Nona Gaye & Prince (1994) Love Sign - Promo Single
- GlamSlamEscape
- Jun 1, 1994
- 2 min read
Updated: May 24
A rare promotional‑only CD from 1994 featuring Nona Gaye and the Love Symbol, showcasing three mixes of the single “Love Sign” from the NPG era.
RELEASE DETAILS
Date: 1994 (Promotional release) Catalogue: 0000005NPG (Germany Promo CD)
Format: CD Promo Single Country: United States / Germany Label: NPG Records / edel
Album: 1-800 New Funk (1994) A-Side: Love Sign
THE STORY This promotional CD for “Love Sign” represents a fascinating slice of Prince’s mid-’90s output. Credited to Nona Gaye & the Love Symbol, the disc includes three versions of the song: the Radio Edit, the 1-800 New Funk Version, and the Storyboard Video Mix. It was intended strictly for promotion and never received a full commercial retail release due to Warner Bros. interference. The track later appeared on the 1-800 New Funk compilation album.
CONTEXT & NOTES
“Love Sign” was the lead promotional single for the 1-800 New Funk project. Produced by Prince and Ricky P, it features vocal contributions from Nona Gaye and samples from related Paisley Park sessions. Marked “Strictly Not For Sale! For Promotion Only!”, this CD is a highly collectible item from Prince’s independent NPG era. A Silky Remix by Shock G later appeared on Crystal Ball (1998).
TRACK LIST
US/Germany Promo CD Single
Love Sign (Radio Edit) — 3:24
Love Sign (The 1-800 New Funk Version) — 4:33
Love Sign (The Storyboard Video Mix) — 5:36
All Variants
Promo CD Single (NPG / edel – Strictly For Promotion Only)
CHART PERFORMANCE Did not chart (promotional release only; no commercial single issued)
PERSONNEL
Prince (as Love Symbol) – production, composition, instruments
Nona Gaye – vocals
Ricky P – co-production, keyboards
The New Power Generation, George Clinton, Mayte, and others – additional contributions
WHAT THE LABEL / SLEEVE SHOWS
Classic black and red NPG design with prominent “LOVE SIGN” text, Love Symbol logo, and promotional back cover detailing all three mixes.
PACKAGING HIGHLIGHTS
Front sleeve: Bold red “LOVE SIGN” typography on black background with repeated pattern and Love Symbol
Back sleeve: Tracklist, credits, and “1-800 NEW FUNK” graphic with Nona Gaye imagery
Strictly promotional markings and “Not For Sale” text
RELATED MATERIAL
Prince (November 1, 1994) Space - Single US/International
Prince O(+> (May 23, 1994) The Beautiful Experience - EP (UK)
Prince O(+> (17 May 1994) The Beautiful Experience – EP (US)
SOURCES Prince Vault • Discogs • Collector documentation
COPYRIGHT NOTICE All single artwork, photographs, logos, and original text excerpts remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This entry is a transformative, non-commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference. No ownership of the original material is claimed or implied.
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