Prince and Purple Rain: 40 Years

by Andrea Swensson

Authoritatively written and including rare photography and memorabilia, this beautiful slipcased volume is the only illustrated gift book to examine Prince’s most iconic album and film, Purple Rain .

In 1984, Prince, along with his band, The Revolution, released what would become his best-selling album and a touchstone of 1980s pop culture. Purple Rain has gone on to sell 25 million copies and counting. In Prince and Purple Rain , Andrea Swensson, a Minneapolis-based journalist and host/co-producer of  Prince | Official Podcast , takes a deep dive into the legendary musician’s most famous album on its 40th anniversary . Chapters
 
Illustrated with performance and off-stage photography as well as memorabilia from top collectors, Prince and Purple Rain is a decisive and beautifully produced tribute to a legendary album from a legendary performer and artist.

Genres: Music, Biography, Nonfiction

176 pages, Hardcover

Published May 21, 2024

About the author

Andrea Swensson is an author, radio host, and music journalist. She hosts a weekly program about the Minnesota music scene, The Local Show, at Minnesota Public Radio’s 89.3 The Current and contributes to the Local Current Blog. Prior to joining MPR, she was the music editor at City Pages, where she founded the AAN AltWeekly Award-winning Gimme Noise music blog.

Reviews

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

Prince and Purple Rain: Celebrating 40 Years, is a beautiful tribute to Prince and his band. Purple Rain is one of my favourite songs ever, so I just had to read this book. The author Andrea Swensson who is a Minneapolis-based journalist and host/co-producer of Princes official Podcast, has produced such a beautiful book to celebrate 40 years of Princes most popular album which has sold over 25 million copies worldwide.
The book has so many fantastic photographs of Prince, memorabilia, and more and is a truly beautiful dedication to a legend of the music world.

[Barbara Behring · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this tribute to Purple Rain and Prince. I loved Prince and his death devastated me, as it did so many others. This book was a wonderful look back at the movie and the music 🎶.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good bio of the Purple One with numerous photos covering Prince history.

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

This special book commemorating the 40th anniversary of the album/film Purple Rain by Prince is a slipcased hardcover perfect for any Prince fan. The photos of Prince in action and related memorabilia are spectacular. Highly recommended!

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good book, for those interested in such a thing, but also a piece that shows the thinness between this and a fan self-production. This tells us the story of one of the more impressive and remarkable funk/rock/dance hybrid albums, coming from an industry that still calls anything a 'hybrid' in the knowledge that that is pretty much commercial suicide. We start with the beginnings of Prince Rogers Nelson, the albums that led up to it, the tres belle girls and boys that built The Revolution, and gain a look at every track off the album, before swinging nicely into the narrative of the whole phenomenon it became.

But bear in mind this is a look at the record, not the movie. There is no production or shooting diary, and beyond a couple of words from the director nothing from anyone else involved in editing, lighting, designing it. Perhaps it isn't exactly that outstanding a movie, then, and we were always there for the blazing sound of it all… Later sections look at Prince's own music videos for the singles, the B-sides, and the small snippets from the vault that have been appended to deluxe editions of the album – in a way that anyone could do.

So where do I stand on this? As a narrative the author can interact with Prince very sparsely, and only right at the end, but she did routinely meet him, she did spend a specific anniversary of the album inside Paisley Park on a private occasion with Prince and key others, and she does host the official Prince podcast. If I'm asked if she does enough to give us something exclusive, something along the lines of the five-star winning ultimate story delivered by the ultimate storyteller, then I'm afraid the answer is a definitive and solid no.

That said, a whole host of the virtues here are the visuals – wonderful stills of the 1999 era and the Purple Rain tour's early days. But for the benefits of seeing what Wendy and Lisa look like now, there are ten pages of someone else's old ticket stubs.

Ultimately this would work given some edge and placed in a full critical biography of the Purple One. That multi-album deal for the multi-instrumentalist teenager with the raging 'fro and soft porn moustache, the growth in acclaim matching the growth in very non-PC song titles, the pretty much linear downward swerve of his output since, the odd exception aside. I'm not dissing Prince as a star, as a workaholic, as an industry-changer who brightens my day whenever I hear one of many of his singles, but this is not allowing itself to critique anything, and does have the hagiographic, "I'll ask the fans for input but I know the story already" feel of a not-discerning-enough love-in. The album is exemplary, so that is kind of justified, but all the same. This needed to be closer to Prince for more nitty-gritty and exclusive content, and also further from Paisley Park and its owners, for the chance to swerve from the official line. As a memento it's a four star pleasure, as a critical survey it's nothing like.

[Julie Maleski (juliereads_alot) · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚 PRE-PUBLICATION BOOK REVIEW 📚

Prince and Purple Rain: 40 Years
By Andrea Swensson
Publication Date: May 21, 2024

📚MY RATING:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

📚THE SYNOPSIS:

Authoritatively written and including rare photography and memorabilia, this beautiful slipcased hardcover is the only illustrated gift book to examine Prince's most iconic album and film, Purple Rain.

In 1984, Prince, along with his band, The Revolution, released what would become his best-selling album and a touchstone of 1980s pop culture. Purple Rain has gone on to sell 25 million copies and counting. In Prince and Purple Rain, Andrea Swensson, a Minneapolis-based journalist and host/co-producer of Prince | Official Podcast, takes a deep dive into the legendary musician's most famous album on its 40th anniversary.

📚MY REVIEW:

This may just be the best coffee table book in the history of music!!

**Okay, disclaimer: The Purple Rain soundtrack is one of my favorite soundtracks of all time, I own a special edition of the re-released purple vinyl, and not getting to see Prince live in concert -- before his untimely death in April of 2016 at the age of 57 -- is one of the biggest musical regrets of my life. I'm more than a little bit of a fan. **

For anyone who is a fan of Prince, this soundtrack, this movie, 80s music, the Minneapolis music scene, or even the color purple... This book is a must-purchase!!

I absolutely LOVED the photos and all the featured memorabilia, even while looking at it on the small screen of my iPad. I had to keep zooming in to read the words on the pages and then zoom back out to view the rare photos... And I didn't even care. I loved everything I saw within these pages! When it is released in May, this book will be published as a gorgeous slipcased hardcover book. I can't imagine how incredible it looks in all its dynamic colors and with all its oversized full-page magnificence! The history within this book, the stories about Purple Rain, the ticket stubs and mementos from the Purple Rain era, the details shared by those who knew Prince best... This book amazingly brings together a vibe that makes you feel like you were right there when it all happened. I'm telling you, this book is everything for fans of Purple Rain and Prince. 💜

I'll be buying a copy for my coffee table as soon as it's available!! Don't miss your chance to get your hands on this one if you're a Prince fan -- you won't regret it!

Thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this advanced reader's copy in exchange for my honest review!

[Darius Ostrowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to get through this thing called life….

With those words in 1984, Prince kicked off what would become his greatest triumph, both the movie and the album “Purple Rain”. And we get a chance to relive that time with the fantastic “Prince and Purple Rain: 40 Years” by Andrea Swensson, a detailed look at the creation and legacy of this great slice of 1980’s pop. And yes, I was in high school at the time, and distinctly remember being blown away by this assault on the senses. A bit funky, a bit synthy, a bit dirty, no one was sure what to make of this in catholic-boys-school-suburban-Chicago, but we all knew that this was something new, something made for us, something that would change music.

Ms. Swensson takes us back to those times. Starting with a brief biography of Prince as well as the music leading up to Purple Rain, we learn how Prince the solo artist became Prince the bandleader of the Revolution. After the success of 1999, the bar was set quite high as Prince decided that he wanted to be a movie star as well as a pop star, developing the basic premise of the movie and creating a soundtrack that would help define the film. We learn about all of the Revolution, how they joined the band, how they became part of this journey. We’re also introduced to the side players, Morris Day of The Time, Apollonia, Sheila E., and others. The stage is now set for the explosion.

We start with the album, Ms. Swensson takes us through it track by track, as well as the songs that didn’t make the final cut (got to love Erotic City!). We are taken through the movie, the premiers, the test screenings, the reaction. Following is the Purple Rain tour, electrifying audiences while Prince had already moved on to his next big idea. And finally the legacy is explored, how this changed music and movies forever.

This is a great addition to any Prince fan’s library, actually to anyone interested in pop culture. Not only do we have the stories from the people who lived them, but we have unbelievable pictures, memorabilia, and contemporaneous media that help us relive those moments. A great look at a great artist during a crucial period in his life.

I requested and received a free advanced electronic copy from Quarto Publishing Group – Motorbooks via NetGalley. Thank you!

[J Kromrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this captivating eARC.

"Prince and Purple Rain: 40 Years" by Andrea Swensson is a vibrant and meticulously crafted homage to one of the most groundbreaking albums and films of the 20th century. Swensson, a Minneapolis-based journalist and host of the Prince Official Podcast, offers readers an intimate journey through the creation, impact, and enduring legacy of Prince's magnum opus on its 40th anniversary.

The book is not merely a recounting of well-known facts but an authoritative deep dive into the cultural phenomenon that is "Purple Rain". Swensson's narrative is enriched with rare photography and memorabilia, making it a treasure trove for fans and a visual feast for newcomers. The slipcased volume is as much a collector's item as it is a piece of literature, reflecting the artistry and mystique of Prince himself.

Swensson's prose captures the enigmatic spirit of Prince, delving into the artist's creative process with reverence and insight. The chapters are thoughtfully structured, guiding the reader through the album's inception, the frenzy of its release, and its seismic effect on the music industry and society at large. The inclusion of performance and off-stage photography, alongside top collectors' memorabilia, adds layers of depth to the narrative, allowing the reader to experience the era as vividly as if they were there.

What sets this book apart is Swensson's ability to contextualize "Purple Rain" within the broader tapestry of music history. She articulates how the album not only defined the sound of the 1980s but also how it continues to resonate with artists and audiences today. The book is a testament to Prince's genius, showcasing how his work transcended music to become a symbol of innovation, defiance, and excellence.

"Prince and Purple Rain: 40 Years" is a definitive tribute to a legendary album and film. It's a must-read for music enthusiasts and an essential addition to the libraries of Prince's admirers. Swensson's work is a fitting celebration of an artist who was, and remains, ahead of his time. This book is a reminder of the power of art to inspire and transform, much like the album it honors.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prince and Purple Rain By Prince and Purple Rain by Andrea Swensson is a must book for any or new Prince fan and what a brilliant book this is. Yes I am a Prince fan ever since I was teenager back in January 1984 listening to Purple rain on the radio sitting to it in my bedroom.........What a great song that was! and still is.........Blimey was that 40 Years - I feel Old!!!!

Prince, came along with his band, called The Revolution, 1979 to 1986 and they released some of the best songs in the 80's and they are still played now 40 years on.....especially in my house. Purple Rain has gone on to sell over 25 million copies and counting.

In this brilliant book Prince and Purple Rain , Andrea Swensson, a Minneapolis-based journalist and host/co-producer of Prince | Official Podcast , takes a deep dive into the legendary musician’s most famous album on its 40th anniversary. It is well illustrated throughout with performance and off-stage photography as well as memorabilia from top collectors, Prince and Purple Rain is a decisive and beautifully produced tribute to a legendary album from a legendary performer and artist.

A great book....I loved it and so did my hubby.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Purple Rain was the first record I bought with my own money. I used the money from my 8th birthday and listened to this record on repeat. It is still one of my top 5 favorite albums ever, and I have loved Prince and his music from as early as I can remember. I am thankful to have grown up within the range of the Twin Cities radio stations, where Prince was in high rotation. This is such a wonderful look into the album, its creation, the movie, and everything in between. I've admired and respected Andrea from her CityPages days, and really became a fan when she was at the Current. Her first book about the R&B scene in Minneapolis, and her new book with Cornbread Harris, show her utmost love and respect for these important musicians. Prince saw a kindred spirit in Andrea, and this book is such a wonderful tribute to him and this iconic album. I was so excited that Motorbooks published this book. I worked there for 10 years and learned so much from the editor on this project. This book is gorgeous and a must for any Prince fan.

[Jade aka MrsTosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Motorbooks for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thought and opinions are my own.

Like Maya Rudolph who wrote the foreword for this biography, I can still remember the first time I ever heard the opening cords of Purple Rain. And can honestly say that you have not lived until you are in a live stadium listening to him play them. Watching him move around the stage in his light up shoes. There is a spell cast upon the audience and you are truly transported to some other place.

I was lucky enough to see Prince tour when he came to the UK on 2014. Being born in the early 80's, I was brought up on the stuff as my older sister was obsessed, and used to play his albums all the time.
There is just something about Prince that sets him apart from every other artist out there and there will never be another like him. I remember the first time I saw him on screen and I was blown away. Not only was his voice beautiful, his musical ability off the charts but his imagination and lyrical ability was something else. Not to mention how he looked. I couldn't believe that someone so petite and pretty could also be so beautifully handsome and masculine. I think when I first heard him sign I didnt know if he was black, white, male or female. I think I might have even fallen in love with him when I first saw the film Purple Rain.

I think this kind of sums him up:
"I was brought up in a black and white world" Prince told Guitar world in 1998. "I dig white and black; night and day, rich and poor, man and woman. I listen to all kinds of music and I want to be judged on the quality of my work, not on what I say, nor on what people claim I am, nor the colour of my skin"

I thought this book was beautifully written by someone who is not only clearly a fan, but by someone who wants to do justice to his music and creative genius. The author has obviously done extensive research, not just in her own career interviewing him and the band over the years, by also by speaking to bandmates and friends to get the truly, unique complex personality.

I really enjoyed reading this book and thought the photos used and concert ticket stubs were a great touch.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember the impact of Purple Rain ~ the film and the album ~ and the awesomeness of both. This book beautifully captures that feeling of something special happening. The book specifically focuses on the film and movie but gives lots of background and information on all the participants and how the whole experience was put together.

It’s interesting looking back at how things were in the early 80’s and how huge this purple Prince phenomenon was. This man wrote songs that moved you in so many ways. He can create "When Doves Cry" then the next minute have Darling Nikki ‘enjoying’ her magazine.

I never saw the great man live and this book, the film and the album will keep his memory and talent strongly alive. A fascinating insight into a great moment in musical history. A must buy for any fan of the purple pixie. What he might have achieved if he had lived longer…

I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley

[Samsbookspot · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book examines Prince's most iconic album and film on it's 40th anniversary.
I am a huge Prince fan and this album is one of the soundtracks to my teenage years. My original copy was on tape and I still have it all these years later.
So I was extremely excited to see this in the read now section on Netgalley.
The book starts with a brief biography of Prince and the 6 albums before Purple Rain. It also shares how he became the leader of the band The Revolution and the success of 1999. It tells us how Prince wanted to make a movie and had the basic premise before working on the subsequent soundtrack.
The pages are packed with photos, memorabilia and stories about the band and the album.
I will definitely be getting a copy of this book to add to my music memorabilia collection.
Thank you to Netgalley, Quarto Publishing group and the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful book…

I read this book in ebook format which, given its full colour illustrations, I’m sure would be even more stunning in a paper copy. Along with the beautiful illustrations – ticket stubs, pictures on stage, before and after the release of the album and movie – were snippets about each of them.
The author ably walked me through an incredibly prolific time in Prince’s career. Digging into the music, the lyrics, the band members, all was recounted with attention to detail. I have enjoyed Prince’s hits - I’m one of those people he talked about in the book. I listened to the hits without realizing the stories behind the songs and their lyrics.

I admit a lot of the details around playing/use of instruments, and the nuances around the music creativity, was lost on me but that didn’t stop me from gaining more respect for the artist Prince was.

*I happily reviewed this book
**Thank you to NetGalley and Motorbooks

[Karen Mace · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're a fan of Prince - I am!! - then you're in for a treat with this book!! It is clearly written by people who are fans of the man and the movie, and it was a wonderful walk down memory lane for me to read this book, and admire the photography within.

It covers all aspects of the film, from the music, the band to the behind the scenes recollections and the memories of people who worked on the film and music were wonderful to read. It goes beyond just the film though, and has wonderful write ups on the discography of his around the time, the tracks used and it just took me right back - and had me playing the album in the background as I looked through the book!

A wonderfully fitting memorial to the legend that was!

[Michelle Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This record came out the week after I turned 10; and I’ve been a Prince fan ever since. One of my bigger regrets is not ever seeing him live. When I saw this title, I knew that I wanted to read it, and knew that everyone else in my family would want to as well (my husband and teens are all fans as well).

The book was so much more than Purple Rain though - b-sides, other recordings, etc.. Full of fantastic photos (color and black and white) as well as photos of passes and other memorabilia, the writing is wonderful and the admiration and love for Prince comes across in the words.

This is a perfect coffee table book. This is one I’ll definitely buy and it’s an absolute recommendation from me.



Thank you to Motorbooks and NetGalley for the PDF

[Bargain Sleuth Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be still my Gen X heart, this 40th anniversary retrospective of Prince's Purple Rain, both the album and movie, is a delight for even the most casual fan. But if you've heard Prince's work, there is no such thing as a casual fan of his.

Loads of photos, pictures of memorabilia, and the story behind the story of Purple Rain. There might be some stories that even die-hard fans might not know in this book. The time capsule of 1984 was a watershed year in pop culture, and one of the biggest reasons is the work of Prince. A must have for fans of one of the greatest in rock history.

Thanks to NetGalley and Motorbooks for the digital eBook. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Randal White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having just graduated from college when the incredible Purple Rain was released, I found myself swept away in an emotional high upon hearing it. What a talented man Prince was. Truly one of the greatest artists of the time. So incredibly creative. When I received this ARC from NetGalley, I couldn't wait to read it. In fact, I read the entire book the first night I received it! And have been back to read it several more times since then, taking my time to digest the whole experience. The photos, the stories and documentation, it's all fantastic! This is a book I will be ordering a hard copy of to keep on my coffee table to look at again and again!

[Damien · Rating 3 out of 5]

(received advance digital edition via NetGalley)

This is a nice collectible, hardly a necessity, as no new ground is broken or secrets revealed. It's a souvenir for the 40th anniversary of the phenomenal album, tour, and movie. The pictures are excellent, vibrant, and plentiful. The text is relatively rote. "Here's mini-bios of the band, song write-ups (including a handful of the most well-known 'unreleased'/film-only bits), and a couple of critical high-level overviews" and that's about all she wrote. Again, not a bad experience, but if you've read any number of the other posthumous books or online deep-dives, then this is little more than a "Rand's Atlas" guide. I don't think it ever intended to be otherwise, just don't expect more than a slice of 'memba that' cake and ice cream.

[Gerrod Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prince And Purple Rain: 40 Years is a stunning book that celebrates four decades of one of Prince's most vital records ever, Purple Rain. While the book itself does not break much new ground surrounding the album, Andrea Swensson does a fantastic job of using visual and primary evidence to support a narrative that follow's Prince through the formation of The Revolution to the release of the record. Best of all, Swensson's work is a love letter to Purple Rain that makes for a very enjoyable reading experience.

[Jenifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

FORTY years!!! Holy cow! This is a great breakdown of the Purple Rain soundtrack album (released June, 1984) and movie (released July, 1984) as well as a background on Prince's band members and those around him. There are a ton of great concert pictures.

This is a must have for all fans of The Purple One!!


(Thank you to NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book. I hate that I had to read it on the Shelf app!)

[Tavia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andrea Swanson goes over the production of both the album & movie “Purple Rain” to celebrate 40 years of the masterpieces. I am a big Prince fan & this book would be a great addition to any Prince lover’s collection. The pictures & stories in this colorful book were enjoyable. I miss Prince.

Thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this advanced reader’s copy of this book.

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I seriously loved this book so much I wish I could go back and read it again for the first time. It gave me goosebumps more than once and brought back SO many memories of the legendary artist. Thank you to Netgalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Motorbooks for an advanced copy of this book.

[Glen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not get to do much more than thumb through this book before it archived. This review is based on what I did see and read. I was always fascinated with the movie Purple Rain and the various actors, musical actors. I learned a little about prince and his band. Read this book, I recommend it.

[Anna Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

First review of the year. This book brought back so many memories and made me very happy. Andrea always does a good job.

[Caden Downen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok clock it

[Phdrseuss · Rating 5 out of 5]

💜💜💜💜💜💜💜
Happy 40th Anniversay Purple Rain. This book is a must .... especially those who love Prince, love his music and/or love the movie Purle Rain.

[Dna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prince is a King.

[Vnunez-Ms_luv2read · Rating 5 out of 5]

40 years since Purple Rain. Prince. Purple Rain. They go together like peanut butter and jelly. This book is a must to mark the debut of this iconic movie and recording. Wonderfully written and the pictures are an added bonus. Thank you to the author and the publisher for giving us this wonderful book. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the ARC of this book in return for my honest opinion. Receiving the book in this manner had no bearing on my review.