Prince

Diamonds and Pearls

First released1991

Diamonds and Pearls was recorded primarily at Paisley Park Studios in Minneapolis between 1989 and 1991, with Prince serving as the primary producer and musician. The album featured extensive collaboration with producer/engineer Don Zimmerman and engineer Susan Rogers, who had worked with Prince on previous projects. Prince played the majority of instruments on the album himself, while also enlisting various session musicians and vocalists including Sheena Easton, Mica Paris, and Tony M. The recording sessions took place during a period of significant commercial uncertainty for Prince following his contractual disputes with Warner Bros., making the album's eventual mainstream success particularly notable. The production showcased Prince's continued mastery of multiple instruments and his ability to blend pop accessibility with his signature funk and R&B sensibilities.