When Doves Cry
From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia
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"When Doves Cry" is a song by American singer Prince, and the lead single from his 1984 album Purple Rain. According to the Purple Rain DVD, Prince was asked by the director to write a song to match the theme of a particular segment of the film – one that involved intermingled parental difficulties and a love affair. The next morning, Prince had composed two songs, one of which was "When Doves Cry". According to Per Nilsen, Prince's biographer, the song was inspired by his relationship with Vanity 6 member Susan Moonsie.
"When Doves Cry" was Prince's first Billboard Hot 100 number one single, staying there for five weeks, and was also a worldwide hit. According to Billboard, it was the top-selling single of 1984. It is certified 3x Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).