Betcha By Golly Wow! Single: 1996

Emancipation's Poster Sleeve Gem

Released as a CD/cassette single in the UK on December 2, 1996, on EMI/NPG Records (catalogue: CDEM 463 / CDEMS 463), The Artist (Formerly Known As Prince)’s “Betcha By Golly Wow!” — his lush cover of The Stylistics’ 1972 classic — was the first single from Emancipation and the first cover version ever released as a Prince single. Backed with “Right Back Here In My Arms,” this romantic ballad came in standard jewel case, limited edition with fold-out poster in orange slipcase, and cassette. Peaked at No. 11 on the UK Gallup Singles Chart. Commercial only in UK/Australia; US promo only. A soulful symbol-era triumph.

Single Overview

Release Details

Label: EMI / NPG Records.

Formats: CD single (standard / limited poster edition), cassette single.

Full Track Listing (all formats)

1. Betcha By Golly Wow! (3:30) – Written-By: Thom Bell, Linda Creed

2. Right Back Here In My Arms (4:33) – Written-By: Prince

Global Variants

- CD Single – EMI CDEM 463 – UK – 1996

- CD Single, Limited w/Poster – EMI CDEMS 463 – UK – 1996 (orange slipcase)

- Cassette Single – EMI TCEM 463 – UK – 1996

- CD Single – EMI 7243 8 83560 2 2 – Australia/Netherlands – 1996

- CD Promo – EMI DPRO-11657 – US – 1996

- CD Promo – EMI CDBETCHA001 – Netherlands – 1996

- CD Single – EMI TOCP-40020 – Japan – 1996

Production and Context

Produced/Arranged/Composed/Performed by The Artist (Formerly Known As Prince). From *Emancipation* (1996) — his first post-Warner independent triple album. First official cover version released as a single.

Official Singles Chart Data

Peak position: 11

UK Gallup Singles Chart

Singles Released and Chart Performance

- UK Gallup Singles Chart: 11

- US Billboard Hot 100 Airplay: 31

- US Billboard R&B Airplay: 10

Legacy and Collectibility

“Betcha By Golly Wow!” is The Artist’s first cover single — a soulful Stylistics tribute. Original UK poster edition CDs fetch £20–£60 on eBay/Discogs, standard £5–£15. Verify catalogue CDEMS 463 (poster). Streams on Spotify preserve the love symbol romance. This single is a must-have for symbol-era collectors.

Do you have Betcha By Golly Wow! in your collection? Did it make you wow? Share in the comments!

Sources

Information is drawn from my personal knowledge and supplemented by web sources, including Discogs, 45cat, AllMusic, Rate Your Music, Wikipedia, BBC Official Charts Company, Billboard Chart History and YouTube

Whilst every effort is made to provide accurate information, mistakes do happen. Simply leave a comment and the post will be updated. Thank you.