Did Prince ever license his music to advertisers?

Did Prince ever license his music to advertisers?

Introduction

Prince, the acclaimed musician known for his artistic genius and uncompromising approach to his craft, carefully guarded the use of his music in commercial contexts. However, there were rare instances when Prince agreed to license his music for advertisements. This article explores the limited occasions where Prince permitted the use of his music in advertising campaigns, shedding light on his relationship with commercialization and the preservation of his artistic integrity.

The Selective Licensing of Prince’s Music

1. “Little Red Corvette” in a Chevrolet advertisement

One notable example of Prince licensing his music for an advertisement was the inclusion of his song “Little Red Corvette” from the Sign O’ The Times concert movie in a Chevrolet commercial. This collaboration demonstrated Prince’s willingness, albeit infrequent, to grant permission for his music to be used in promotional campaigns.

2. Tina Turner’s cover of “Baby I’m A Star” in a Target advertisement

Another instance of Prince allowing the use of his music in advertising was when Tina Turner covered his song “Baby I’m A Star” for a Target commercial. Prince’s approval of this usage underscored his involvement and control in the licensing process, further highlighting his selective approach to allowing his music in advertisements.

3. “Coca-Cola” composition for potential commercial use

Prince composed a song titled “Coca-Cola,” which was believed to be intended as a theme for the Coca-Cola Company. The lyrics of the track explicitly referenced Coca-Cola, suggesting that it was recorded for a potential commercial. This association with a major brand indicates Prince’s willingness to collaborate with advertisers for promotional purposes.

4. Collaboration with Verizon

Prince also had a licensing agreement with Verizon, a telecommunications company. His song “Guitar” was featured in a video specifically filmed for Verizon, and promotional clips of Prince and his band were used in TV advertisements. This partnership demonstrated Prince’s readiness to align himself with specific brands for promotional endeavors.

5. “Dreamer” in a Target advertisement for the Lotusflow3r album

Additionally, the song “Dreamer” was featured in a Target advertisement for Prince’s Lotusflow3r album. This instance showcased Prince’s willingness to license his music for promotional campaigns related to his own releases, further highlighting his selective approach to advertising partnerships.

Prince’s Stance on Commercialization

While Prince did approve the use of his music in certain advertisements, it is crucial to recognize that these instances were exceptional within his career. Prince was known for his staunch opposition to compulsory license covers of his songs, as discussed in an article on Ultimate Prince. This stance exemplified his commitment to maintaining control over his music and how it was utilized in commercial contexts.

Conclusion

Prince’s licensing of his music for advertisements was a rarity, but not entirely absent from his career. The examples mentioned above underscore his selective collaborations with advertisers and his desire to align his music with specific brands for promotional purposes. These instances shed light on Prince’s complex relationship with commercialization and his unwavering dedication to preserving his artistic vision.

Sources:

FAQs

Was Prince open to licensing his music for advertisements?

Yes, although rare, Prince did, on occasion, grant permission for his music to be used in advertisements.

Can you provide examples of Prince licensing his music for advertisements?



Certainly. Some examples include the usage of Prince’s song “Little Red Corvette” in a Chevrolet advertisement and Tina Turner’s cover of Prince’s “Baby I’m A Star” in a Target commercial.

Did Prince compose music specifically for commercial use?

Yes, Prince composed a song titled “Coca-Cola” that was believed to be intended as a theme for the Coca-Cola company, demonstrating his potential willingness to create music for commercials.

Did Prince have any specific collaborations with advertisers?

Yes, Prince had a licensing agreement with Verizon, and his song “Guitar” was featured in a video created for the company. Additionally, promotional clips featuring Prince and his band were used in Verizon TV advertisements.

Did Prince allow his music to be used in advertisements related to his own releases?

Yes, Prince’s song “Dreamer” was featured in a Target advertisement for his Lotusflow3r album, indicating his willingness to license his music for promotional campaigns tied to his own work.

How did Prince maintain control over the licensing of his music?



Prince was known for his meticulous control over his music and its usage. He would personally approve or deny requests for licensing, ensuring that he had a say in how his music was associated with brands and products.

Why did Prince have a selective approach to licensing his music for advertisements?

Prince’s selective approach to licensing his music for advertisements aligned with his desire to protect his artistic integrity and maintain control over his image and brand. He was known for his strong opposition to compulsory license covers of his songs.

Were there any restrictions or guidelines in place for advertisers when using Prince’s music?

It is unclear if there were specific restrictions or guidelines in place, as Prince’s licensing agreements and interactions with advertisers were handled on a case-by-case basis. However, it is likely that Prince had certain expectations and requirements regarding the usage of his music in advertisements.

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