By Jeff Harris
On this day in music history: April 7, 1978 - "For You", the debut album by Prince is released. Produced by Prince, it is recorded at The Record Plant in Sausalito, CA from October - December 1977. Signed to Warner Bros Records in 1977, the label is the only one of several clamoring to sign the then nineteen year old musician, willing to allow him to produce himself and give him full creative control. Though the label asks recording engineer and executive producer Tommy Vicari (George Duke) to keep close watch over the sessions. The album is a virtual "one man show", with Prince playing all of the instruments and singing all of the vocals on his first album. He also runs way over budget during the sessions, spending more than twice the amount of money advanced to him by Warner Bros. Though only a modest success upon its release, it spins off two singles including "Soft And Wet" (#12 R&B, #92 Pop) and "Just As Long As We're Together" (#91 R&B). Out of print on vinyl since the late 80's, A newly remastered LP reissue of "For You" is released on April 26, 2016, replicating the original packaging, including the inner sleeve and WB "Burbank Palm Trees" labels found on the initial pressing. At this time, a remastered CD release of the album has not yet been issued. "For You" peaks at number twenty one on the Billboard R&B album chart, and number one hundred sixty three on the Top 200.
Produced, Arranged, Composed, And Performed By PRINCE
Executive Producer : Tommy Vicari
Engineered and remixed by Tommy Vicari
Assistant Engineers : Steve Fontano, Dave Roeder
Mastering: Mike Reese
Recorded at Record Plant, Sausalito, Calif.
Remixed at Sound Labs, Los Angeles, Calif.
Personal Management: Owen Husney