Prince's estate announces lost 'Welcome 2 America' album will release this summer
Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today because Prince's 2010 Welcome 2 America album will posthumously release July 30 by his estate and Sony Music Entertainment's Legacy Records.
The Prince Estate made the announcement Thursday morning:
CBS' 60 Minutes will give a more in-depth preview of the long-awaited release Sunday:
Welcome 2 America will follow Piano & A Microphone 1983 (2018) and Originals (2019) as full-length projects posthumously put out by his estate. There was also a four-song EP titled Deliverance in 2017.
This news comes as we approach the five-year anniversary of Prince's untimely death. The 57-year-old was found dead April 21, 2016, at his Paisley Park property in his native Minnesota. The cause was ruled an accidental fentanyl overdose.
The Purple One was unrivaled in the way he influenced music and pop culture. While he was known for his mysterious nature, there was never a doubt about his relevance and talent. Prince won seven Grammy Awards—nominated for 38—and constantly challenged industry norms.
Somehow, he was always right on time, so of course an album previously thought to be lost contains poignant perspectives on America's continued struggle with racial inequality and social justice that resonates stronger in 2021 than it would have a decade ago.
For devoted Prince fans, physical CDs and vinyls are available for preorder. Listen to the title track below.
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