Rare Prince Photos Released In Honor Of 'Purple Rain' 40th Anniversary: ​​Shop The Collection

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A batch of Rare and unknown photos of Prince are released to celebrate the late music icon's 40th anniversary Purple rain album. The collection, released by Sonic Publications earlier this week, coinciding with Prince's 66th birthday on Friday (June 7).

Sonic Editions has partnered with photographers and photo archives to release limited edition photo prints music stars including Tina TurnerAretha Franklin, Aerosmith, Snoop Dogg, Tupac Shakur, Bruce Springsteen and more.

Prince's legendary album, released on June 25, 1984, marked several career milestones. In addition to being his first LP to top the Billboard 200, where it remained for 24 weeks, Purple rain Certified 13 times platinum by the RIAA, it sold more than 25 million copies worldwide and spawned classics such as “When Doves Cry,” “Let's Go Crazy,” “I Would Die for You” and the title track.

Sonic Edition Prince prints range from $149 – $499 for small (14 x 11 inches), medium (20 x 16 inches) and large (24 x 20 inches) sizes. XL-XXL prints – measuring 20 x 16 inches and 37 x 26 inches – cost between $699 – $1,199.

Purple rain won a Grammy for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group and was accompanied by a music film released on July 27, 1984. The album earned several Grammy nominations, including album of the Year, while the film won an Academy Award for Best Original Song song.

In addition to the photographic release, Prince will be honored in a musical tribute at his home in Paisley Park from June 20-24. The annual celebration will feature The Revolution – Wendy, Lisa, Bobby Z, Brownmark and Dr. Fink – who will take the stage in his honor Purple Rain's 40th anniversary. Morris Day (who appeared in Purple rain) is scheduled to take place alongside New Power Generation. The celebration will include a block party in downtown Minneapolis on Saturday, June 22, in addition to themed panels, DJ dance parties, film screenings from Purple rain season and other surprises to be announced.