Prince estate addresses fan criticism over posthumous additions to vault track

The short version

• The Prince estate and NPG Records responded to fan concerns regarding posthumous alterations on the vault compilation album 'Timeless'.
• The estate confirmed that live horn parts were recorded by former collaborators to replace synthesizer parts on the 2003 track 'Calabama', following Prince's vocal cue in the song's bridge.
• Management affirmed that no artificial intelligence was used, original recordings remain intact, and more detailed disclosures will accompany future vault releases.

Key facts

• The Prince estate and NPG Records issued a statement addressing fan debate over posthumous modifications to the track 'Calabama' on the compilation album 'Timeless'.[Billboard]
• The estate explained that musicians Greg Boyer, Adrian Crutchfield, and Lynn Grissett, who previously performed with Prince, overdubbed brass parts over an existing synthesizer track where Prince verbally called for horns.[Billboard]
• According to the estate, 'Calabama' was the only song on 'Timeless' to include posthumous overdubs, all of Prince's original parts remain intact, and no artificial intelligence was utilized.[Billboard]
• The album 'Timeless' was released as part of a commemoration marking the 10th anniversary of Prince's death in April 2016.[Billboard]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Prince Estate Responds to Claims of Posthumous Polishing of ‘Timeless’ Vault Album Track ‘Calabama’: ‘Of Course, No AI Was Used’Billboard