Prince’s 1999, released in 1982, itbrought the Purple One into the mainstream, laying the foundation for his world domination with Purple Rain just two years later. With its funk-laden synths, groundbreaking use of the Linn LM-1 drum machine, and lyrics that ranged from apocalyptic party anthems to deeply introspective ballads, 1999 became one of the most influential albums of the decade. But even if you’ve worn out your vinyl copy, here are five things you might not know about this iconic record.
1. The Album Cover Foreshadowed His Next Era
Prince was always ahead of his time, even in the smallest details. The cover of 1999 isn’t just a vibrant, psychedelic splash of color—it’s a nod to what was coming next. Hidden in the design are elements from Controversy, his previous album, including his signature “Rude Boy” button. But the most intriguing part? If you look closely at the letter “I” in “Prince,” you’ll see the words “and the Revolution” written backwards. This was the first time he publicly acknowledged the band that would soon become a key part of his sound and stage presence during the Purple Rain era.
2. “Little Red Corvette” Came From a Nap in a Car
“Little Red Corvette” isn’t just one of the greatest songs ever written—it has one of the best origin stories. After a long recording session, Prince crashed in the backseat of band member Lisa Coleman’s pink Mercury Montclair Marauder. Somewhere between dreaming and waking, the lyrics started coming to him in flashes. The song, which uses car metaphors for a fleeting love affair, wasn’t just catchy—it was historic. It became his first major crossover hit, helping him break into the pop world and paving the way for Black artists to get airplay on MTV.
3. “1999” Was Inspired by Nostradamus’ Doomsday Prophecies
When Prince wrote 1999, it wasn’t just about having the ultimate end-of-the-world party. He had been watching a documentary about Nostradamus, the French astrologer who predicted catastrophic events for the year 1999. The film shook him, but rather than dwell on the doom and gloom, Prince flipped the script and made the song an anthem for celebrating life. He even structured the track in a way that multiple band members sang different lines, giving it a communal, urgent feel—like a dance party with the clock ticking down.
4. MTV Didn’t Want to Play “1999” or “Little Red Corvette”
Hard to believe now, but when 1999 and Little Red Corvette were released, MTV was hesitant to put them in rotation. At the time, the network had been accused of not featuring enough Black artists, instead prioritizing rock acts. But when the videos for these two singles started gaining traction, the pressure mounted, and MTV relented. Prince became one of the first Black artists to achieve heavy rotation on the network, a move that helped break barriers for Michael Jackson’s Thriller soon after.
5. The Album’s Use of the Linn LM-1 Drum Machine Changed Music Forever
Prince was one of the first artists to fully embrace the Linn LM-1, a groundbreaking drum machine that would go on to define the sound of the ’80s. While other musicians used drum machines as a background element, Prince made it the backbone of 1999. Tracks like “Automatic” and “Let’s Pretend We’re Married” feature its distinct, punchy sound, blending robotic beats with raw funk. The LM-1’s influence can still be heard today in electronic, hip-hop, and pop music—making 1999 a blueprint for decades of innovation.
From its visionary production techniques to its bold, genre-defying sound, it laid the groundwork for Prince’s superstardom and shaped the future of music. Whether you first heard these songs in the ’80s, on a nostalgia kick, or at a New Year’s Eve party as the clock struck midnight, 1999 is a timeless masterpiece that continues to inspire new generations. Now, let’s all take a moment to appreciate Prince’s genius and, as he intended, party like it’s 1999!
