✦ When Doves Cry – Maxi Single US: Jun. 1984

A solo‑crafted masterpiece that ignited the Purple Rain era and redefined the sound of pop

✦ Summary

Released on June 13, 1984, as a maxi single and the lead track from Purple Rain, "When Doves Cry" marked a pivotal moment in Prince’s career. Recorded entirely by Prince — vocals, instruments, production, arrangement — the track showcased his total creative autonomy at the exact moment he was about to dominate global culture. Issued five weeks before the album, the single arrived worldwide with 17 Days as its B‑side, the first track officially credited to Prince and the Revolution. This pairing perfectly captured the duality of the era: Prince the solitary studio architect, and Prince the bandleader shaping a new musical family. Commercially, the single was unstoppable. It became Prince’s first US No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, also topping the Black Singles Chart and the Dance/Disco Top 80. Billboard later named it the No. 1 single of 1984. Certified platinum for two million units shipped, it was the last solo‑artist single to reach that threshold before certification rules changed in 1989.

✦ Highlights

• First single from Purple Rain

• Recorded entirely by Prince

• Released five weeks before the album

• B‑side 17 Days: first track credited to Prince and the Revolution

• Prince’s first US No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100

• Also No. 1 on Black Singles and Dance/Disco Top 80

• Billboard’s No. 1 single of 1984

• Certified platinum (2 million units shipped)

• A defining moment in Prince’s imperial phase

✦ Track Details

US/Canada 12-inch (0‑20228)

A: When Doves Cry — 5:52

B: 17 Days — 3:54

Catalogue number: 0‑20228

Release date: June 13, 1984 (US 12")

Label: Warner Bros. Records

Produced, arranged, composed, and performed by Prince

✦ Production and Context

Recorded at Sunset Sound with Prince performing all vocals and instruments.

Released ahead of the Purple Rain album and film, setting the tone for the era.

17 Days marked the first official credit for Prince and the Revolution.

✦ Chart Performance

United States: No. 1 — Billboard Hot 100

United States: No. 1 — Black Singles Chart

United States: No. 1 — Dance/Disco Top 80

Billboard’s No. 1 single of 1984

Certified platinum (2 million units shipped)

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✦ Discography Sidebar

Purple Rain Era Singles:

When Doves Cry — Single: Jun. 1984

Let’s Go Crazy — Single: 1984

Purple Rain — Single: 1984

I Would Die 4 U — Single: 1984

Take Me With U — Single: 1985

✦ Prince Era Mini‑Timeline

June 13, 1984 — When Doves Cry released

June 1984 — Purple Rain film premieres

July 1984 — Purple Rain album released

1984–1985 — Global chart domination

✦ Glam Flashback

When Doves Cry is the sound of a revolution beginning — stark, fearless, and unlike anything on radio in 1984. With no bassline, a searing guitar intro, and Prince’s raw vocal intensity, the track shattered pop conventions and announced the arrival of a new musical era. Its success set the stage for Purple Rain to become one of the most influential albums of all time.

✦ Image & Artwork Copyright Notice

All images, photographs, and artwork referenced or displayed in this post remain the property of their respective copyright holders. They are included strictly for historical, educational, and archival purposes under fair‑use principles. No ownership is claimed, and all rights belong to the original creators, photographers, designers, and publishers.

✦ Sources

Prince Vault, Discogs, 45cat, AllMusic, Rate Your Music, Wikipedia, Billboard Chart History, Official Charts Company, YouTube