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Prince Estate Drops 1991 ‘With This Tear,’ Opening 2026 Vault Rollout

The release signals a coordinated push to share unheard recordings from Prince’s archive later this year.

Overview

  • The release, which arrived Tuesday on the 10th anniversary of Prince’s death, puts his original 1991 piano ballad on streaming via NPG Records and Legacy Recordings.
  • Recorded at Paisley Park in November 1991, the track features Prince writing, producing, arranging, and performing every part, with a new mix and master by longtime collaborator Chris James.
  • An archival video accompanies the song with photos and performance footage, and the track is available on major platforms and Prince’s official YouTube channel.
  • Prince later offered the song to Céline Dion for her 1992 album, and she said hearing his version now for the first time feels “truly special.”
  • The estate frames this single as the first step in a larger, previously unheard album project planned for 2026, tying the rollout to Paisley Park tributes now and a June Celebration of Life in Minneapolis.