Why Prince Wrote for Other Artists: Context and Motivations
Prince frequently wrote songs for other artists as an extension of his prolific creative output, his desire to shape pop music beyond his own recordings, and complex contractual and business dynamics. He sometimes wrote for close collaborators, artists he admired, projects tied to his family or Paisley Park, and artists connected to his broader musical circle. Understanding these reasons helps frame the intent and context of these songs.
Notable Songs Prince Wrote and Gave to Other Artists
Prince’s catalog includes numerous songs officially recorded and released by other artists. Many of these were formally released singles backed by production work from Prince, while others remained demos or finished tracks whose use is less documented. The table below summarizes key examples with available public information.
Documented Songs Prince Wrote for Other Artists
| Song | Artist | Release Year | Notes on Authorship and Production |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nothing Compares 2 U | Sinéad O’Connor | 1990 | Written by Prince; album I’m Not Bossy, I’m the Boss. Prince demo recorded earlier; his publishing, not the song itself, was assigned. |
| Manic Monday | The Bangles | 1986 | Credited to “Christopher” (a pseudonym). Released as a single and on the album Different Light. Prince involvement was publicly confirmed later. |
| Soft and Wet | Various early artists | 1978 | Demo variations exist; exact licensed usage unclear. Demonstrates his early willingness to share material. |
| The Glamorous Life | Sheila E. | 1984 | Written and produced by Prince; released on her album Romance 1600. Key example of deep collaboration. |
| Erotic City | Sheila E. | 1984 | Written and produced by Prince; single and album track, showcasing funk and collaboration. |
| Guitar | Adam Jones (Tool) | 1992 | Prince composition recorded by Adam Jones; details of formal release and publishing are limited and context-specific. |
| Love… Thy Will Be Done | Martika | 1991 | Written and co-produced by Prince; single and album Martika’s Kitchen. Major pop success linked to Prince. |
| He Lives in You | Lebo M & African Choir | 1994 | Written by Lebo M, Mark Mancina, and Jay Rifkin; often misattributed to Prince in discussions of The Lion King. Clarified as not written by Prince. |
| I Feel for You | Chaka Khan | 1984 | Written by Prince; produced by Arif Mardin and Prince. Became a significant hit and album title track. |
| 17 Days | The Family | 1985 | The Family was a project associated with Prince; songs were written by Prince and credited to the band. Details on specific writers within the project are often unclear publicly. |
Patterns in Prince’s Songwriting for Others
Across these examples, several patterns emerge. Prince often wrote in genres he explored himself—pop, funk, rock, and R&B—tailoring the production to suit the artist while imprinting his signature sound. Collaborations with artists like Sheila E. and Martika represent some of the most fully realized and impactful instances. Other songs issued under pseudonyms or through ambiguous channels reflect the complicated legal and personal dynamics of his catalog.
How These Songs Reflect His Influence
When Prince wrote for others, he extended his influence beyond his albums and performances. These songs became touchstones for artists in different genres, introduced his compositions to new audiences, and in many cases, became defining hits for those performers. The practice also highlights his role as a connector within the broader music industry, even when his involvement was not always publicly front and center.
Common Misconceptions and Clarifications
Not all prominent songs connected to Prince were written by him for another artist, and some attributions are misunderstood. For example, while “Nothing Compares 2 U” is firmly a Prince composition as a demo, its publishing arrangement differs from a direct song grant. Similarly, “He Lives in You” is frequently but incorrectly listed as a Prince song due to association with The Lion King’s soundtrack. Clear sourcing is essential for accuracy.
