To mark what would have been Prince’s 60th birthday on Thursday, the late singer’s estate announced it is releasing the Piano & A Microphone 1983 album.
Recorded at Prince’s home studio in Minnesota, the nine-track album features a previously unreleased home studio cassette recording of Prince at his piano.
“This raw, intimate recording, which took place at the start of Prince’s career right before he achieved international stardom, is similar in format to the Piano & A Microphone Tour that he ended his career with in 2016,” said Prince Estate entertainment adviser Troy Carter, in a release.
“The Estate is excited to be able to give fans a glimpse of his evolution and show how his career ultimately came full circle with just him and his piano.”
Among the album’s tracks are an early version of “Purple Rain,” Prince’s take on the spiritual “Mary Don’t You Weep,” and a cover of Canadian singer Joni Mitchell’s “A Case Of You.”
The album, which is out Sept. 21, is available now for pre-order.
Prince died in April 2016 at 57.
Track listing and credits:
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”