On this day in music history: March 21, 1989 - “Like A Prayer”, the fourth studio album by Madonna is released. Produced by Madonna, Patrick Leonard, Stephen Bray and Prince, it is recorded at D & D Recording in New York City and Ocean Way Recording in Hollywood, CA from September 1988 - January 1989. Taking a nearly three year long break between studio albums, Madonna returns to the studio in the Fall of 1988 to record the official follow up to “True Blue”. Deeply introspective in nature, many songs are inspired by Madonna’s Catholic upbringing, her family, and death of her mother. The album is dedicated to her mother’s memory (who was also named Madonna). Madonna works with her long time collaborators Stephen Bray and Patrick Leonard as well as collaborating with Prince on the track “Love Song”. Prince also contributes guitar to the albums closing track “Act Of Contrition” (a deconstruction of the title track). A huge critical and commercial success upon its release, it spins off five hit singles including “Express Yourself” (#2 Pop), “Cherish” (#2 Pop) and the title track (#1 Pop). Initial pressings of the album are scented with patchouli oil, and also come packaged with an insert with safer sex guide lines and information on AIDS prevention, in tribute to friends Madonna has lost to the disease. The singer supports the album with the now iconic “Blond Ambition World Tour” in 1990, which is captured in the documentary film “Madonna: Truth Or Dare”. Out of print on vinyl for many years, it is remastered and reissued as a 180 gram LP in 2016. A limited edition pressing on red vinyl is issued through the European supermarket Sainbury’s the same year. “Like A Prayer” spends six weeks at number one on the Billboard Top 200, and is certified 4x Platinum in the US by the RIAA.
