Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Lot #5280
Prince Rare Advance ‘The Most Beautiful Girl in the World' Promotional Single Cassette Tape - One of Two Known to Exist

This lot has closed

Estimate: $500+
Sell a Similar Item?
Refer Collections and Get Paid
Share:  

Description

Exceedingly rare advance promotional cassette for the Prince single ‘The Most Beautiful Girl in the World,’ which was produced in minimal quantities (approximately 10) by ZYX Records UK when the company had been informed that they had acquired exclusive licensing to the song; the announcement had been premature, and the song was ultimately acquired and released via Prince’s NPG Records and by Bellmark Records. The black cassette tape, with “Prince / Symbol” label, includes its original cassette box with J-card printed by the Chop 'Em Out facility in London, England. The J-card reads: “Symbol / Prince, ‘The Most Beautiful Girl in the World,’ ZYX Records.” In fine condition.

Accompanied by a detailed letter of provenance from a former employee of ZYX Records UK: “While working for ZYX Records…during 1992/93, we were informed by our German colleagues that we had secured the license to release the single ‘The Most Beautiful Girl in the World’ by Prince/Symbol. We then, as ZYX Records UK, proceeded to have some promotional cassettes made which were to be sent to the head buyers at the major music retailers (HMV, Virgin, etc.)…

We were then informed by our German colleagues that negotiations to secure the license had collapsed, and it had been premature to advise the UK branch that it had been secured. The single was subsequently released by a different record company, and promptly reached No. 1 in the charts.

Although ZYX Records UK has approximately 10 of these cassettes made, the included cassette is one of only two that I know to exist. It is probably the only time a Prince/Symbol single has appeared as a promotional copy on a record label, which did not in the end release the single.”

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Marvels of Modern Music
  • Dates: #693 - Ended May 23, 2024