Prince, remembered in 11 songs you might not know he wrote

TL;DR

Prince wrote many famous songs for other artists.

Transcript

Prince was an icon. He was a performer. "Let's go crazy" "Go crazy!" He was an actor. "That ain't Lake Minnetonka." He was one of the most talented musicians of his generation. But above all he was a songwriter. "Purple rain, purple rain." And he was such a prolific songwriter, that he wrote songs for other artists. And more than a few artists cove... Read More

Key Insights

• Prince was not only a performer but also a prolific songwriter, crafting songs for himself and other artists.
• Sinead O’Connor’s hit 'Nothing Compares 2 U' was originally written by Prince, showcasing his versatility in songwriting.
• Prince used pseudonyms like 'Christopher' and 'Jamie Starr' to write hits for other artists such as The Bangles and Morris Day.
• The Bangles' 'Manic Monday' and The Time's 'Jungle Love' are examples of Prince's influence on 80s pop music.
• Prince collaborated with artists like Stevie Nicks, Madonna, and Chaka Kahn, contributing to their musical successes.
• Stevie Nicks' 'Stand Back' was co-written with Prince, inspired by his song 'Little Red Corvette'.
• Prince's song 'I Feel for You' became a hit for Chaka Kahn, earning him a Grammy years after its original release.
• Prince's influence extended into the 90s and beyond, with artists like TLC and MC Hammer sampling his work.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is one of the most famous songs Prince wrote for another artist?

One of the most famous songs Prince wrote for another artist is 'Nothing Compares 2 U,' performed by Sinead O’Connor. The song became a massive hit and is often associated with O'Connor, despite being originally written by Prince. Its emotional depth and haunting melody showcase Prince's exceptional songwriting abilities.

Q: How did Prince contribute to The Bangles' success?

Prince contributed to The Bangles' success by writing their hit song 'Manic Monday' under the pseudonym 'Christopher.' The song's catchy melody and relatable lyrics helped propel The Bangles to fame in the 1980s, demonstrating Prince's ability to craft pop hits that resonated with a wide audience.

Q: What role did Prince play in Stevie Nicks' song 'Stand Back'?

Prince co-wrote Stevie Nicks' song 'Stand Back,' which was inspired by his own song 'Little Red Corvette.' Nicks contacted Prince while recording the song, and he contributed to its production. His influence is evident in the song's melody and rhythm, highlighting his collaborative spirit and musical genius.

Q: Which Prince song did Chaka Kahn turn into a hit?

Chaka Kahn turned Prince's song 'I Feel for You' into a hit. Originally written by Prince in 1979, Kahn's version became a platinum-selling single, showcasing the timeless appeal of Prince's songwriting. The song's success earned Prince a Grammy, highlighting his enduring impact on the music industry.

Q: How did Prince influence MC Hammer's music?

Prince influenced MC Hammer's music by providing a sample for Hammer's song 'Pray.' Hammer used a sample from Prince's 'When Doves Cry' to create a hit that resonated with audiences. This collaboration demonstrates Prince's far-reaching influence and the versatility of his music across different genres and decades.

Q: What pseudonyms did Prince use for songwriting?

Prince used pseudonyms like 'Christopher' and 'Jamie Starr' for songwriting. These aliases allowed him to write for other artists without drawing attention to his involvement. Notable songs written under these names include 'Manic Monday' for The Bangles and 'Jungle Love' for The Time, showcasing his diverse musical talents.

Q: What was Prince's contribution to Sheila E.'s career?

Prince contributed to Sheila E.'s career by writing 'The Glamorous Life,' which became a major hit and reached #7 on the Billboard charts. His collaboration with Sheila E. on this song and others helped establish her as a prominent artist in the 1980s, highlighting Prince's role in shaping the careers of fellow musicians.

Q: How did Prince's music influence Beyoncé and Jay-Z?

Prince's music influenced Beyoncé and Jay-Z, who quoted his song 'If I Was Your Girlfriend' in their track 'Bonnie and Clyde.' The original song, part of Prince's 'Sign 'O' The Times' album, showcases his lasting impact on contemporary artists and his ability to inspire new interpretations across different musical styles.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Prince was an iconic musician known for his songwriting prowess, creating hits for himself and other artists. His ability to craft songs that transcended genres and generations made him a unique figure in the music industry.

• Sinead O’Connor’s 'Nothing Compares 2 U' is one of the most famous songs written by Prince for another artist. His songwriting skills allowed him to create timeless music that resonated with diverse audiences.

• Prince's influence is evident in songs like 'Manic Monday' by The Bangles and 'I Feel for You' by Chaka Kahn. He collaborated with and inspired many artists, leaving a lasting impact on the music world.