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Paisley Park Records: A Complete Discography Guide to Prince's Legendary Label

  • On August 11, 2025

Paisley Park Records: A Complete Discography Guide to Prince's Legendary Label

In the mid-1980s, Prince, one of the most innovative and influential musicians of the 20th century, was at the peak of his creative and commercial powers. Following the global triumph of his 1984 album and film Purple Rain, which sold over 13 million copies in the United States and earned an Academy Award, Prince sought to expand his artistic empire. The result was Paisley Park Records, a record label launched in 1985 that embodied his vision of creative freedom, genre-defying music, and a platform for both his own work and a diverse roster of artists. Named after the song “Paisley Park” from his album Around the World in a Day and his state-of-the-art recording complex in Chanhassen, Minnesota, Paisley Park Records was a bold experiment in artist-driven music production.

From 1985 to 1994, Paisley Park Records, distributed by Warner Bros. Records, released a remarkable catalog of albums that spanned funk, pop, rock, jazz, soul, and hip-hop. While Prince’s own releases, such as Sign o' the Times and Diamonds and Pearls, were the label’s commercial heavyweights, it also introduced fans to talents like Sheila E., The Family, Mavis Staples, and George Clinton. Despite its brief existence and mixed commercial success, Paisley Park Records left an indelible mark on music history, reflecting Prince’s unparalleled genius as a musician, producer, and talent curator.

This comprehensive guide offers a definitive exploration of Paisley Park Records, including a complete discography of every album released under the label, detailed artist profiles, historical context, and an analysis of its enduring legacy. Whether you’re a devoted Prince fan, a music historian, or a curious listener, this article provides an in-depth journey through one of the most fascinating chapters in modern music.


Table of Contents







A Brief History of Paisley Park Records

Paisley Park Records was founded in 1985, a year that marked a turning point in Prince’s career. The monumental success of Purple Rain—which included a chart-topping album, a blockbuster film, and a cultural phenomenon—gave Prince the leverage to negotiate a unique deal with Warner Bros. Records. This partnership allowed him to establish Paisley Park Records as a joint venture, with Warner Bros. handling distribution and partial funding while Prince retained significant creative control. The label was named after “Paisley Park,” a song from his 1985 album Around the World in a Day, which symbolized a utopian space of artistic freedom and inclusivity.

The physical Paisley Park Studios, located in Chanhassen, Minnesota, served as the label’s creative hub. Opened in 1987, this 55,000-square-foot complex was a state-of-the-art recording facility, soundstage, and performance space where Prince recorded most of his music and collaborated with other artists. The studio’s futuristic design and cutting-edge technology reflected Prince’s forward-thinking approach, making it a fitting home for a label that aimed to push musical boundaries.

Paisley Park Records had a dual mission: to serve as a platform for Prince’s increasingly experimental music and to nurture a roster of artists who shared his eclectic vision. The label’s catalog included funk (The Time), jazz (Madhouse), gospel-soul (Mavis Staples), and pop (Taja Sevelle), showcasing Prince’s ability to traverse genres. However, while Prince’s albums consistently topped charts, many non-Prince releases struggled commercially, often overshadowed by his own star power.

By the early 1990s, tensions between Prince and Warner Bros. grew. Prince felt constrained by his contract, particularly regarding the pace of his releases and ownership of his master recordings. These disputes culminated in 1994 when Warner Bros. ended its distribution deal with Paisley Park Records, effectively closing the label. Prince later founded NPG Records, continuing his independent streak. Despite its challenges, Paisley Park Records remains a landmark in music history, a testament to Prince’s ambition and influence.









Prince’s Discography on Paisley Park Records

Prince’s albums were the cornerstone of Paisley Park Records, representing some of the most iconic and innovative works of his career. From 1985 to 1993, the label released eight major Prince albums, each pushing the boundaries of genre, production, and lyrical content. Below is a detailed discography, organized chronologically, with insights into each album’s significance, chart performance, and key tracks.


The Debut Year: Around the World in a Day (1985)

Album Title: Around the World in a Day
Artist: Prince and The Revolution
Release Date: April 22, 1985
Key Details: As the first release on Paisley Park Records, Around the World in a Day was a bold statement of artistic independence. Departing from the rock-funk of Purple Rain, Prince embraced psychedelic pop, drawing inspiration from The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, and world music. The album’s dreamy textures and introspective lyrics surprised fans expecting another Purple Rain. Key singles included “Raspberry Beret” (#2 on the Billboard Hot 100), “Paisley Park” (released in Europe), and “Pop Life” (#7 US). The album topped the Billboard 200 and was certified platinum, selling over 2 million copies in the US. Its eclectic sound established Paisley Park as a label unafraid to take risks.


Parade: Music from Under the Cherry Moon (1986)

Album Title: Parade
Artist: Prince and The Revolution
Release Date: March 31, 1986
Key Details: Serving as the soundtrack to Prince’s film Under the Cherry Moon, Parade blended funk, jazz, and orchestral elements, showcasing his growing sophistication as a composer. The single “Kiss” became a global hit, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning a Grammy nomination. Other singles included “Mountains” (#23 US) and “Girls & Boys.” Despite the film’s critical and commercial failure, the album peaked at #3 on the Billboard 200 and was certified platinum. Its innovative production and romantic undertones made it a fan favorite.


Sign o' the Times: A Masterpiece (1987)

Album Title: Sign o' the Times
Artist: Prince
Release Date: March 30, 1987
Key Details: Widely regarded as Prince’s greatest work, this double album was a tour de force of funk, rock, soul, and pop. Recorded after disbanding The Revolution, it featured Prince playing most instruments, with contributions from saxophonist Eric Leeds and vocalist Susannah Melvoin. Hits included “Sign o' the Times” (#3 US), “U Got the Look” (with Sheena Easton, #2 US), and “If I Was Your Girlfriend.” The album tackled social issues, love, and spirituality, earning critical acclaim and multiple Grammy nominations. It peaked at #6 on the Billboard 200 and was certified platinum, solidifying Prince’s genius.


Lovesexy: Spiritual Funk (1988)

Album Title: Lovesexy
Artist: Prince
Release Date: May 10, 1988
Key Details: Conceived as a spiritual counterpoint to the shelved Black Album, Lovesexy explored themes of love, faith, and redemption. Its single-track CD format encouraged listeners to experience it as a cohesive work. Key singles included “Alphabet St.” (#8 US), “Glam Slam,” and “I Wish U Heaven.” The album’s funky grooves and lush production earned critical praise but modest commercial success, peaking at #11 on the Billboard 200 and earning gold certification. Its bold artistic choices underscored Prince’s commitment to innovation.


Graffiti Bridge: A Collaborative Soundtrack (1990)

Album Title: Graffiti Bridge
Artist: Prince
Release Date: August 20, 1990
Key Details: The soundtrack to Prince’s film Graffiti Bridge, this album featured collaborations with The Time, Mavis Staples, and George Clinton. The single “Thieves in the Temple” reached #6 on the Billboard Hot 100, while “New Power Generation” introduced Prince’s new band. The album peaked at #6 on the Billboard 200 and was certified gold, though the film received mixed reviews. Its blend of funk, rock, and gospel highlighted Prince’s versatility.


Diamonds and Pearls: A Commercial Peak (1991)

Album Title: Diamonds and Pearls
Artist: Prince and the New Power Generation
Release Date: October 1, 1991
Key Details: Marking the debut of the New Power Generation, this album embraced pop, funk, and hip-hop, broadening Prince’s appeal. Hits included “Cream” (#1 US), “Gett Off,” and “Diamonds and Pearls” (#3 US). The album’s polished production and vibrant music videos drove its success, peaking at #3 on the Billboard 200 and earning double platinum certification. It remains one of Prince’s most commercially successful works.


Love Symbol Album: A Concept Classic (1992)

Album Title: Love Symbol Album
Artist: Prince and the New Power Generation
Release Date: October 13, 1992
Key Details: Known for its unpronounceable symbol title (later adopted as Prince’s name), this concept album blended funk, rock, and R&B with a loose narrative about love and fame. Singles included “Sexy M.F.,” “My Name Is Prince,” and “7” (#7 US). It peaked at #5 on the Billboard 200 and was certified platinum, showcasing Prince’s theatrical flair and musical diversity.


The Hits/The B-Sides: A Career Overview (1993)

Album Title: The Hits/The B-Sides
Artist: Prince
Release Date: September 14, 1993
Key Details: This three-disc compilation collected Prince’s greatest hits, rare B-sides, and new tracks like “Pink Cashmere” and “Peach.” It served as a definitive overview of his Warner Bros. and Paisley Park years, peaking at #19 on the Billboard 200 and earning platinum certification. The set remains a must-have for fans and newcomers alike.







Non-Prince Artists Discography

Paisley Park Records was a platform for a diverse array of artists, many of whom were directly mentored or produced by Prince. While these releases often struggled commercially compared to Prince’s albums, they showcased the label’s eclectic vision and Prince’s talent as a producer. Below is a comprehensive list of non-Prince albums, organized by artist and release date.


The Family: Pioneering Funk-Pop (1985)

Artist: The Family
Album Title: The Family
Release Date: August 19, 1985
Key Details: The first non-Prince release on Paisley Park, this funk-pop album featured St. Paul Peterson, Susannah Melvoin, and Eric Leeds. Prince wrote most tracks, including the original “Nothing Compares 2 U,” later a global hit for Sinéad O’Connor. The single “The Screams of Passion” reached #9 on the Billboard R&B chart. Despite modest sales, the album’s lush arrangements and emotional depth made it a cult classic.


Sheila E.: Romance 1600 (1985)

Artist: Sheila E.
Album Title: Romance 1600
Release Date: August 26, 1985
Key Details: Drummer and vocalist Sheila E., a longtime Prince collaborator, delivered one of Paisley Park’s biggest non-Prince successes. The single “A Love Bizarre,” a duet with Prince, reached #11 on the Billboard Hot 100, and the album peaked at #50 on the Billboard 200, earning gold certification. Its infectious funk and vibrant energy resonated with fans of the Minneapolis Sound.


Mazarati: Funk-Rock Energy (1986)

Artist: Mazarati
Album Title: Mazarati
Release Date: March 1986
Key Details: Fronted by Tony Christian, this funk-rock band benefited from Prince’s songwriting and production. The single “100 MPH” reached #19 on the Billboard R&B chart. The album’s raw energy appealed to fans of Prince’s funkier side but didn’t achieve widespread commercial success.


Madhouse: Jazz-Funk Innovation (1987)

Artist: Madhouse
Album Title: 8
Release Date: January 1987
Key Details: A jazz-funk project led by saxophonist Eric Leeds and Prince, 8 featured instrumental tracks with a funky edge. The single “Six” reached #5 on the Billboard R&B chart. Its experimental nature appealed to niche audiences but didn’t chart highly.


Sheila E.: Self-Titled Sophomore Effort (1987)

Artist: Sheila E.
Album Title: Sheila E.
Release Date: February 1987
Key Details: Sheila E.’s second Paisley Park album included singles like “Hold Me” and “Koo Koo.” Prince’s heavy involvement ensured a polished sound, but the album peaked at #56 on the Billboard 200, falling short of Romance 1600’s success.


Jill Jones: Soulful Elegance (1987)

Artist: Jill Jones
Album Title: Jill Jones
Release Date: May 1987
Key Details: Prince wrote all tracks for this soul-pop album, with Jones’s emotive vocals shining. The single “Mia Bocca” saw modest success in Europe, but the album appealed primarily to Prince’s core fanbase.


Taja Sevelle: Pop Ambitions (1987)

Artist: Taja Sevelle
Album Title: Taja Sevelle
Release Date: September 1987
Key Details: This pop-soul album featured “Love Is Contagious,” which gained traction in Europe. Prince contributed one track, but the album’s mainstream sound didn’t fully align with the label’s funk-heavy identity.


Madhouse: 16 (1987)

Artist: Madhouse
Album Title: 16
Release Date: November 1987
Key Details: The second Madhouse release continued the jazz-funk exploration, with the single “Ten” reaching #10 on the Billboard R&B chart. Its niche appeal limited its commercial reach.


Dale Bozzio: New Wave Experiment (1988)

Artist: Dale Bozzio
Album Title: Riot in English
Release Date: March 1988
Key Details: Formerly of Missing Persons, Bozzio’s new wave album included “So Strong,” written by Prince. The single “Simon Simon” reached #36 on the Billboard Dance chart, but the album had minimal impact.


The Three O'Clock: Paisley Underground (1988)

Artist: The Three O'Clock
Album Title: Vermillion
вызов Release Date: June 1988
Key Details: This psychedelic pop band, part of the Paisley Underground movement, released Vermillion with Prince’s “Neon Telephone.” The album appealed to alternative rock fans but failed to chart.


Good Question: Dance-Pop Venture (1988)

Artist: Good Question
Album Title: Good Question
Release Date: August 1988
Key Details: This pop duo’s single “Got a New Love” reached #1 on the Billboard Dance chart. With no Prince songwriting, the album was a departure from the label’s typical sound.


Tony LeMans: Funk-Pop Fusion (1989)

Artist: Tony LeMans
Album Title: Tony LeMans
Release Date: July 1989
Key Details: A funk-pop-soul hybrid, this album featured Prince’s production and writing. Singles like “Higher Than High” had modest R&B chart success.


George Clinton: Funk Legend Joins (1989)

Artist: George Clinton
Album Title: The Cinderella Theory
Release Date: August 1989
Key Details: The funk icon’s Paisley Park debut featured his signature P-Funk sound. Prince’s involvement was minimal, and the album struggled commercially but was critically respected.


Mavis Staples: Gospel Meets Funk (1989)

Artist: Mavis Staples
Album Title: Time Waits for No One
Release Date: October 1989
Key Details: Produced and largely written by Prince, this gospel-soul album blended Staples’ powerful vocals with funk influences. It received critical acclaim but modest sales.


Kahoru Kohiruimaki: Japan-Only Release (1989)

Artist: Kahoru Kohiruimaki
Album Title: Time the Motion
Release Date: 1989
Key Details: A Japan-only pop release with minimal Prince involvement, this album had little impact outside its target market.


The Time: Reunion Success (1990)

Artist: The Time
Album Title: Pandemonium
Release Date: July 1990
Key Details: This reunion album for the Minneapolis funk band featured “Jerk Out” (#9 US), written by Prince. The album reached #18 on the Billboard 200, making it one of the label’s bigger non-Prince successes.


Kahoru Kohiruimaki: Live in Japan (1990)

Artist: Kahoru Kohiruimaki
Album Title: Time the Motion Live
Release Date: 1990
Key Details: A Japan-only live album with minimal Prince involvement, it had limited impact.


Eric Leeds: Jazz Continuation (1991)

Artist: Eric Leeds
Album Title: Times Squared
Release Date: February 1991
Key Details: A jazz album with Prince’s contributions, this release appealed to a niche audience but didn’t chart significantly.


T.C. Ellis: Hip-Hop Venture (1991)

Artist: T.C. Ellis
Album Title: True Confessions
Release Date: June 1991
Key Details: A hip-hop album with the single “Miss Thang” achieving minor success. Prince’s involvement added a funk edge.


Ingrid Chavez: Poetic Experiment (1991)

Artist: Ingrid Chavez
Album Title: May 19, 1992
Release Date: September 1991
Key Details: A spoken-word and ambient album co-produced by Prince, this release was artistically bold but commercially niche.


Carmen Electra: Prince’s Protégé (1993)

Artist: Carmen Electra
Album Title: Carmen Electra
Release Date: February 1993
Key Details: Prince wrote and produced this pop-funk album, with singles like “Go Go Dancer.” Despite heavy promotion, it failed to chart significantly.


Mavis Staples: The Voice (1993)

Artist: Mavis Staples
Album Title: The Voice
Release Date: August 1993
Key Details: Prince contributed several tracks to this gospel-soul album, which received critical praise but modest sales.


George Clinton: Hey, Man, Smell My Finger (1993)

Artist: George Clinton
Album Title: Hey, Man, Smell My Finger
Release Date: October 1993
Key Details: Featuring guest artists like Dr. Dre, this funk album had a modern edge but limited commercial impact.


Eric Leeds: Things Left Unsaid (1993)

Artist: Eric Leeds
Album Title: Things Left Unsaid
Release Date: November 1993
Key Details: A jazz album with Prince’s input, this was one of the final Paisley Park releases and had minimal commercial success.








Compilations, Soundtracks, and Other Releases

In addition to individual artist albums, Paisley Park Records released several compilations and soundtracks that highlighted its collaborative spirit and versatility. These projects often featured Prince alongside other label artists, reinforcing the label’s interconnected roster.

  • Graffiti Bridge (1990): The soundtrack to Prince’s film included tracks by Prince, The Time, Mavis Staples, and George Clinton. The single “Thieves in the Temple” reached #6 on the Billboard Hot 100, and the album peaked at #6 on the Billboard 200, earning gold certification.
  • The Hits/The B-Sides (1993): This three-disc set compiled Prince’s greatest hits, rare B-sides, and new tracks like “Pink Cashmere” and “Peach.” It reached #19 on the Billboard 200 and was certified platinum.
  • Mavis Staples Gospel Tracks (1993): A US promo-only release featuring gospel selections from Staples’ Paisley Park albums, distributed to radio stations.









The Legacy of Paisley Park Records

Paisley Park Records was a bold experiment that encapsulated Prince’s vision of music as a boundless, collaborative art form. While its commercial success was uneven—only Sheila E.’s Romance 1600 and The Time’s Pandemonium achieved significant chart success among non-Prince releases—the label’s artistic impact was profound. Albums like The Family introduced songs that later became iconic, such as “Nothing Compares 2 U,” while projects like Madhouse pushed the boundaries of jazz-funk.

The label’s roster was a testament to Prince’s ability to identify and nurture talent, from established legends like Mavis Staples and George Clinton to emerging artists like Ingrid Chavez and Taja Sevelle. Its eclectic catalog, spanning funk, pop, jazz, gospel, and hip-hop, showcased the Minneapolis Sound’s influence on global music trends. Prince’s hands-on approach—writing, producing, and often performing on these albums—ensured a cohesive aesthetic that blended his signature sound with each artist’s unique voice.

The closure of Paisley Park Records in 1994 marked the end of an era, but its legacy endures. Prince’s albums remain some of the most celebrated in music history, with works like Sign o' the Times and Diamonds and Pearls continuing to inspire musicians and fans. Non-Prince releases have gained cult followings, with albums like The Family and Romance 1600 celebrated for their innovation and Prince’s creative fingerprints.

Paisley Park Studios, now a museum and event space, preserves the label’s history, offering tours that showcase Prince’s recording environment and memorabilia. The label’s influence can be seen in the rise of artist-driven labels and the independent music movement, as well as in the continued reverence for Prince’s multifaceted genius. Paisley Park Records was more than a label; it was a creative haven that embodied Prince’s belief in music’s power to transcend genres and unite listeners.








Frequently Asked Questions

What was the first album released on Paisley Park Records?

The first album was Around the World in a Day by Prince and The Revolution, released on April 22, 1985.

What was the last album released on Paisley Park Records?

The last albums released in 1993 were The Voice by Mavis Staples, Hey, Man, Smell My Finger by George Clinton, Carmen Electra by Carmen Electra, and Things Left Unsaid by Eric Leeds.

Who were the key artists on Paisley Park Records besides Prince?

Key artists included Sheila E., The Family, Mavis Staples, George Clinton, The Time, Carmen Electra, Jill Jones, and Madhouse.

When was Paisley Park Records founded?

It was founded in 1985, following the success of Purple Rain.

Why did Paisley Park Records close?

The label closed in 1994 when Warner Bros. ended its distribution deal amid Prince’s disputes with the company.

What was the most successful non-Prince album on Paisley Park Records?

Sheila E.’s Romance 1600 (1985) was the most successful, reaching #50 on the Billboard 200 and earning gold certification with the hit “A Love Bizarre.”

How did Prince influence the non-Prince releases on the label?

Prince wrote, produced, or performed on most non-Prince albums, shaping their sound with his funk, pop, and soul influences, often giving them a distinct Minneapolis Sound.

What is the significance of the Paisley Park Studios today?

Paisley Park Studios is now a museum and event space, offering tours that showcase Prince’s recording environment and memorabilia, preserving the label’s legacy.










External Resources and Further Reading

For those eager to dive deeper into Paisley Park Records and its artists, the following resources provide authoritative information and additional context:

  • Discogs: Paisley Park – A comprehensive catalog of the label’s releases, including vinyl and CD editions for collectors.

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