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7" Vinyl Single Promo

Label: Arista – 112 727DJ

Format: Vinyl, 7", 45 RPM, Promo

Country: UK & Europe

Released: Oct 1989

A Aretha Franklin Duet with James Brown– Gimme Your Love (Edit Purple Mix)

B Aretha Franklin Duet with James Brown– Gimme Your Love (Edit Original Mix)

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CD Single

Label: Arista – 662 727

Format: CD, Single

Country: UK

Released: 1989

1 Aretha Franklin & James Brown– Gimme Your Love (Parts 1 & 2) (Purple Mix) 10:46

2 Aretha Franklin & James Brown– Gimme Your Love (Album Version) 5:20

3 Aretha Franklin– He's The Boy 3:43

Cultural and Musical Significance

Musical Innovation

"Gimme Your Love" fused Franklin's soul with Brown's funk, elevated by Prince's "Purple Mix" with bass-heavy grooves and vocoder—echoing his Batman (1989) work. It highlighted 80s remix culture, influencing house duets.

Franklin and Brown's Legacy

The single reunited icons for charity vibes, peaking at #71 UK but boosting Franklin's Through the Storm promo. Prince's remixes tied it to his empire, appealing to crossover listeners.

Broader Context of October 30, 1989

Amid Milli Vanilli's scandal and Phil Collins' dominance, the single bridged old-school soul with 90s house, released post-Berlin Wall fall.

Collectibility: 12" vinyl ($10–$20) prized for Prince mix; CD common ($5–$15). Promo variants $15–$30.

Streaming and Reissues: On Spotify/Apple Music via Through the Storm (remastered 2020); remixes on compilations.

Physical Media: Available on Discogs; 2025 Arista reissues possible.

Additional Notes

Prince's Touch: Remixed at Paisley Park; his subtle vocals in vocoder on Part Two.

Fan Reception: Soultracks (2020) calls it "underrated duet"; Reddit (2023) praises Prince's flair.

October 30, 1989, Context: Coincided with Franklin's UK promo, post-album US release.

Legacy

"Gimme Your Love," released October 30, 1989, united Aretha Franklin and James Brown with Prince's funky remix magic—a soul-funk fusion gem. Its modest chart belies its iconic clash. Collectors seek vinyl; streams revive the groove. Explore at princevault.com.