It’s been seven years since the music world lost Prince, and the legendary Paisley Park honored the icon in its annual Celebration over the weekend (June 8 – 11).
The star-studded, seventh annual event featured unreleased music from the Prince vault, as well as and special appearances by and conversations with Chaka Khan, Chuck D, D-Nice and Doug E. Fresh. Among those who took the stage to perform included D-Nice; Minnesota gospel groups Sounds of Blackness and The Steeles; R&B star Stokley of Mint Condition; DJ Rashida; members of Prince’s band NPG; Prince backup singer and solo artist Shelby J; Minneapolis youth choir Known MPLS and more.
Attendees were gifted special cassette-shaped USB keys with two previously unreleased tracks from the Prince vault, including “All A Share Together Now,” recorded on September 4, 2006; and “7 (E Flat Version),” recorded on August 9, 1992. Both tracks are set for a worldwide release on July 7.
“Thank you to all who contributed to a monumental Prince Celebration 2023,” Prince’s former attorney, manager and friend, L. Londell McMillan, said in a press statement after the event. “We celebrated Prince and lifted his name, in his house, with many who loved him, on the seventh anniversary of his transition — we miss him dearly. The music, conversations, events, food,and fellowship were all done with love and gratitude to honor Prince. We look forward to Prince Celebration 2024, the 40th anniversary of Purple Rain.”
Paisley Park, located in Chanhassen, Minnesota, was where Prince lived and worked and, after his death in 2016, the location was turned into a museum and concert venue that also offers tours for visitors.
See below for photos from the seventh annual Celebration honoring Prince.
