Prince’s Purple Rain is one of the most celebrated albums in music history. Released on June 25, 1984, it served as both the soundtrack to the film of the same name and as Prince’s sixth studio album. But beyond its chart-topping singles and astonishing performances, there are surprising details behind the creation of Purple Rain. Here are five lesser-known facts about this groundbreaking album:
1. “Purple Rain” Was Originally Meant to Be a Country Song
Believe it or not, the iconic title track “Purple Rain” began as a country song. Prince initially envisioned it as a collaboration with Stevie Nicks. When Nicks received the 10-minute instrumental version, she felt overwhelmed and declined the offer, stating, “I can’t do it. It’s too much for me.” Prince reworked the track with his band, The Revolution, giving it the grandiose and emotional rock-ballad feel we know today.
2. “When Doves Cry” Has No Bass Line
Prince’s innovative production on “When Doves Cry” shocked many listeners and musicians alike, as it features no bass line—a rarity for a hit song in the 1980s and it’s still incredibly funky. Read that again. No bass line. The story goes that Prince initially recorded the track with a bass line, but after a conversation with singer Jill Jones, he decided to remove it. The result was a more haunting, unconventional sound that helped the song stand out and become his first Billboard Hot 100 number-one single.
3. The Song “Darling Nikki” Led to Parental Advisory Stickers
The risqué lyrics of “Darling Nikki” sparked outrage among certain audiences, most notably Tipper Gore, who co-founded the Parents Music Resource Center (PMRC). The controversy surrounding this track was a driving force behind the creation of the Parental Advisory stickers that are now commonly seen on albums with explicit content.
4. Parts of Purple Rain Were Recorded Live
While much of the album was recorded in the studio, the final three songs—“I Would Die 4 U,” “Baby I’m a Star,” and “Purple Rain”—were actually recorded live during a benefit concert at First Avenue in Minneapolis on August 3, 1983. Overdubs and edits were added later, but the live energy is palpable in these tracks, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the performances.
5. The Full Version of “Computer Blue” Was Cut for a Single
The original version of “Computer Blue” was over 12 minutes long and included an extended suite-like arrangement. To make room for “Take Me with U” on the album, the track was edited down to just over four minutes. Fans finally got to hear the longer version when it was released on Purple Rain Deluxe in 2017.
Prince’s Purple Rain remains one of the most influential albums of all time, but it’s these behind-the-scenes stories that reveal the creative genius and audacity that made the album a timeless masterpiece. \
