15 Blockbuster Hits You Didn't Know Prince Wrote For Other Artists (And The Secret Pseudonyms He Used)

Few musical geniuses possess a creative output so vast and prolific that they can simply hand over chart-topping hits to other artists. Prince Rogers Nelson, the legendary Purple One, was one of them. Throughout his career, he penned hundreds of songs, many of which he kept locked away in his mythical "Vault" or, in a stunning display of generosity and creative restlessness, gifted to his proteges and contemporaries. As of the current date, December 11, 2025, the stories behind these songs—and the secret identities he used to write them—continue to fascinate fans and demonstrate the sheer, unstoppable force of his songwriting legacy.

The true measure of Prince’s genius isn't just the hits he kept for himself, but the incredible run of success he engineered for others. From iconic 80s anthems to soulful R&B classics, his ghostwritten tracks often became career-defining singles for the artists who recorded them. This list dives deep into the most famous, the most surprising, and the most essential songs that only a master like Prince could afford to give away.

The Most Shocking Hits Prince Gave Away

Prince’s generosity with his music was legendary, often giving away fully formed, chart-ready songs. The following tracks became global phenomena, yet few casual fans know they originated in his Paisley Park studio.

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• "Nothing Compares 2 U" - Sinéad O'Connor (1990): Arguably the most famous song Prince ever gave away. He originally wrote the track for one of his side projects, The Family, whose lead singer Paul Peterson recorded it for their self-titled 1985 album. O'Connor's 1990 version, with its raw, emotional power and iconic music video, transformed it into a worldwide #1 hit and a timeless classic.
• "Manic Monday" - The Bangles (1986): This is one of the ultimate Prince songwriting surprises. He wrote the song and originally intended it for his all-female protegee group, Apollonia 6. He later offered it to The Bangles, who turned it into a massive global hit, peaking at #2 on the US charts, only being held off the top spot by Prince's own "Kiss." He was credited under the pseudonym Christopher.
• "I Feel for You" - Chaka Khan (1984): Prince first recorded this song for his 1979 self-titled album. However, it was Chaka Khan’s funk-infused 1984 cover, which featured a famous rap by Melle Mel and an iconic vocal sample of Prince himself, that became a monster hit, winning her a Grammy and solidifying the track as an 80s staple.
• "Stand Back" - Stevie Nicks (1983): A fascinating collaboration born from a phone call. Nicks was listening to Prince’s "Little Red Corvette" when she called him, and the song's beat inspired her. Prince came to the studio that night, played all the synthesizers on the track, and left. Nicks gave him a co-writing credit, and the song became a Top 5 hit.
• "The Glamorous Life" - Sheila E. (1984): This was the breakthrough hit for Prince's long-time drummer, percussionist, and collaborator, Sheila E. Prince wrote and produced the track, which became a signature song for her and a defining anthem of the mid-80s sound. It was the title track of her debut album.

The Secret Identities: Prince's Songwriting Pseudonyms

Prince frequently used pseudonyms to distance his own brand from the music he wrote for others, either out of humility, a desire for creative freedom, or to simply avoid contractual issues with his record label. Understanding these secret identities is key to unlocking the full scope of his songwriting influence.

Christopher and Joey Coco: The Hitmaker Aliases

The most famous of his aliases was Christopher, which he used for The Bangles’ "Manic Monday." The name is a nod to the character he played in his 1986 film, *Under the Cherry Moon*. Another notable alias was Joey Coco, which he used for the song "The Sex of It," recorded by The Time's lead singer, Morris Day, for his 1989 solo album. He also used Joey Coco for the song "You're My Love," recorded by Kenny Rogers for the 1986 film *About Last Night...*

He also occasionally used the name Camille, a character he invented for a planned album, to credit unreleased or obscure tracks, often characterized by a sped-up, androgynous vocal style. This alias, though not primarily for songs given to others, shows his penchant for creating alter egos to compartmentalize his creative output.

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The Proteges and Side Projects: Building the Paisley Park Empire

Prince’s commitment to mentoring other artists, particularly female performers and funk bands, led to a deep catalog of songs written, arranged, and produced for his "proteges." These groups and solo artists formed the core of the Paisley Park sound outside of his solo work.

The Family and The Time: Funk and Soul Apprentices

The band The Family (which included former members of The Time) was the original home for "Nothing Compares 2 U." Their debut album was almost entirely written by Prince, who was credited using the pseudonym Jamie Starr or The Starr Company. The album also featured the classic track "High Fashion."

Prince was the creative mastermind behind The Time, writing and producing nearly all of their songs, including hits like "Jungle Love" and "The Bird," which were credited to the band members but were undeniably Prince’s compositions, often featuring his uncredited backing vocals and instrumentals.

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The Women of Paisley Park: Vanity 6 and Apollonia 6

Prince launched several all-female groups, writing and producing their entire catalogs. The first was Vanity 6, for whom he wrote the provocative 1982 hit "Nasty Girl." When lead singer Vanity left, the group was reformed as Apollonia 6, with Apollonia Kotero taking the lead. Prince wrote their 1984 single "Sex Shooter," which was featured in the film *Purple Rain*. Many of the songs he wrote for these groups, like "Manic Monday," were later repurposed for other artists.

More Deep Cuts and Surprising Collaborations

Beyond the major hits, Prince’s songwriting credits appear in unexpected places, further illustrating his unparalleled work ethic and genre-defying reach.

• "Sugar Walls" - Sheena Easton (1984): A highly controversial and successful hit, Prince wrote and produced this track for Sheena Easton, using the pseudonym Alexander Nevermind. Its explicit lyrics led to it being listed on the Parents Music Resource Center's "Filthy Fifteen" list, cementing its edgy reputation.
• "Love Song" - Madonna (1989): A surprisingly low-key collaboration, this track appeared on Madonna's *Like a Prayer* album. Prince not only co-wrote the song with Madonna but also contributed guitar work and backing vocals.
• "Holly Rock" - Sheila E. (1985): This song was originally featured on the soundtrack for the film *Krush Groove*. A quintessential mid-80s funk track, it later appeared on the posthumous Prince album *Originals*, featuring his own version.
• "I Don't Wanna Stop" - Rennie "Ren" Woods (1978): This track holds the distinction of being the first song Prince ever gave to another artist. Woods was a vocalist and actress known for her role in *Hair*.
• "Creme In My Coffee" - Jill Jones (1987): Prince wrote and produced much of Jill Jones' self-titled debut album, which is considered a cult classic by fans. The album also featured the track "Mia Culpa."
• "Yo Mister" - Patti LaBelle (1989): Prince wrote this song for the legendary Patti LaBelle, showcasing his versatility by crafting a track perfectly suited for her powerful vocal style.

The vast, diverse catalog of songs Prince wrote for other artists is a powerful testament to his genius. It demonstrates an artist who was not just a performer, but a creative engine capable of fueling the careers of an entire generation of musicians. His work as a hidden hitmaker, using aliases like Christopher and Joey Coco, ensures that his influence ripples far beyond his own spectacular discography, securing his place as one of the most important songwriters in modern music history.