March 2016 Prince Auction Ends Thursday, March 17th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/17/2016
Companion pieces used to promote the young prodigy named Prince in 1977, prior to signing with Warner Bros. and releasing his debut album, "For You". Lot consists of demo tape, press kit and one sheet: (1) Demo tape containing very early and very rare Prince recordings, housed in a cardboard Sound 80 studios box. White section of box has Prince's handwritten listing of the tracks, complete with a heart over the "i" in "Prince" and nipples on the "W" in the first title (favorite flourishes of the young musician). Written in black felt tip: "'Prince' / 1. 'Just As Long As We're Together' / 2. 'My Love Is Forever' / 3. 'Jelly Jam'". Below these note by Prince are notes handwritten by David Rivkin: "7 1/2 1/4 track / Engineered by David Rivkin"; Rivkin is a Grammy winning sound engineer/producer and brother of Prince's former drummer, Bobby Z. The demo was recorded in the winter of 1976 through the spring of 1977 at Sound 80 studios in Minneapolis. Along with the press kit, the demo was shopped to record labels on the West Coast by Prince's former manager Owen Husney, eventually landing Prince a deal with Warner Bros. All songs were re-recorded for Prince's 1978 debut album, "For You", except "Jelly Jam", which was never released. The demo tape is offered as a collector's piece only and it does not come with rights for reproduction, manufacturing or distribution. Tape and square box measure 7". Working tape is in very good condition; (2) Press kit conceptualized by Owen Husney, the man who discovered and formerly managed Prince, and designed by art director, Jeff Farmakes. It is one of only 15 made at an individual cost of $100 at the time. 12 of the 15 can be accounted for, as they were hand delivered in 1977 to record label executives, radio DJs, reporters, television show hosts and major booking agents. Minimal design of kit was based on the idea that "less is more", allowing Prince's musical talents to be the foreground. Black laminated folder is hand constructed with 4 freestanding inserts, each one highlighting a different instrument). Warner Bros. liked the concept so much, they later borrowed the design when marketing "For You", and a copy of the Warner Bros. one sheet, based off the press kit design, is included in this lot, in fine condition. A truly rare and exquisite piece mentioned in all Prince biographies, press kit measures 8.5" x 10.75". Minor creasing and wear to edges, otherwise near fine condition. With an LOA from Owen Husney. Five percent of net proceeds on this item will go to the charity Our House LA's Camp Erin for Grieving Children.
Prince Demo Tape & Very Rare Press Kit (Only 1 of 15) -- Used to Promote Prince in 1977 -- Includes Unreleased Track, ''Jelly Jam''
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