Prince (June 22, 1984) “When Doves Cry” – Double 12" Limited Edition UK
- GlamSlamEscape
- Jun 22, 1984
- 2 min read
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
When Doves Cry (Full Length Version)
Disc 1 – Side B
17 Days
Disc 2 (SAM 199) – Side A
1999
Disc 2 (SAM 199) – Side B
D.M.S.R.
PERSONNEL
Prince – vocals, all instruments, production (on When Doves Cry)
Prince and the Revolution – on 17 Days
THE STORY
“When Doves Cry” was the lead single from the Purple Rain album and film. Released five weeks before the album, it became Prince’s first US No. 1 single and a global smash. This UK double 12" pack was a clever commercial release that bundled the full-length version and “17 Days” with a bonus 12" containing “1999” and “D.M.S.R.” to drive additional sales.
CONTEXT & NOTES
The main sleeve features Prince’s iconic close-up portrait with round sunglasses. The two 12"s were cellophaned together with a hype sticker promoting the free bonus disc. Double packs like this were a popular marketing tactic in the 1980s to increase sales volume.
CHART PERFORMANCE
UK Top 40 – #4 (peaked June 30, 1984) US Billboard Hot 100 – #1 (5 weeks) US Billboard Black Singles – #1 US Billboard Dance/Disco Top 80 – #1
RELATED MATERIAL
Prince (1984) Purple Rain (Album)
For other relevant posts, see the tags at the foot of the page.
SOURCES Prince Vault, Discogs, sleevographia2.
All single artwork, photographs, labels, 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.
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