Prince (June 10, 1983) USA Today – “1999” Single Re-Release for Pop Crossover

Warner Bros. re-releases Prince’s “1999” single to capitalize on his pop crossover momentum after “Little Red Corvette,” helping the 1999 album surpass platinum sales.

Publication: USA Today

Date: Friday, June 10, 1983 Country: United States Location: McLean, Virginia Section: Entertainment / Music News

THE STORY

Seeking to solidify Prince’s new-found success as a crossover artist on the pop charts, Warner Bros. has re-released “1999,” the first single from his critically acclaimed album of the same name. The single was a big hit on the black charts earlier this year but got little or no airplay on pop stations. Warner decided to give “1999” another shot in the wake of the success of “Little Red Corvette,” the second single from the album. “Corvette” holds down the No. 8 spot on the pop charts. The album, by the way, just went platinum, signifying sales of more than 1 million copies.

CONTEXT AND NOTES 

This re-release was a key moment in Prince’s 1983 breakthrough. “1999” had been successful on R&B charts but needed the boost from “Little Red Corvette” to fully cross over to pop radio. The strategy helped cement Prince as a major mainstream star leading into the Purple Rain era.

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS 

Event: Single re-release announcement / chart momentum

Era: 1999 Album Era (1982–1983) Tone: Promotional / Industry news Photography: Black-and-white close-up portrait of Prince with curly hair and intense gaze (AP photo)

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WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS

• Prominent headline-style photo of Prince

• Explanation of Warner Bros.’ re-release strategy tied to “Little Red Corvette” success

• Confirmation of the 1999 album reaching platinum status

• Focus on Prince’s growing crossover appeal in 1983

  
  

RELATED MATERIAL 

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