Prince’s 'Purple Rain' is unique among hit songs because the version everyone knows from the album and the film was actually recorded live. It was taped during a benefit concert for the Minnesota Dance Theatre at the First Avenue club in Minneapolis in 1983. This performance marked the live debut of guitarist Wendy Melvoin. Prince later edited the 13-minute performance down to eight minutes and overdubbed some vocals and guitars, but kept the raw, live energy of the room. The song was originally intended to be a country song and was even offered to Stevie Nicks, who turned it down because she felt overwhelmed by the 10-minute instrumental demo Prince sent her. The track reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and won an Academy Award for Best Original Song Score. It is widely considered one of the greatest guitar anthems ever recorded.