Vanity singer isn’t just a name from the past — it's a symbol of 80s glam, musical innovation, and a story of reinvention. When you hear the name Vanity, you might think of the sultry stage persona, the hit song “Nasty Girl,” or the dramatic transformation from pop star to spiritual leader. But there's so much more to this Canadian-born artist than meets the eye. Her journey was filled with highs, lows, and everything in between.

Vanity wasn't just about looks or catchy tunes. She was a trailblazer in the music world, standing alongside Prince as the frontwoman of Vanity 6. Together, they pushed boundaries and challenged the norms of the music industry. Whether you're a long-time fan or just discovering her music, you’ll find there's plenty to learn about this iconic figure.

So, what made Vanity such a standout figure in pop culture? And why do people still talk about her decades after her prime? Let’s dive into her story and uncover the real woman behind the name. You might be surprised at what you find.

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Table of Contents

• Biography of Vanity Singer
• Personal Details and Bio Data
• Career Highlights and Musical Legacy
• Personal Struggles and Reinvention
• Frequently Asked Questions About Vanity
• Final Thoughts on the Legacy of a Pop Icon

Biography of Vanity Singer

Vanity was the stage name of Denise Katrina Matthews, a Canadian singer, actress, and model best known as the lead singer of the 1980s girl group Vanity 6. Her musical journey began when she caught the attention of none other than Prince, who helped shape her early career and image. Alongside fellow group members Susan Moonsie and another rotating member, Vanity 6 released music that blended funk, pop, and R&B, making a splash in the early 80s.

Their breakout hit, “Nasty Girl,” became a defining track of the era, showcasing Vanity’s bold presence and Prince’s signature sound. Despite the group’s success, the trio disbanded in 1983 as Vanity pursued a solo career and a more independent artistic path. Though her time with Prince was short-lived, the influence he had on her musical style was undeniable.

Outside of music, Vanity also explored acting, landing roles in films and television shows. But her career wasn’t without its challenges. Struggles with addiction and health issues later overshadowed her early fame, leading her to a dramatic life change in the late 90s.

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Personal Details and Bio Data

Here’s a quick look at some of the key personal details and facts about Vanity:

Career Highlights and Musical Legacy

Vanity’s musical journey took off when she met Prince, who saw potential in her and helped craft her image. He wrote and produced much of Vanity 6’s material, including their most famous track, “Nasty Girl.” The song was a big hit and is still sampled and referenced in modern music today.

While with Vanity 6, the group released two albums: *Vanity 6* (1982) and *LiveWire / PlayBall* (1983). Though they didn’t stay together long, their sound and style left a mark on the 80s music scene. Vanity’s sultry vocals and Prince’s production were a powerful combination, and their music videos brought a new level of visual flair to the era.

• “Nasty Girl” became a defining hit of the 1980s.
• Vanity 6 toured with Prince, opening for his band The Revolution.
• She continued to release solo music after the group disbanded.

Her acting career included roles in films like *Action Jackson* (1988) and appearances in TV shows like *21 Jump Street*. While not a blockbuster star, her presence on screen showed a different side of her talent.

For more on how artists like Vanity shaped the 80s music scene, you can explore how music evolved during that decade on Rolling Stone's music history section.

Personal Struggles and Reinvention

Behind the glamour and fame, Vanity faced serious personal challenges. She struggled with addiction, particularly to crack cocaine, which took a heavy toll on her health. Over time, her body began to fail — she developed kidney issues that eventually led to her death in 2016.

But there was another chapter to her life that many people don’t know about. In the late 1990s, Vanity left the entertainment world behind and underwent a dramatic transformation. She became a born-again Christian, changed her name to Denise Matthews again, and began working as a minister. She even started a ministry to help others struggling with addiction and spiritual emptiness.

Her life was a journey of contrasts — from being a sex symbol in the music world to a spiritual leader helping others find redemption. Vanity’s story is a powerful reminder that people can change, grow, and find new purpose, no matter what they’ve been through.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vanity

Who was Vanity singer?

Vanity was the stage name of Denise Katrina Matthews, a Canadian singer, actress, and model best known as the lead singer of the 1980s girl group Vanity 6. She gained fame for her work with Prince and her hit song “Nasty Girl.” Later in life, she became a Christian minister and distanced herself from her earlier persona.

What happened to Vanity from Vanity 6?

Vanity left the music industry after battling addiction and health issues. She struggled with crack cocaine abuse, which led to kidney failure and other complications. She passed away in 2016 at the age of 57. Before her death, she became a Christian minister and lived a quieter, faith-based life.

Was Vanity part of Prince’s band?

While Vanity wasn’t officially a member of Prince’s band, she was closely associated with him as the lead singer of Vanity 6, a group he created. The group toured with Prince and The Revolution, and he wrote and produced much of their music. Their collaboration was a key part of the 1980s music scene.

Final Thoughts on the Legacy of a Pop Icon

Vanity’s life was more than just music and fame — it was a journey of highs and lows, reinvention, and redemption. From being a Prince protege to becoming a spiritual leader, she showed that people can change and grow in unexpected ways. Her music, particularly “Nasty Girl,” remains a cultural touchstone, and her bold persona challenged the norms of her time.

Though she’s no longer with us, her legacy lives on through her music, her influence on pop culture, and the stories of those she helped later in life. If you're interested in learning more about other artists who shaped the 80s, check out for more deep dives into music history.

If you're curious about how artists like Vanity impacted the music world, or if you're exploring how music and identity evolve over time, there's always more to discover. Take a look at to explore more stories like hers.