✦ Sexy Dancer - Single: Apr.1980

Prince’s early disco‑funk breakthrough gets its own international spotlight

— SUMMARY

“Sexy Dancer” was released on 11 April 1980 as Prince’s sixth commercially issued single worldwide, though it appeared only in the UK and Japan. Taken from his second album Prince (1979), the track showcased his emerging blend of disco, funk, and Minneapolis‑style minimalism.

Although the single did not chart in either the UK or Japan, it gained traction in US clubs as an album cut, reaching the Billboard Disco 100 chart alongside “I Wanna Be Your Lover.” Multiple formats were issued across both territories, including 7" and 12" editions, with the UK 12" featuring an extended “Long Version.”

The release further established Prince as a rising multi‑instrumentalist and producer, with all vocals and instrumentation performed by him.

— HIGHLIGHTS

Released 11 April 1980

Issued only in the UK and Japan

Did not chart in either country

Reached US Billboard Disco 100 as an album cut

UK 12" featured an 8:50 “Long Version”

B‑sides included “Bambi” and “Why You Wanna Treat Me So Bad?” depending on territory

Early example of Prince’s self‑contained production style

Connected to the Prince (1979) album era

— TRACKLISTING

7" Single — UK (K 17590)

A. Sexy Dancer – 4:18

B. Bambi – 4:22

7" Single — Japan (P‑566W)

A. Sexy Dancer – 4:18

B. Why You Wanna Treat Me So Bad? – 3:48

12" Single — UK (K 17590T)

A. Sexy Dancer (Long Version) – 8:50

B. Bambi – 4:22

Promo Editions

Japan 7" Promo (P‑566W)

A. Sexy Dancer – 4:18

B. Why You Wanna Treat Me So Bad? – 3:48

UK 12" Promo (K 17590T)

A. Sexy Dancer (Long Version) – 8:50

B. Bambi – 4:22

— CHART PERFORMANCE

US Billboard Disco 100: #3 (with “I Wanna Be Your Lover”)

Weeks on chart: 16

UK: Did not chart

Japan: Did not chart

— SOURCES

Warner Bros. Records single release sheets (1980)

Billboard Disco 100 archives

Prince discography references

Contemporary UK/Japan release documentation