Final promotional advertisement for Ashford & Simpson with Special Guest Prince on Saturday, December 9, 1978, at the Township in Columbia, South Carolina. Tickets available at Williams Music or via Chargit. Publication: The Times and Democrat Date: Friday, December 8, 1978 Country: United States Location: Orangeburg, South Carolina Section: Entertainment / Concert Promotion THE STORY The ad repeats the earlier promotion with a photo of Ashford & Simpson and highlights Prince as the special guest. It includes the $1-off T-shirt offer for those bringing the ad and lists ticket outlets. CONTEXT AND NOTES This last-minute ad ran the day before the scheduled December 9, 1978 concert. (Note: Historical records indicate Prince ultimately did not perform at this show, though he was heavily advertised as the opening act.) FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS Event: Concert promotion – Prince billed as opening act for Ashford & Simpson Era: Early career (For You album promotion) Tone: Standard last-minute promotional push Photography: Black-and-white photo of Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson Visual Motifs: Bordered newspaper concert ad with bold typography WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS Continued heavy local advertising for Prince’s appearance in South Carolina Specific ticket purchasing information on the eve of the show Prince’s name prominently featured as a draw alongside the headliners RELATED MATERIAL This is a follow-up to the November 25, 1978 Columbia Record advertisement for the same event. It reflects Prince’s early 1978–1979 promotional touring schedule. For other relevant posts, see the tags at the foot of the page. All magazine scans, photographs 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.

A brief, highly dismissive review of Prince’s debut album For You (Warner Bros. BSK 3150), calling it “not-so-royal music” and concluding it is “not worth looking into.” Publication: Nevada State Journal Date: Sunday, May 14, 1978 Country: United States Location: Reno, Nevada Section: Entertainment / Album Review Page: 75 THE STORY “This guy named PRINCE presents some not-so-royal music on ‘For You’ (Warner Bros. BSK3150). Prince has a so-so high voice and handles all the vocals and a lot of instruments. It’s sort of a R&B disco sound, and not worth looking into. . . .(Page 88) CONTEXT AND NOTES This is one of the earliest known published reviews of Prince’s debut album For You, released in April 1978. At age 19, Prince was still largely unknown nationally, and this Nevada critic was clearly unimpressed by his self-produced, multi-instrumental effort. Such mixed-to-negative early reviews were common before his breakthrough with the 1979 self-titled album and “I Wanna Be Your Lover.” FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS Event: Album review of For You Era: Pre-debut / very early Prince career (1978) Tone: Sarcastic and dismissive Photography: None in this clipping Visual Motifs: Short, blunt capsule review format typical of 1970s newspapers WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS Extremely early (and skeptical) critical reaction to Prince’s debut Recognition of his high voice and one-man-band approach The challenge Prince faced winning over critics in his first year on Warner Bros. RELATED MATERIAL This review predates all the 1980 tour coverage and the later Purple Rain era by several years — showing the very beginning of Prince’s recorded career. For other relevant posts, see the tags at the foot of the page. All magazine scans, photographs 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.

Report on Warner Bros. Records’ sponsorship of WGIV radio station’s annual Mountain of Food Drive, featuring Prince as the special guest signing autographs for fans. Publication: The Charlotte Post Date: Thursday, December 21, 1978 Country: United States Location: Charlotte, North Carolina THE STORY The article describes Prince (called an 18-year-old musical genius) spending hours signing autographs during the Friday radio-thon. It praises his self-produced debut album For You, noting he played all instruments, handled all vocals, and wrote, arranged, and produced the entire record. It also mentions he would begin touring in January. CONTEXT AND NOTES This early promotional appearance occurred during the For You album campaign. Prince participated in the charity radio-thon and a related “Mountain of Food Disco” event at Park Center, showing Warner Bros.’ grassroots efforts to build his fanbase in the South. FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS Event: Prince autograph signing / charity radio-thon Era: Early career (For You promotion, 1978) Tone: Positive local coverage highlighting his talent Photography: None in this clipping WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS Prince’s direct fan engagement and charity involvement in late 1978 Early recognition of his one-man-band approach on his debut album Warner Bros. supporting his career through local media events RELATED MATERIAL This fits with other late 1978 appearances, including the Ashford & Simpson concert promotions and the Oakland in-store signing. For other relevant posts, see the tags at the foot of the page. All magazine scans, photographs 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.

A very early May 12, 1978 album review in The Minneapolis Star of Prince’s debut album For You, praising the 19-year-old Minneapolis musician’s extraordinary talent as a one-man band and expressing high hopes for his future. Publication: The Minneapolis Star Date: May 12, 1978 Country: United States Section / Pages: Music Review Title: “For You.” (Warner Brothers 3150) THE STORY The review highlights that Prince, at just 18 years old, wrote, produced, and played every instrument on the album. The writer notes the high quality of the record, particularly the songs “For You” and “In Love,” and gives it a strong three-star rating while rooting for the local artist’s success. CONTEXT AND NOTES This is one of the earliest known published reviews of Prince’s debut album For You, released in April 1978. It shows strong local pride and recognition of his exceptional talent right at the beginning of his career, long before global fame arrived. For You is the debut studio album by Prince, released when he was only 19 years old. A remarkable one-man-band effort, Prince wrote, produced, arranged, and performed every instrument and vocal on the album (with the exception of one co-writing credit). The record blends funk, soul, pop, and rock with romantic, playful, and sometimes sensual themes, showcasing his extraordinary talent and ambition right from the start. RELEASE DETAILS Artist: Prince Label: Warner Bros. Records Date: April 7, 1978 Catalogue: BSK 3150 Format: LP Country: United States (international releases followed) THE STORY For You is a romantic, playful, and ambitious debut that blends funk, soul, pop, and rock. Prince handled virtually everything on the album himself, showcasing his extraordinary multi-instrumental abilities and distinctive vocal style. Many tracks were reworked from earlier home demos recorded in 1976–1977. The sessions took place at Record Plant in Sausalito and Sound Labs in Los Angeles, with the project nearly exhausting the entire budget Warner Bros. had allocated for his first three albums. CONTEXT & NOTES Released when Prince was still a teenager, For You proved to the industry that he was a genuine prodigy worthy of full creative control. Although it achieved only modest commercial success, it laid the foundation for everything that followed. The album produced two singles and helped Prince assemble his first touring band in early 1979. TRACK LIST Side One For You (1:06) In Love (3:38) Soft and Wet (3:01) Crazy You (2:17) Just as Long as We’re Together (6:24) Side Two Baby (3:09) My Love Is Forever (4:09) So Blue (4:26) I’m Yours (5:01) PERSONNEL Musicians Prince — all vocals and instruments Production Prince — producer, arranger, engineer, dust cover design Tommy Vicari — executive producer, engineer, remixer David Rivkin — vocal recording engineer (uncredited) Patrice Rushen — synth programming (uncredited) Charles Veal — string arrangement on “Baby” (uncredited) Steve Fontano — assistant engineer Dave Roeder — assistant engineer Mike Reese — mastering Bernie Grundman — mastering (1984 reissue) Jeff Farmakes — art direction (The Ad Company) Joe Giannetti — photography Special Thanks "To God, Owen, Britt, Bernadette, My Father and Mother, Russ Thyret, Gary, David Rivkin / Sound 80 Studios, C. Moon, Eddie, Sharon and Eleanor, L. Phillips, Bobby "Z" Rivkin, Tom Coster, Graham Lear, Joe Giannetti, Patrice Rushen, Charles Veal, Jr., Shirley Walker, Knut Koupee Music, Chuck Orr, Lisa H., and You!" CHARTS America Country: Chart | Entry Date | Peak Position | Weeks in Chart USA: Billboard Top LP’s & Tapes | 28 Oct. 1978 | 163 | 5 USA: Billboard Soul LP’s Chart | 22 Jul. 1978 | 21 | 23 USA: The Billboard 200 | 14 May 2016 | 138 (R) | - SINGLES RELEASED “Soft and Wet” (b/w “So Blue”) “Just as Long as We’re Together” (b/w “In Love”) Prince started recording in September 1977 at Sound 80 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he had previously made a demo. Friend and producer David Rivkin (later known as David Z) provided advice and engineering assistance. Rivkin was being considered for the role of executive producer, but Warner Bros. instead chose Tommy Vicari, known for his work with Gino Vannelli. Vicari suggested taking the project to a studio in Los Angeles, but Prince's manager Owen Husney chose the Record Plant in Sausalito, California. Shifting the project to California, Prince, Vicari, Husney, and Husney's wife settled into an apartment in Mill Valley, California, with a view looking down at Sausalito and out to the San Francisco Bay. Starting in October, the basic tracks were recorded over three months at the Record Plant. Vicari tried to exert his influence as producer but Prince shrugged off any advice that was contrary to his wishes. Prince worked obsessively on the project, singing all vocals and playing all instruments, including acoustic, electric, and bass guitar; acoustic and Fender Rhodes piano; synth bass; various keyboard synths by Oberheim, Moog, and ARP; orchestra bells (glockenspiel); drums and percussion. He used the Oberheim to provide the sound of a horn section, but with guitar lines layered into the mix. The basic tracks were finished in late December 1977. Husney later observed that Prince had drained Vicari during the recording process, such that Vicari was "heartbroken" because he had just been "treated like shit". In January 1978, Prince and Vicari moved the project to engineer Armin Steiner's Sound Labs studio in Hollywood to begin overdubs and final mixing. Prince distanced himself further from Vicari, concentrating on laying down multiple vocal lines to create a polished commercial sound. Warner Bros. selected an art director to design the album cover but Prince booked his own photography session with Joe Gianetti, resulting in a head shot taken in a dark room with Prince's face lit by candlelight. Prince completed the final mixes on February 28. The total project cost $170,500—US$841,626 in 2025 dollars—three times the original budget. With all the work, including 46 vocal lines layered into the first track, Prince was exhausted. He later said that he was a "physical wreck" when he finished. SOURCES Prince Vault, The Beautiful Ones (2019), Discogs, Warner Bros. archives, Wikipedia. COPYRIGHT NOTICE All album 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.

An early April 14, 1978 announcement in the Star Tribune highlighting the release of Prince’s debut album For You, praising the 19-year-old as a remarkable multi-instrumentalist who wrote, produced, arranged, and performed the entire record himself. Publication: Star Tribune / Minneapolis Tribune Date: April 14, 1978 Country: United States Section / Pages: Music / Record Notes Title: Record notes THE STORY The short note announces the release of Prince’s debut album For You on Warner Bros. (3150). It emphasizes that the 17-year-old (actually 19 at the time) single-handedly produced, arranged, composed, and performed all tracks, playing approximately 23 instruments and singing all vocals. The album was recorded at Sound 80 Studios in Minneapolis and Record Plant in Los Angeles. CONTEXT AND NOTES This is one of the very first local press mentions of Prince’s debut album, just days after its official release. It showcases the immediate pride and fascination from the Minneapolis music scene with their hometown prodigy. RELATED MATERIAL For other relevant posts, see the tags at the foot of the page. All magazine scans, photographs 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.

Concert advertisement for Ashford and Simpson with Special Guest Prince on Saturday, December 9, 1978, at the Township (Township Auditorium) in Columbia, South Carolina. Tickets available at Township outlets or via Chargeit. Publication: The Columbia Record Date: Saturday, November 25, 1978 Country: United States Location: Columbia, South Carolina Section: Entertainment / Concert Promotion THE STORY The ad features a photo of Ashford & Simpson and promotes Prince as the opening act. It includes a promotional offer: the ad is worth $1 off on an A&S T-shirt at the concert. Contact number for tickets is listed (toll-free 1-800-223-1814). CONTEXT AND NOTES This is another very early live appearance for Prince during the For You album promotion period (late 1978). At just 20 years old, he was opening for major R&B acts like Ashford & Simpson as he built his national profile ahead of his self-titled 1979 album breakthrough. FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS Event: Concert promotion – Prince opening for Ashford & Simpson Era: Early career (For You era) Tone: Standard promotional ad Photography: Black-and-white photo of Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson Visual Motifs: Classic bordered newspaper concert ad with bold headlines WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS Prince’s continued opening-act status in late 1978 Specific date, venue, and ticket information for the December 9, 1978 Columbia, SC show Early cross-promotion tactics (T-shirt discount) RELATED MATERIAL This follows the September 1978 Oakland in-store appearance and the May 1978 For You album review — documenting Prince’s grassroots touring and promotion efforts in his first year as a Warner Bros. artist. For other relevant posts, see the tags at the foot of the page. All magazine scans, photographs 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.

This was the fifth and final single released from Prince’s breakthrough double album 1999. Artist: Prince Label: Warner Bros. Date: November 23, 1983 Catalogue: 7-29548 Format: 7" Single Country: USA Written by: Prince Produced by: Prince TRACK LIST Side A Let’s Pretend We’re Married (3:40) Side B Irresistible Bitch (4:11) PERSONNEL Prince – vocals, all instruments, production Wendy & Lisa – background vocals (on Irresistible Bitch) THE STORY “Let’s Pretend We’re Married” was issued as the fifth single from the 1999 album in late 1983. The playful, funk-driven A-side was paired with the previously unreleased B-side “Irresistible Bitch.” Although it didn’t match the chart success of earlier singles from the album, it remains a fan favorite from Prince’s early Warner Bros. era. CONTEXT & NOTES The single features the striking shirtless cover photo with neon lighting. The 12" version preceded the 7" in the US market. This release marked the final single from the massively successful 1999 project. CHART PERFORMANCE US Billboard Hot 100 – #52 (peaked December 17, 1983) US Billboard Black Singles – #55 (peaked January 7, 1984) US Billboard Dance/Disco Top 80 – #52 (with Irresistible Bitch) RELATED MATERIAL Prince (1982) 1999 (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.

This Australian 7" single was released to promote Prince’s double album 1999. Artist: Prince Label: Warner Bros. Date: August 1983 Catalogue: 7-29520 / MX208187 Format: 7" Single Country: Australia Australia 7" Single (7-29520) Side A Automatic (3:38) Side B Something In The Water (Does Not Compute) (4:00) PERSONNEL Prince – vocals, all instruments, production THE STORY “Automatic” is a funky, synth-driven track from Prince’s landmark 1999 album. It was released as a single in select territories including Australia in 1983, paired with the album track “Something In The Water (Does Not Compute)” as the B-side. The edit on the A-side trims the full album version for radio play. CONTEXT & NOTES Housed in the classic Warner Bros. “wea” company sleeve. This Australian pressing features the edited version of “Automatic” and was part of the continued promotion of the 1999 album into 1983. CHART PERFORMANCE Did not chart in Australia RELATED MATERIAL Prince (1982) 1999 (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.

This extremely rare UK promotional 12" single was pressed to promote the full double album version of 1999 after the initial single-disc release. Artist: Prince Label: Warner Bros. Date: Spring / Summer 1983 Catalogue: SAM 172 Format:Dance Music Sex Romance (D.M.S.R.) Promo 12" Single Country: UK Written by: Prince Produced by: Prince TRACK LIST Side A Dance Music Sex Romance (D.M.S.R.) (8:15) Side B Dance Music Sex Romance (D.M.S.R.) (8:15) LINKED RELEASES / VARIANTS Album version on 1999 (1982) UK single-disc 1999 release (without D.M.S.R.) PERSONNEL Prince – vocals, all instruments, production THE STORY “Dance Music Sex Romance” (commonly known as D.M.S.R.) is a high-energy funk jam from Prince’s double album 1999. When Warner Bros. initially released a shortened single-disc version of the album in the UK, this track was omitted. Following the success of 1999 in the US and strong reviews, a limited run of approximately 200 promotional 12" singles was pressed exclusively for UK radio stations to highlight the full double album. It is now one of the rarest official Prince promos in existence. CONTEXT & NOTES Housed in a plain white sleeve with bold black typography. Both sides play the full 8:15 album version. Only around 24 copies are believed to survive today. This promo was also tied to the soundtrack exposure in the film Risky Business. CHART PERFORMANCE None (promotional release only) RELATED MATERIAL Prince (1982) 1999 (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.

Preview article announcing Prince’s Atlanta debut on Monday, December 3, 1979, at the Capri Ballroom as part of his first 12-city national tour. Publication: The Atlanta Constitution Date: Sunday, December 2, 1979 Country: United States Location: Atlanta, Georgia Section: Pop Music THE STORY The piece highlights the 19-year-old Prince as a self-produced wunderkind who wrote, played all instruments, and sang all vocals on his albums. It notes his second album Prince sold 250,000 copies in five weeks, with “Soft and Wet” as a hit from the first album For You. The backup band includes hometown musicians Andre Cymone (bass), Dez Dickerson (guitar), Gail Chapman (keyboards), and Bobby Lee (drums). The tour opened at the Roxy in Los Angeles. CONTEXT AND NOTES This article appeared the day before Prince’s Atlanta show, reflecting growing Southern interest in the artist during his breakthrough late 1979 period. FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS Event: Atlanta debut preview (Capri Ballroom) Era: Late 1979 (Prince album promotion) Tone: Positive and anticipatory Photography: None in this clipping WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS Confirmation of Prince’s first Atlanta performance on December 3, 1979 Early recognition of his prodigious talent and rapid album sales Details on his band and tour itinerary RELATED MATERIAL This follows the late November 1979 Roxy Theatre and The Palace (Houston) promotions. For other relevant posts, see the tags at the foot of the page. All magazine scans, photographs 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.

Advertisement for Prince’s hometown “Homecoming Christmas Show” at the Orpheum Theater on Sunday, December 16, 1979 at 8:00 PM. Billed as “The New Genius in Music.” Publication: Minneapolis Tribune (Star Tribune) Date: Sunday, December 2, 1979 Country: United States Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota Section: Entertainment / Concert Promotion THE STORY The ad features a dramatic portrait of Prince with a decorative Greek key border. Tickets priced at $9.00 and $8.00 reserved, available at Donaldson’s. A special guest is to be announced. CONTEXT AND NOTES This was a significant homecoming concert for Prince during his late 1979 tour, marking one of his biggest hometown headline shows to date following the success of his self-titled album. FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS Event: Homecoming Christmas Show at Orpheum Theater Era: Late 1979 (Prince album promotion) Tone: Celebratory hometown promotional ad Photography: Striking black-and-white portrait of Prince Visual Motifs: Ornate bordered ad with bold “PRINCE PRINCE” typography WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS Prince’s return to the Orpheum Theater (site of his 1980 tour kickoff) for a Christmas homecoming show Continued use of the “New Genius in Music” promotional tagline from earlier in his career RELATED MATERIAL This follows the late November 1979 Roxy Theatre and The Palace (Houston) dates. For other relevant posts, see the tags at the foot of the page. All magazine scans, photographs 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.

Concert advertisement for Prince (with Rich Hall) at the Bijou Cafe on Friday and Saturday, December 7 and 8, 1979. Publication: The Philadelphia Inquirer Date: Wednesday, December 5, 1979 Country: United States Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Section: Entertainment / Concert Promotion THE STORY The ad promotes Prince for two nights at the Bijou Cafe, followed by The Nighthawks and John Hammond. Reservations recommended at 1409 Lombard St., phone 735-4444. CONTEXT AND NOTES This is the final pre-show advertisement for Prince’s two-night stand at the Bijou Cafe during his late 1979 national club tour. FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS Event: Prince live at Bijou Cafe Era: Late 1979 (Prince album promotion) Tone: Standard club calendar advertisement WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS Last-minute promotion for the December 7–8, 1979 performances Prince sharing the bill with comedian Rich Hall RELATED MATERIAL This follows the November 25 and November 28, 1979 Bijou Cafe advertisements. For other relevant posts, see the tags at the foot of the page All magazine scans, photographs 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.