Matthews was also an accomplished model and actress, appearing in such popular films as 52 Pick-Up and Action Jackson and on such television series as Miami Vice and Highlander: The Series.ĭue to her tumultuous personal life and high-profile romances with musicians such as Adam Ant, Billy Idol, and Nikki Sixx, Matthews remained a tabloid fixture well into the ’90sĪn influence to many artists who came of age in the ’80s, Vanity became a trending topic on social media just moments after news of her death was announced. Lead singer of the girl group Vanity 6 from 1981 to 1983, Matthews is perhaps best known for her vocals on the 1983 hit 'Nasty Girl,' which was written by her friend and mentor Prince.Īfter the dissolution of the band, Matthews enjoyed a successful solo career which included such successful singles as 'Pretty Mess', 'Mechanical Emotion', and 'Under the Influence' E News learned that Prince passed away at his. The man, the music legend, and the mentor to many in the music industry has passed away at age 57. Sadly, despite the best efforts of her loved ones and fans, Matthews passed away earlier this evening at a Santa Monica hospital. Vanity, the artist who was a protege of Prince in the early 80s, has died at the age of 57. 2.1 Early career 2.2 Prince and Purple Rain 2.3 Later Career 2.4 Apollonia Studio 6 3 Personal life 4 Discography. Look Back on Princes Many Female Protégés. The singer’s family recently set up a GoFundMe page to help fund her fight against encapsulating peritonitis – an inflammation of the small intestines. Matthews had reportedly been battling a kidney ailment and other health problems in recent years. Singer And Actress Vanity Dies: The Former Prince Protege Was 57. Denise Matthews – the singer better known by her stage name, Vanity – has passed away at the age of 57.

Prince protege