16 Famous Songs Prince Wrote for Other Artists

16 Famous Songs Prince Wrote for Other Artists 

Prince was a musical genius who created magic not just for himself but for countless other artists too.

Beyond his own legendary catalog, he penned some of the biggest hits of the 1980s and beyond, often working behind the scenes or using clever pseudonyms.

These songs showcase his incredible range, from funky dance tracks to heartfelt ballads, and prove that his talent knew no boundaries.

1. “Nasty Girl” – Vanity 6

Vanity 6 burst onto the scene with this sassy, provocative anthem that had everyone talking.

Prince crafted every beat and lyric, shaping the group’s entire sound and image around his bold vision for female empowerment mixed with playful sensuality.

The track became a dance-floor staple in clubs across America.

Its infectious groove and cheeky lyrics made it impossible to ignore.

Prince produced the entire album, ensuring his signature Minneapolis sound shined through every synthesizer note.

Though Vanity 6 was short-lived, this song remains their defining moment.

It perfectly captured the fearless, boundary-pushing spirit of early ’80s pop culture.

2. “Stand Back” – Stevie Nicks

Stevie Nicks heard Prince’s “Little Red Corvette” on her wedding day and felt instant inspiration strike.

She rushed to a keyboard and built an entire song around that feeling, creating a synth-driven masterpiece that would become one of her biggest solo hits.

Prince himself showed up to play keyboards on the track, adding his unmistakable touch.

Though he chose to remain uncredited, his contribution elevated the song’s energy and polish.

The collaboration between these two rock legends felt effortless and natural.

The song climbed to number five on the Billboard Hot 100.

Its driving beat and Nicks’ passionate vocals made it a radio favorite throughout 1983.

3. “Jungle Love” – The Time

Morris Day and The Time brought serious funk to the airwaves, but Prince was the mastermind behind their coolest grooves.

Co-writing and producing this track under his Jamie Starr pseudonym, he gave the band one of their most recognizable songs that still gets people moving today.

The song gained even more fame when it appeared in the movie “Purple Rain.”

That exposure turned it into a crossover hit, reaching audiences far beyond the R&B charts.

The horns, the beat, and Morris Day’s smooth delivery created pure magic.

Fans still debate how much of The Time’s sound came from Prince versus the band members themselves.

Regardless, this track remains their signature anthem.

4. “The Glamorous Life” – Sheila E.

Sheila E. wasn’t just a talented drummer—she was a force of nature ready to explode onto the solo scene.

Prince recognized her star power immediately and wrote this percussion-heavy banger specifically to showcase her incredible skills behind the kit and as a frontwoman.

The song tells the story of a woman choosing independence over material luxury.

Its message resonated with listeners everywhere, while the intricate rhythms and Latin influences made it stand out from typical pop radio fare.

Sheila’s fierce delivery sold every word.

The track peaked at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100.

It launched her solo career and earned her a Grammy nomination, proving Prince’s instincts were spot-on.

5. “I Feel for You” – Chaka Khan

Prince originally recorded this funky gem himself back in 1979, but it took Chaka Khan’s powerhouse vocals to turn it into a worldwide phenomenon.

Her version added rap verses from Melle Mel and a harmonica solo from Stevie Wonder, creating a groundbreaking fusion of R&B, funk, and hip-hop.

The song dominated the charts in 1984, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100.

It won Khan a Grammy Award and introduced Prince’s songwriting genius to millions of new fans.

The innovative production felt fresh and ahead of its time.

Today, it remains one of the defining tracks of the ’80s.

Khan’s interpretation proved that great songs can evolve beautifully in different hands.

6. “Sugar Walls” – Sheena Easton

Using the mysterious pseudonym Alexander Nevermind, Prince handed Sheena Easton one of the most controversial and successful songs of her career.

The suggestive lyrics sparked debates and even caught the attention of Tipper Gore’s Parents Music Resource Center, which only made the song more popular.

Easton’s breathy vocals perfectly matched the sultry production.

The track climbed to number nine on the Billboard Hot 100, proving that controversy and quality could coexist beautifully.

Radio stations couldn’t stop playing it despite the raised eyebrows from conservative groups.

Prince’s ability to write for different voices shined through brilliantly here.

He understood exactly how to highlight Easton’s strengths while pushing her into edgier territory than ever before.

7. “A Love Bizarre” – Sheila E.

After the success of “The Glamorous Life,” Prince and Sheila E. teamed up again for this epic seven-minute funk odyssey.

The extended version became a favorite among fans who appreciated its complex arrangements and the undeniable chemistry between the two musicians.

Prince didn’t just write the song—he performed on it and appeared in the music video alongside Sheila.

Their collaboration felt electric and spontaneous, capturing the creative magic that happened when they worked together.

The track showcased both artists at their funkiest.

It reached number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became another signature hit for Sheila E.

The song’s playful lyrics and irresistible groove made it a staple on dance floors everywhere.

8. “Manic Monday” – The Bangles

Prince originally wrote this catchy pop-rock tune for Apollonia 6, but fate had other plans.

When The Bangles caught his attention, he gifted them the song under the pseudonym Christopher, and it became their breakthrough hit that defined an entire generation of power-pop.

The lyrics perfectly captured that universal feeling of dreading Monday mornings.

Susanna Hoffs’ sweet vocals and the jangly guitars gave the track a brightness that contrasted beautifully with its relatable frustration.

Radio stations played it constantly throughout 1986.

The song peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100.

It transformed The Bangles from underground favorites into mainstream stars, proving Prince’s golden touch extended beyond funk and R&B.

9. “Kiss” – Art of Noise ft. Tom Jones

Prince’s original “Kiss” was already a minimalist funk masterpiece, but when Art of Noise recruited Tom Jones for a cover version, something magical happened.

The unlikely pairing of Jones’ powerful, seasoned voice with cutting-edge electronic production created a fresh interpretation that honored the original while standing completely on its own.

The 1988 version became a massive hit across Europe and introduced Prince’s songwriting to audiences who might never have heard the original.

Jones brought his legendary charisma and vocal power, proving he could adapt to contemporary sounds without losing his signature style.

The track won a Grammy Award and reached the top five in multiple countries.

It remains one of the most successful cover versions of any Prince song.

10. “Yo Mister” – Patti LaBelle

Patti LaBelle’s powerhouse vocals met Prince’s production genius on this socially conscious urban R&B track.

The song addressed serious issues facing communities in the late ’80s, tackling topics like drug addiction and social responsibility with directness and compassion.

Prince crafted a sound that perfectly complemented LaBelle’s emotional delivery.

The production featured his trademark funky basslines and tight drum programming, creating a backdrop that let her legendary voice soar.

The combination felt urgent and timely, capturing the spirit of an era demanding change.

Released in 1989, the song became a modest hit on the R&B charts.

It showcased Prince’s versatility as a songwriter who could address meaningful subjects while still creating music that moved people both physically and emotionally.

11. “Nothing Compares 2 U” – Sinéad O’Connor

When Sinéad O’Connor recorded Prince’s heartbreaking ballad in 1990, nobody expected it would become one of the decade’s most iconic songs.

Her stripped-down, emotionally raw interpretation transformed the track into a worldwide number-one hit that spent weeks atop charts everywhere.

Prince originally wrote and recorded the song for his side project The Family back in 1985.

O’Connor’s version, however, connected with listeners on a completely different level.

Her vulnerable delivery and the simple, powerful arrangement let the lyrics’ pain shine through with devastating clarity.

The accompanying music video, featuring O’Connor’s tear-streaked face in close-up, became equally legendary.

The song earned multiple awards and remains one of Prince’s most celebrated compositions, proving his genius extended far beyond funk.

12. “Jerk Out” – The Time

Originally recorded by Prince during his sessions for the “Batman” soundtrack, this funky track eventually found its way to The Time for their 1990 comeback album.

The song’s infectious groove and cheeky lyrics fit perfectly with the band’s established persona of smooth-talking cool guys.

Morris Day’s delivery gave the track extra swagger and personality.

The production featured all of Prince’s signature elements—tight bass, crisp drums, and synthesizer flourishes that made it impossible not to move. Radio programmers loved its party-ready energy.

The song became a charting single and helped reestablish The Time’s relevance in the early ’90s music scene.

It proved that Prince’s Minneapolis sound could still compete with newer hip-hop and R&B styles emerging at the time.

13. “Round and Round” – Tevin Campbell

Tevin Campbell was just a teenager when Prince handed him this slick, funky breakout hit.

The young singer’s smooth vocals and mature delivery impressed everyone, while Prince’s production gave him the perfect platform to showcase his incredible range and natural talent.

The song appeared on the “Graffiti Bridge” soundtrack in 1990 and became Campbell’s introduction to mainstream audiences.

Its infectious melody and sophisticated arrangement proved that Prince could spot and nurture young talent just as well as he could create hits for established stars.

Campbell went on to have a successful career, but this collaboration with Prince remained a highlight.

The track reached number three on the R&B charts and established Campbell as one of the most promising young voices in contemporary music.

14. “Love… Thy Will Be Done” – Martika

Martika’s collaboration with Prince resulted in this ethereal, spiritual pop masterpiece that felt completely different from his typical funk offerings.

The song’s message about surrendering to a higher power and accepting life’s journey resonated deeply with listeners seeking something more meaningful than typical pop fare.

Prince produced the track with unusual restraint and beauty.

The lush arrangement featured gorgeous harmonies and gentle instrumentation that created an almost hymn-like quality.

Martika’s sincere delivery made the spiritual lyrics feel authentic rather than preachy or forced.

Released in 1991, the song became a top-ten hit in several countries.

It showcased yet another side of Prince’s musical personality—his ability to create thoughtful, uplifting music that touched hearts and souls in profound ways.

15. “How Come You Don’t Call Me” – Alicia Keys

Decades after Prince originally recorded this deep-cut B-side, Alicia Keys discovered the hidden gem and gave it new life.

Her 2001 version transformed the song into a soulful modern R&B favorite that introduced Prince’s songwriting to a whole new generation of music lovers.

Keys’ piano-driven arrangement and passionate vocals brought fresh emotional depth to the lyrics.

Her interpretation felt both contemporary and timeless, proving that great songs never really age.

The track appeared on her multi-platinum debut album “Songs in A Minor” and became a fan favorite.

Prince himself praised Keys’ version, recognizing how she’d honored his original while making it completely her own.

The cover demonstrated his lasting influence on younger artists and confirmed his status as one of music’s greatest songwriters.

16. “You’re My Love” – Kenny Rogers

Under the playful pseudonym Joey Coco, Prince wrote this tender ballad for country-pop legend Kenny Rogers.

The song showed a completely different side of Prince’s songwriting abilities—gentle, romantic, and perfectly suited for Rogers’ warm, comforting vocal style.

Though Rogers recorded the track, it remained relatively obscure until Prince released his own demo version on the 2019 posthumous album “Originals.”

Hearing Prince’s intimate original recording revealed the song’s emotional core and demonstrated his incredible versatility as both writer and performer.

The ballad proved that Prince could write convincingly in virtually any genre.

His ability to craft songs that fit other artists’ strengths while maintaining his own artistic integrity made him one of music’s most valuable and respected songwriters across multiple decades.