behindthegrooves:

On this day in music history: September 10, 1980 - “Uptown” by Prince is released. Written and produced by Prince, it is the sixth single release for the iconic singer, songwriter, producer and musician from Minneapolis, MN. The songs lyrics address issues of racism, intolerance, and uses the concept of “Uptown” as utopia where none of those things exist, and a place where people are free to be who they are. ‘Uptown" also makes reference to an area in Minneapolis where the city’s musicians and artists hang out. Prince writes the song around a bass line created by his friend and band mate Andre Cymone, though Cymone does not receive a co-writing credit. The song is recorded in the 16-track studio set up in the home Prince is renting in Wayzata, MN on the north shore of Lake Minnetonka. The exact dates of the recording sessions are not known, but are believed to have taken place during May and June of 1980, at the time that the rest of the “Dirty Mind” album is recorded. Additional overdubs are recorded and mixing takes place at Hollywood Sound Recorders in Hollywood, CA in June of 1980. Originally intended to only be a demo recording, Prince’s managers tell him that the song is great and to release it as is. Entering the Billboard R&B singles chart at #56 on October 4, 1980, “Uptown” peaks at #5 on the Billboard R&B chart on December 6, 1980, and #101 Bubbling Under on the Hot 100. The song becomes a fan favorite, and is played on numerous Prince tours over the years. “Uptown” also becomes the name of a long running Prince fan magazine featuring articles and photos of the musician.