20 Shocking Hit Songs You Didn't Know Prince Wrote For Other Artists

Few artists in music history possess the sheer, prolific genius of Prince Rogers Nelson. While his personal catalog is legendary, a deeper dive into his career reveals a secret life as a powerhouse songwriter, quietly penning massive hits across multiple genres for an astonishing array of artists. As of today, December 11, 2025, the enduring legacy of the Purple One’s ghostwritten tracks continues to surprise and define pop culture, proving his influence was far wider than his own records.

This list explores the most famous, the most surprising, and the truly obscure songs that Prince gifted to other singers and bands, often using a mysterious pseudonym like "Christopher" or "Joey Coco" to mask his involvement. Prepare to have your playlist—and your understanding of 80s and 90s music—completely redefined by the depth of his behind-the-scenes mastery.

The Genius Behind the Curtain: Prince's Secret Songwriting Profile

Prince's ability to craft a perfect pop, funk, rock, or R&B song was unparalleled. He was a musical polymath who not only wrote and composed but also played nearly every instrument on his demo tracks, which he would then hand over to his chosen artists. This section details the key aspects of his songwriting persona.

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• Full Name: Prince Rogers Nelson
• Born: June 7, 1958, in Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Died: April 21, 2016, in Chanhassen, Minnesota
• Active Years: 1976–2016
• Primary Pseudonyms: "Christopher" (used for "Manic Monday"), "Joey Coco" (used for "You're My Love"), "Jamie Starr" (used for The Time and Vanity 6), "Alexander Nevermind" (used for "Sugar Walls").
• Signature Style: Blending funk, rock, R&B, soul, and pop; complex arrangements; sexually charged or deeply spiritual lyrics; innovative use of synthesizers and drum machines.
• Notable Proteges: Sheila E., Vanity 6, The Time, Apollonia 6, Jill Jones.

The Global Smash Hits You Didn't Know Were Prince Originals

Some of the biggest songs of the 1980s and 1990s—tracks that defined a generation—were not only written by Prince but often first recorded by him for his own projects before being passed on. These are the undisputed masterpieces of his ghostwriting career.

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

This is arguably the most famous song Prince wrote for another artist. It was originally written for The Family, a short-lived funk band that Prince created and signed to Paisley Park Records. Sinead O'Connor's raw, emotional 1990 rendition, complete with the iconic music video, transformed the deep-cut ballad into a global number one smash hit. The song's enduring power cemented its place as a classic of the era.

2. Manic Monday - The Bangles (1986)

The Bangles' breakout hit and one of the most recognizable songs of the 80s was a direct gift from Prince. He originally wrote the track for his own group, Apollonia 6, but decided to offer it to The Bangles after meeting them. He was credited as the songwriter under the pseudonym "Christopher"—a subtle reference to his character in the film Under the Cherry Moon.

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

Prince first released "I Feel For You" on his self-titled 1979 album, but it was Chaka Khan's 1984 cover that turned it into an international hit. Khan’s version featured a groundbreaking rap by Melle Mel and became a signature R&B/funk anthem, winning a Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance. Prince's original demo is a fascinating comparison to the final, polished hit.

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

This song launched Sheila E.'s solo career and became a definitive song of the 1980s. Prince was a key collaborator and producer on Sheila E.'s debut album, and "The Glamorous Life" was completely written and largely performed by him, solidifying his role as her mentor and creative partner. The track is a perfect blend of Prince’s funk sensibilities and Sheila E.’s Latin percussion flair.

The Surprising Collaborations and Deep Cuts

Prince’s versatility allowed him to cross genres and work with artists you would least expect. These songs highlight his range and his willingness to experiment beyond his purple-hued universe.

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

Perhaps the most shocking entry on this list is the country-pop ballad "You're My Love," which was a minor hit for country legend Kenny Rogers. Prince wrote the song using the pseudonym "Joey Coco" and offered it to Rogers, who was looking for material for his 1986 album, They Don't Make Them Like They Used To. The idea of the Purple One writing a song for the Gambler is a testament to his musical boundary-breaking.

6. Stand Back - Stevie Nicks (1983)

This collaboration began when Stevie Nicks heard Prince's "Little Red Corvette" and was inspired to write her own song, "Stand Back." She called Prince, who came to the studio that night and laid down the iconic synthesizer track and backing vocals, effectively co-writing and co-producing the song. It became a major hit for Nicks, showcasing a rare, spontaneous partnership between two rock legends.

7. Sugar Walls - Sheena Easton (1984)

Prince wrote and produced "Sugar Walls" for Scottish singer Sheena Easton, using the pseudonym "Alexander Nevermind." The song's overtly sexual lyrics were controversial for the time, leading to its inclusion on the infamous "Filthy Fifteen" list compiled by the Parents Music Resource Center (PMRC). Despite the controversy, it became a major dance and pop hit, demonstrating Prince's ability to push the envelope for other artists.

8. With This Tear - Celine Dion (1992)

A true deep cut, Prince wrote this emotional ballad specifically for Celine Dion's self-titled 1992 album. The song is a departure from his typical funk-rock style, showcasing his ability to craft a powerful, traditional pop arrangement perfectly suited for Dion's soaring vocal range. It remains a beloved track among Prince and Dion fans alike.

The Paisley Park Proteges and Inner Circle Hits

Prince frequently wrote for the artists he mentored and produced, especially those signed to his Paisley Park label or associated with his films, creating a distinct "Minneapolis Sound" empire.

9. Jungle Love - The Time (1984)

The Time, fronted by Morris Day, was essentially Prince’s alter-ego band. While officially credited to Morris Day and Jesse Johnson, "Jungle Love" was largely a Prince composition, a high-energy funk masterpiece from the Ice Cream Castle album and the film Purple Rain. It's a cornerstone of the Minneapolis Sound.

10. Nasty Girl - Vanity 6 (1982)

Prince created and managed the all-female trio Vanity 6, and "Nasty Girl" was their biggest hit. Written and produced by Prince, the song is a provocative, synth-heavy funk track that set the standard for his female proteges' sound and image. The song's success was a direct result of Prince’s vision for the group.

11. Sex Shooter - Apollonia 6 (1984)

Following the departure of Vanity, Prince reformed the group as Apollonia 6 for the film Purple Rain. "Sex Shooter" was their key song, a sultry, Prince-penned track that perfectly fit the movie's soundtrack and the group's new persona.

12. Love Song - Madonna (1989)

A rare collaboration between two of the biggest pop stars of the 80s, "Love Song" was a duet on Madonna's Like a Prayer album. Prince co-wrote and played guitar on the track, blending his signature guitar riffs with Madonna's pop sensibility for a unique, moody track that remains a fascinating piece of pop history.

Other Essential Prince-Penned Tracks

The list of songs Prince gave away is extensive. Here are a few more tracks that underscore his incredible output:

• "How Come U Don't Call Me Anymore" - Alicia Keys (2001): This was an iconic Prince B-side from 1982 that Alicia Keys covered and made a hit. She often cited Prince as a major influence, and the cover brought the song to a new generation.
• "Twelve" - Patti LaBelle (1994): Prince wrote this track for the legendary singer Patti LaBelle’s album Gems.
• "Cool" - The Time (1981): Another essential track from The Time’s debut album, entirely written and produced by Prince under his "Jamie Starr" alias.
• "Make-Up" - Vanity 6 (1982): A deep cut from the debut album, showcasing the raw, early Minneapolis Sound.
• "Yo Mister" - Mavis Staples (1989): Written for the gospel and soul legend's album Time Waits for No One, demonstrating his respect for classic soul.
• "Wouldn't You Love to Love Me?" - Taja Sevelle (1987): A song originally recorded by Prince in 1976 but given to his protege Taja Sevelle for her debut album.
• "If I Was Your Girlfriend" - TLC (1994): While a cover, TLC’s version of the song from Prince's Sign o' the Times album introduced the complex, gender-bending lyrics to a massive new audience.

The Enduring Topical Authority of Prince's Songwriting

Prince’s true topical authority is not just in the hits he recorded himself, but in the sheer volume and diversity of the songs he wrote for others. His willingness to operate under pseudonyms like Christopher and Joey Coco was a playful way to challenge the music industry and prove that a great song could succeed on its own merit, regardless of whose name was attached to it. From the country charts with Kenny Rogers to the pop anthems of The Bangles and the R&B classics of Chaka Khan, his songwriting legacy is a sprawling, multi-genre testament to a singular, unparalleled musical genius that continues to influence new artists today.