Prince-WB deal

LITTLE GREEN CORVETTE: We did not see this coming. Prince and Warner Bros. Records have forged a deal that gives the Hall of Fame artist ownership of his masters, and in return he’s opening up his vault, which is loaded with previously unheard music. The new agreement between Prince and his original label extends that relationship through an exclusive global licensing partnership that covers every album released from 1978 into the ’90s. The financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. The announcement coincides with the 30th anniversary of the release of Purple Rain, which will get the deluxe, remastered treatment. In his official statement, Prince promised “a brand-new studio album,” adding that “both Warner Bros. Records and Eye are quite pleased with the results of the negotiations and look forward to a fruitful working relationship.” WBR chief Cameron Strang offered some purple prose of his own, stating, “Everyone at Warner Bros Records is delighted to be working with Prince once again: he is one of the world's biggest stars and a truly unique talent. We are also very excited about the release of new and remastered music from one of his greatest masterpieces.” (4/18a)