Sheila E. (October 12, 1984) – "The Belle Of St. Mark" b/w "Too Sexy" Single US: 7,12.
"The Belle Of St. Mark" was released in the United States on October 12, 1984 as the second single from Sheila E.'s debut album, The Glamorous Life. Arriving approximately four months after the album's release, the single continued the promotional campaign surrounding the successful debut record.The release featured both an edited version of the title track and the previously unreleased song "Too Sexy" as its B-side. Unlike much of Sheila E.'s associated work from the period, "Too Sexy" had no involvement from Prince.
Although issued in several territories including North America and Germany, the single's initial focus was the American market, where it became a moderate chart success. The release reached the Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard Black Singles chart, while later enjoying even greater success in parts of Europe and the United Kingdom.
The single showcased material drawn from The Glamorous Life, while its accompanying formats offered alternate versions of the title track. Several releases included extended and dance-oriented mixes, giving the song a broader club presence beyond the original album version.
TRACK-BY-TRACK NOTES
• The Belle Of St. Mark (Edit) — The shortened single version issued on the standard 7-inch release.
• Too Sexy — Previously unreleased track selected as the single's B-side.
• The Belle Of St. Mark (Full Length Version) — Extended album-length version issued on selected 12-inch editions.
• The Belle Of St. Mark (Dance Remix) — Exclusive remix version issued on selected 12-inch releases.
RELEASE HISTORY
Released in the United States on October 12, 1984 through Warner Bros. Records, "The Belle Of St. Mark" became the second commercial single from The Glamorous Life.
The release was issued across multiple formats and territories. The standard American 7-inch single paired the edited version of the title track with "Too Sexy". Additional 12-inch editions appeared featuring both full-length and dance remix versions of the song. Promotional 7-inch and 12-inch editions were also distributed in North America.
The single later received a United Kingdom release on January 28, 1985.
CHARTS & CERTIFICATIONS
AMERICA
USA: Billboard Hot 100 — Entry: October 27, 1984 — Peak: 34 — Weeks: 15
USA: Billboard Black Singles — Entry: November 24, 1984 — Peak: 68 — Weeks: 6
EUROPE
Belgium: Ultratop 50 Singles — Peak: 5 — Weeks: 11
Netherlands: Nederlandse Top 40 — Peak: 5 — Weeks: 11
UK: Gallup Singles Chart — Entry: February 3, 1985 — Peak: 18 — Weeks: 11
UK: Gallup Singles Chart (Re-entry) — Entry: April 28, 1985 — Peak: 82 — Weeks: 1
NOTES
Released in the USA on October 12, 1984.
Second single from The Glamorous Life.
"Too Sexy" was previously unreleased and had no input from Prince.
Associated non-album tracks and versions included "The Belle Of St. Mark (Dance Remix)" and "The Belle Of St. Mark (Edit)".
See individual tracks and related albums for full credits.
RELEASE VARIANTS TABLE
Artist | Title | Label | Country | Catalogue | Date | Format |
Sheila E. | The Belle Of St. Mark | Warner Bros. | USA | 9 29180-7 | October 12, 1984 | 7" Single |
Sheila E. | The Belle Of St. Mark | Warner Bros. | Canada | 92 91807 | 1984 | 7" Single |
Sheila E. | The Belle Of St. Mark | Warner Bros. | UK | W9180 | January 28, 1985 | 7" Single |
Sheila E. | The Belle Of St. Mark | Warner Bros. | Germany | 929 180-7 | 1984 | 7" Single |
Sheila E. | The Belle Of St. Mark | Warner Bros. | USA | 9 20285-0 A | 1984 | 12" Single |
Sheila E. | The Belle Of St. Mark | Warner Bros. | Canada | 9 20285-0 | 1984 | 12" Single |
Sheila E. | The Belle Of St. Mark | Warner Bros. | UK | W9180T | 1985 | 12" Single |
Sheila E. | The Belle Of St. Mark | Warner Bros. | Germany | 920 285-0 | 1984 | 12" Single |
Sheila E. | The Belle Of St. Mark | Warner Bros. | Italy | 920 285-0 | 1984 | 12" Single |
Sheila E. | The Belle Of St. Mark | Warner Bros. | USA | 7-29180 | 1984 | 7" Promo |
Sheila E. | The Belle Of St. Mark | Warner Bros. | USA | PRO-A-2201 | 1984 | 12" Promo |
TRACKLIST TABLE
Format | Catalogue | Tracklisting |
7" Single | 9 29180-7 | A. The Belle Of St. Mark (Edit) (3:38) B. Too Sexy |
7" Single | 92 91807 | A. The Belle Of St. Mark (Edit) (3:38) B. Too Sexy |
7" Single | W9180 | A. The Belle Of St. Mark (Edit) (3:38) B. Too Sexy |
7" Single | 929 180-7 | A. The Belle Of St. Mark (Edit) (3:38) B. Too Sexy |
12" Single | 920 285-0 | A. The Belle Of St. Mark (Full Length Version) (5:08) B. Too Sexy |
12" Single | 9 20285-0 A | A. The Belle Of St. Mark (Dance Remix) (7:42) B. Too Sexy |
12" Single | W9180T | A. The Belle Of St. Mark (Dance Remix) (7:42) B. Too Sexy |
12" Single | 9 20285-0 | A. The Belle Of St. Mark (Dance Remix) (7:42) B. Too Sexy |
7" Promo | 7-29180 | A. The Belle Of St. Mark (Edit) (3:38) B. Too Sexy |
12" Promo | PRO-A-2201 | A. The Belle Of St. Mark (Edit) (3:38) B. The Belle Of St. Mark (LP Version) (5:08) |
SOURCES Discogs, 45 World, Wikipedia, BBC Official Charts, Prince Vault, Sleeveographia2,All single artwork, label designs, photographs, and original text excerpts remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This Chronicle entry is a transformative, non‑commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference. No ownership of the original material is claimed or implied.
Comments