The story of Prince's 1991 album "Diamonds and Pearls," its many hits and out-takes, the New Power Generation band assembled for this release, and how they took the show on the road. Host/producer Andrea Swensson (formerly of MPR's The Current) interviews most members of the NPG, needle drops hits from the original album like "Cream, " "Gett Off," and the title track, and introduces many of the previously unreleased songs and demos unearthed for a new deluxe box set.
Radio Special Details
- Artist: Prince
- Title: The Story of Diamonds and Pearls Radio Special
- Producer: Andrea Swensson and Anna Weggel
- Host: Andrea Swensson
- Premiere Date: Oct 25, 2023
- Broadcast Window: Fall/Winter 2023
- Interviews: Exclusive and archival New Power Generation band members Rosie Gaines, Michael Bland, Levi Seacer Jr, Tommy Barbarella, Tony Mosely, Sonny Thompson, and Kirk Johnson.
- Music: Songs from Prince - Diamonds and Pearls, (NPG Records / Legacy Recordings - October 27, 2023) Songs in the cuesheet below include the hits and fan favorite tracks from the original album, previously unreleased songs, alternate takes, b-sides and live recordings now available on the "Diamond and Pearls Super Deluxe Box Set" noted by *, and excerpts from earlier Prince releases marked by +.
- Media: One hour radio special and podcasts
- Signup: Click "Airdates Submission Form" below to request this program for your station, including any specific or approximate airdates.
- Distribution: Download links for PRX, Airplay Direct, Dropbox and other services will be posted by mid-April.
- Broadcast Terms: Free program available to air as-is in any terrestrial or digital linear broadcast. No spots, no barter, no costs, no problem.
- Podcast: Content will be edited as a four part podcast series on all podcast platforms, to share on any websites, blogs or social media. Music excerpts approved by the copyright holders will be included in place of the full album tracks heard in the radio special.
Airdates Submission Form
Dropbox Browser
Cuesheets and Song Lists
The Story of Diamonds and Pearls
Radio Special Cue Sheet / Song List
Please refer to these sample cue sheets with average segment lengths while the show in production. Exact details will be updated here as they are confirmed.
Two 1:00 music beds (**) are included for use as needed: as-is, live-read music beds, or to be replaced by your own pre-produced content.
59:00 Version
3 segments, 2 breaks, up to 3:00 of local spots, primarily for non-commercial radio broadcasts.
- Segment 1 (19:00)
- In: interview excerpt
- Out: “I’m Andrea Swensson and you’re listening to The Story of Diamonds and Pearls.”
- Song: Cream, Diamonds and Pearls, Something Funky This House Comes*, Partyman+, Darkside*, Willing and Able, Money Don’t Matter 2 Night, Strollin', Lauriann*
- Break 1 (1:00) **
- Song: Diamonds and Pearls
- Segment 2 (19:00)
- In: “Welcome back to The Story of Diamonds and Pearls, I’m Andrea Swensson”
- Out: “I’m Andrea Swensson and you’re listening to The Story of Diamonds and Pearls.”
- Songs: New Power Generation+, Pain*, Streetwalker*, My Tender Heart*, Gett Off, Walk Don't Walk, Hey You*, Diamonds and Pearls, Live 4 Love (Early Version)*, Live 4 Love, Daddy Pop
- Break 2 (1:00) **
- Song: Willing and Able
- Segment 3 (19:00)
- In: “Welcome back to The Story of Diamonds and Pearls, I’m Andrea Swensson.”
- Out: “I’m Andrea Swensson, and thanks for listening.”
- Songs: Push, Skip 2 My U*, Baby I'm a Star+, New Power Generation Pt. II+, Things Have Gotta Change (Cream B-Side)*, Willing and Able, Live 4 Love (Early Version)*, Live 4 Love, The Last Dance (Bang Pow Zoom and the Whole Nine)*, Jughead, Cream, Gett Off Houstyle (Live at Glam Slam 1992)*
54:00 / 52:00 Version
4 segments, 3 breaks, up to 8:00 for local spots / promos / news. Top of the hour news can easily be inserted in the “news-hole” between the Billboard / Intro and Segment 1.
- Billboard / Intro (1:00)
- In: interview excerpt
- Out: “I’m Andrea Swensson and you’re listening to The Story of Diamonds and Pearls.”
- Song: Cream
- Segment 1 (17:00)
- In: “Welcome back to The Story of Diamonds and Pearls, I’m Andrea Swensson”
- Out: “I’m Andrea Swensson and you’re listening to The Story of Diamonds and Pearls.”
- Song: Cream, Diamonds and Pearls, Something Funky This House Comes*, Partyman+, Darkside*, Willing and Able, Money Don’t Matter 2 Night, Strollin', Lauriann*
- Break 1 (1:00) **
- Song: Diamonds and Pearls
- Segment 2 (17:00)
- In: “Welcome back to The Story of Diamonds and Pearls, I’m Andrea Swensson”
- Out: “I’m Andrea Swensson and you’re listening to The Story of Diamonds and Pearls.”
- Songs: New Power Generation+, Pain*, Streetwalker*, My Tender Heart*, Gett Off, Walk Don't Walk, Hey You*, Diamonds and Pearls, Live 4 Love (Early Version)*, Live 4 Love, Daddy Pop
- Break 2 (1:00) **
- Song: Willing and Able
- Segment 3 (17:00)
- In: “Welcome back to The Story of Diamonds and Pearls, I’m Andrea Swensson.”
- Out: “I’m Andrea Swensson, and thanks for listening.”
- Songs: Push, Skip 2 My U*, Baby I'm a Star+, New Power Generation Pt. II+, Things Have Gotta Change (Cream B-Side)*, Willing and Able, Live 4 Love (Early Version)*, Live 4 Love, The Last Dance (Bang Pow Zoom and the Whole Nine)*, Jughead, Cream, Gett Off Houstyle (Live at Glam Slam 1992)*