Over four decades after it was first published, THE COLOR PURPLE’s powerful story continues to touch the hearts and minds of new generations. Alice Walkers’ book was published in 1982 and was a critical success, winning the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the National Book Award for Fiction in 1983. The book continues to inspire and was later named as one of the BBC News’s 100 Most influential novels. While the novel did inspire a few controversies, its impact has been immense. And it is a certainty that THE COLOR PURPLE will continue to reach new generations for decades to come. Thankfully, the book was so successful that it continues to inspire different adaptations that have graced the big screen (twice), Broadway, and BBC radio.

The first adaptation of THE COLOR PURPLE was the 1985 film directed by Steven Spielberg. The film, starring Oprah Winfrey, Danny Glover, and Whoopi Goldberg, was nominated for 11 Academy Awards, although, controversially, it did not win a single Oscar. Two decades later, the novel was turned into a hit Broadway musical that was written by Marsha Norman with music and lyrics by Stephen Bray (Breakfast Club), Brenda Russell (“Piano in the Dark”), and the late Alle Willis. The next adaptation was a 10-part dramatic serial for BBC Radio 4 in 2008. The production went on to win the Silver Drama Award at the Sony Radio Academy Awards the following year. A decade later, it was announced that Warner Bros. was going to make a film adaptation of the successful musical production. That motion picture took several years to come to fruition, but it was finally released on Christmas day in 2023.

THE COLOR PURPLE (MUSIC FROM AND INSPIRED BY) is more than just the soundtrack to the Oscar-nominated film – it also features additional music that enhances the listening experience. Recordings from the film include performances by some of the film’s stars including Fantasia Barrino, Halle Bailey, Taraji B. Henson, Colman Domingo, Danielle Brooks, H.E.R., David Alan Grier, Corey Hawkins, and others.  On top of those outstanding performances from the motion picture, THE COLOR PURPLE (MUSIC FROM AND INSPIRED BY) also features music performed by Usher, Keyshia Cole, Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige, Coco Jones, Jorja Smith, Celeste, Mary Mary, October London, Megan Thee Stallion, and more. To top that all off, there are also tracks remixed by Missy Elliott and Timbaland. Mixing 17 songs taken from the film, 16 songs inspired by the movie/book, and four remixes, THE COLOR PURPLE (MUSIC FROM AND INSPIRED BY) expands the world of THE COLOR PURPLE and, yet again, embraces a whole new audience.

THE COLOR PURPLE

(MUSIC FROM AND INSPIRED BY)

Available NOW!