Today in Tha Wire we along with millions of fans, news outlets, and radio stations remember the legacy of Prince Rogers Nelson. He was truly one of the greatest musicians, and gifted singer/performers of all time. His tragic death on April 21, 2016... sent shockwaves around the world. I remember being on the air, and my boss (Erik Tee) coming in the studio with a look of confusion on his face. A stillness fell over the station. We just stood there, mouths open, struggling to make sense of the news we'd just heard. Prince was dead, at age 57. I remember the overwhelming sadness that came over me. The utter disbelief and the huge sense of loss I felt.

I felt that same way, the day I heard AaliyahLuther Vandross, and Michael Jackson passed away. They all made monumental contributions to the history of music, and our lives. Thankfully their incredible legacies will live forever, through the timeless songs they've left behind.

Today, Prince would have celebrated his 60th birthday had he still been with us. In honor of his memory today, his estate announced a 35-minute album of never-before-heard tracks is on the way. According to reports, September 21 is the release date for, Piano & A Microphone 1983! The new LP will feature nine tracks, from a live cassette recording Prince made in his iconic crib/studio Pasley Park, at the height of his career.

The album will also include a different version “Purple Rain,” a cover of Joni Mitchell’s “A Case Of You,” and more. As a special gift to his fans, today, the Prince estate shared a cut from the forthcoming opus "Mary Don’t You Weep.”  Below take a listen to the legendary artist's version of the old spiritual, and feast your eyes on the albums tracklist. Enjoy!

Piano & A Microphone 1983 Tracklist:
1. “17 Days”
2. “Purple Rain”
3. “A Case Of You”
4. “Mary Don’t You Weep”
5. “Strange Relationship”
6. “International Lover”
7. “Wednesday”
8. “Cold Coffee & Cocaine”
9. “Why The Butterflies”

FYI, Mary Don't You Weep will play during the credits of Spikes Lee's upcoming movie, BlacKkKlansman! Yeah, buddy! By the way, Lee's movie is going to be smokin'. As usually the famous movie director is going to push the envelope, and do something he's known for doing...MAKE US THINK.  Peep the trailer below:

As a Prince fan, I'll be looking forward to getting my hands on his new album! Stay in the know daily, with Tha Wire, airing exclusively on The People's Station 107 Jamz every weekday.

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