15 Secret Hits: The Shocking List Of Songs Prince Wrote For Other Artists That Defined The 80s And 90s

The genius of Prince Rogers Nelson extends far beyond his own iconic catalog. As of today, December 24, 2025, the music world continues to uncover and celebrate the sheer volume of chart-topping, genre-defining songs he quietly—and sometimes secretly—gifted to other artists. Operating under various pseudonyms like 'Jamie Starr' and 'Camille,' or simply handing over tracks from his legendary vault, Prince's influence as a ghostwriter and behind-the-scenes hitmaker is one of the most fascinating aspects of his legacy. This prolific output cemented his status not just as a performer, but as a master architect of the global pop and R&B soundscape of the 1980s and 1990s. His ability to perfectly tailor a song to another artist's persona while maintaining his signature Minneapolis Sound was unparalleled. From country music to arena rock and synth-funk, Prince's songwriting versatility created massive hits that many fans today still mistakenly attribute solely to the performing artist. The following list dives deep into the most famous, and some of the most surprising, songs that owe their existence to the Purple One's boundless creativity.

Prince Rogers Nelson: The Architect of Pop's Secret Hits

Prince's biography as a songwriter for others is a testament to his staggering productivity. Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on June 7, 1958, he was a musical prodigy who could play virtually every instrument. His career exploded in the late 70s and 80s, but simultaneously, he began a parallel career as a producer and songwriter for artists both within his immediate circle (The Time, Vanity 6, Sheila E.) and for major external stars. He often used a stable of pseudonyms to maintain a sense of mystery and to distance his prolific side projects from his main career. The most famous of these aliases included Jamie Starr and Alexander Nevermind. Later, he used Joey Coco for a surprising country music venture. This practice allowed him to release an astonishing amount of music without saturating the market under his own name, demonstrating a shrewd understanding of the music business and an insatiable creative drive.

The Biggest Hits You Didn't Know Prince Wrote

The scope of Prince's external work is truly mind-boggling. These songs weren't just album filler; they were massive, career-defining hits for the artists who recorded them. They showcase his ability to craft perfect pop hooks across multiple genres.

1. Nothing Compares 2 U - Sinead O'Connor (1990)

This is perhaps the most famous example of Prince's hidden genius. The iconic, heartbreaking ballad that defined Sinead O'Connor's career was actually written by Prince for his side project, The Family, in 1985. The original version, sung by Paul Peterson, was a deep cut on The Family's only album. O'Connor's cover, however, turned it into a global phenomenon, topping charts worldwide and becoming one of the most recognizable songs of the decade. The song’s raw emotion and minimalist arrangement in O’Connor’s hands eclipsed Prince’s own version, a fact he reportedly had mixed feelings about.

2. Manic Monday - The Bangles (1986)

"Manic Monday" was The Bangles' breakthrough hit, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100—held off the top spot only by Prince’s own "Kiss." Prince initially wrote the song for the group Apollonia 6. He then offered it to The Bangles' lead singer, Susanna Hoffs, after seeing her perform. The track was credited to the pseudonym Christopher. The song perfectly captured the feeling of a working-week drag with a catchy, upbeat pop sensibility, launching The Bangles into superstardom.

3. I Feel For You - Chaka Khan (1984)

While Prince recorded his own version for his 1979 self-titled album, it was Chaka Khan's 1984 cover that became a massive international smash. Khan's version, which featured a rap by Melle Mel and a distinctive vocal sample of Prince himself, was a revolutionary piece of funk-pop. The song's success earned Prince a Grammy Award for Best R&B Song. It’s a prime example of how Prince's compositions could be reinterpreted and elevated by another artist's unique vocal power.

4. The Glamorous Life - Sheila E. (1984)

This song was the title track and major hit from percussionist Sheila E.'s debut album. Prince wrote, produced, and performed most of the instruments on the track, which became a signature song for Sheila E. It's a quintessential piece of the Minneapolis Sound, blending funk, rock, and Latin percussion, perfectly showcasing Sheila E.'s fiery stage persona and drumming prowess. The song reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100.

5. Stand Back - Stevie Nicks (1983)

The story behind this track is legendary. Stevie Nicks was inspired by the synthesizer part of Prince's "Little Red Corvette" and called him to tell him she had written a song to his melody. To her surprise, Prince showed up at the studio that night and, in a single, uncredited session, played all the synthesizers on the track, effectively co-writing and producing the core sound. The song became a Top 5 hit, a seamless blend of Nicks' rock sensibility and Prince's futuristic funk-pop.

The Deep Cuts and Shocking Collaborations

Prince’s generosity extended across the musical spectrum, proving he wasn't limited to the R&B and Pop genres. His willingness to work with artists from disparate fields highlights his belief that a great song transcends genre.

6. Love Song - Madonna (1989)

A unique collaboration between two of the biggest pop stars of the era, "Love Song" appeared on Madonna's seminal album, *Like a Prayer*. Prince co-wrote the track and contributed uncredited guitar work. While not released as a single, the track is a fascinating document of the two artists' brief professional and personal relationship, blending their distinct styles into a moody, mid-tempo groove.

7. You're My Love - Kenny Rogers (1986)

This is perhaps the most unexpected entry on the list. Prince wrote this song for country music legend Kenny Rogers, using the pseudonym Joey Coco. Appearing on Rogers' album *They Don't Make Them Like They Used To*, the song demonstrates Prince’s incredible ability to write a melody that fits a completely different vocal style and genre while maintaining a certain pop sheen. It’s a testament to his musical versatility that he could successfully cross the R&B/Pop divide into country.

8. Sugar Walls - Sheena Easton (1984)

Credited to the pseudonym Alexander Nevermind, this controversial, sexually suggestive song was a major hit for Sheena Easton. Its explicit lyrics caused a stir and contributed to the formation of the Parents Music Resource Center (PMRC) and the push for "Parental Advisory" labels on albums. This track perfectly illustrates Prince’s love for pushing boundaries, even through the voice of another artist.

9. Jungle Love - The Time (1984)

Along with "The Bird" and "777-9311," this track is a cornerstone of The Time's catalog. The band, fronted by Morris Day, was essentially Prince’s alter-ego and a vehicle for his funkier, more theatrical compositions. Prince wrote and performed most of the music on The Time's albums, often credited as Jamie Starr, with the final tracks being overdubbed by the band members. "Jungle Love" is a classic example of the tight, energetic funk Prince mastered.

10. Nasty Girl - Vanity 6 (1982)

Another one of Prince’s protegee bands, Vanity 6 was a female trio designed to be provocative. Prince wrote and produced their biggest hit, "Nasty Girl," a bold, synth-heavy track that became a massive club hit. The song's influence on subsequent female pop and R&B artists is undeniable, showcasing Prince’s role in shaping the sound of female sexuality in pop music.

The Lasting Legacy of Prince's Songwriting

The enduring success of these songs highlights a crucial part of Prince's legacy: his dedication to the *song* itself. He was a master of melody, structure, and arrangement, qualities that made his compositions timeless, regardless of who sang them. His work for other artists—from Patti LaBelle ("Yo Mister") to Alicia Keys ("How Come U Don't Call Me Anymore," which was a cover of a Prince B-side)—demonstrates an unparalleled topical authority in popular music. The sheer volume and quality of the material he was willing to give away speaks to a creative well that never ran dry. Every time a deep-dive retrospective is published, a new generation discovers that the Purple One was not just a performer but the secret, prolific architect behind some of the greatest pop songs ever written. His influence as a songwriter, producer, and mentor continues to resonate deeply in the industry today, solidifying his place as one of the most important musical figures of the last century.

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