Along with Warner Records, the Prince estate has released a never-before-heard demo of the single “Do Me, Baby” made in 1978. The news was announced on Twitter, and is celebrating the 40th anniversary of his album “Controversy.”
The “Do Me, Baby” demo was recorded with the music icon’s best friend, artist André Cymone, in 1978. The late artist also recorded a solo version of the ballad in 1979 for his self-titled album. The official version was released in 1981 on Oct.14. The announcement was made on Twitter in several tweets.
“In celebration of the 40th anniversary of Prince’s #Controversy,” they wrote. “The Prince Estate and @WarnerRecords are pleased to release another hidden gem from Prince’s vault: a previously unheard 1979 solo recording of his classic slow-jam “Do Me, Baby.”
“In addition to streaming, “Do Me, Baby (Demo)” is also available as a physical release exclusively from the Official Prince Store —including as a special cassette single (limited to 1,981 units) and an etched 7″ on purple vinyl.”
“Do Me, Baby” is best known as the centerpiece of #Controversy, but Prince first recorded a skeletal demo of the song with his best friend @AndreCymone in 1978, and then reimagined it as a solo recording during the April 1979 sessions for his self-titled album.”
“From that 2” multitrack master tape, a cassette rough mix was rendered and shelved. It was recently discovered in Prince’s @PaisleyPark vault, labeled in the artist’s own handwriting. The new replica cassette matches the original source format that was found in the vault.”
“This special release of “Do Me, Baby (1979 Version)” has been newly mixed to match the original demo cassette specs by Prince’s engineer @chrisjamespro, and was mastered by Prince’s longtime collaborator @bgmastering.”
The cassette was discovered at Prince’s home inside a vault written in the artist’s handwriting. The 1979 version of “Do Me, Baby” was remixed by engineer Chris James, a longtime sound engineer of the artist.
In celebration of the 40th anniversary of Prince's #Controversy, The Prince Estate and @WarnerRecords are pleased to release another hidden gem from Prince's vault: a previously unheard 1979 solo recording of his classic slow-jam "Do Me, Baby." pic.twitter.com/4jsIIlBwlB
— Prince (@prince) October 14, 2021
“Do Me, Baby” is best known as the centerpiece of #Controversy, but Prince first recorded a skeletal demo of the song with his best friend @AndreCymone in 1978, and then reimagined it as a solo recording during the April 1979 sessions for his self-titled album.
— Prince (@prince) October 14, 2021
This special release of “Do Me, Baby (1979 Version)” has been newly mixed to match the original demo cassette specs by Prince’s engineer @chrisjamespro, and was mastered by Prince's longtime collaborator @bgmastering. https://t.co/kIXvzkwRVw
— Prince (@prince) October 14, 2021
The newly-mixed version matched the original demo and was mastered by Bernie Grundman Mastering, who collaborated with the “Purple Rain” singer for many years. Fans can order the recording on purple vinyl or as a limited-edition cassette to be shipped in January of next year. Fans can also stream the recording.
A special edition of the artist’s smash album “Purple Rain” was also released in 2017, with new tracks found in the vault by Warner Bros. and NPG Records. “Purple Rain Deluxe” and “Purple Rain Deluxe – Expanded Edition were released on June 23 and included extended versions and newly mastered versions of “Electric Intercourse,” “We Can F**k,” and “Father’s Song.”
The late musician passed away in his home on April 21, 2016, at 58.
