Prince's early music returns to streaming services
His estate will be releasing two new albums in June
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Prince’s music is now available on major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play, and Pandora.
The late musician’s early catalog was released on Sunday nearly a year following his death. His record label Warner Bros also announced that two additional albums including a remastered version of Purple Rain will be available for stream come June.
The release comes the same day the 59th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles will tribute Prince, who died in April of last year after an apparent painkiller overdose. He was 57-years-old.
While fans will likely welcome the Prince’s return to streaming services, Prince was a vocal opponent to digital music platforms with the exception of Jay Z’s Tidal, on the promise that it gives artists more profit from their work. And 2015, he pulled his work from all competing streaming sites. He premiered his final two albums on Tidal that same year.
"When we make any of Prince's music available to fans — from the hits to unreleased gems — we are committed to upholding Prince's high creative standards," Cameron Strang, chief executive of Warner Bros Records, said in a statement.
Prince’s music in now administered by Universal Music Publishing, who sued Tidal last year, opening the door for rival streaming services.