Lugano — The estate of Prince has released a rare recording of “With This Tear,” offering a glimpse into the artist’s original interpretation of the song before it was made famous by Celine Dion in the early 1990s.
Its release coincides with the 10th anniversary of Prince’s passing on April 21, 2016.
Recorded at Paisley Park in 1991, the song remained tucked away for decades among the vast collection of material the artist left behind, following his death.
Shortly after its creation, Prince gave the song to Dion, whose version introduced it to a global audience in 1992.
The newly unveiled recording has been revisited for release, with updated mixing and mastering handled by producer Chris James, who has previously worked on several posthumous Prince projects.
It presents a more stripped-back and personal interpretation of the track, built around a minimal piano arrangement that places Prince’s vocals at the forefront.
Its release is part of the estate’s ongoing efforts to curate and share material from Prince’s extensive archives, with a broader series of unreleased recordings expected to emerge from the vault, including material linked to a previously unheard album project.
With a catalog known for its depth and unreleased recordings, these releases continue to allow fans and music enthusiasts to explore the late singer’s creativity and musical talent.
Beyond his extensive catalog, Prince remains one of the most decorated and influential artists in music history.
Over the course of his career, he received multiple awards, including winning seven Grammy Awards.
He also earned an Academy Award for “Best Original Song Score” for “Purple Rain,” further highlighting his impact beyond music.
His genre-defying work, instrumental talent, and distinctive style helped redefine pop, rock, and R&B, earning him a place among the most celebrated musicians of all time.
