Vanity 6 (Prince’s First All-Female Group)

The sexy, provocative, and groundbreaking all-female trio created and molded by Prince, known for their bold image, dance-pop sound, and hits that helped expand the Minneapolis Sound into mainstream pop.

OVERVIEW

Vanity 6 was a female R&B/pop trio assembled by Prince in 1982. The group consisted of Vanity (Denise Matthews), Brenda Bennett, and Susan Moonsie. They were one of the first acts Prince developed as a mentor/producer, following the model he used with The Time.

EARLY LIFE & MUSICAL BEGINNINGS

• Vanity (lead vocals) – Born Denise Katrina Matthews in Niagara Falls, Canada (1959). Former model and actress.

• Brenda Bennett – Born in Indiana, previously a singer with the band Haze.

• Susan Moonsie – Born in Minneapolis, childhood friend of Prince and former member of his early circle.

Prince handpicked the members and shaped their glamorous, lingerie-inspired image.

PRINCE CONNECTION Prince discovered Vanity in 1981 and quickly formed the group. He wrote and produced nearly all their material (credited to Jamie Starr and The Starr Company). He also played most of the instruments on their recordings. The group was closely tied to Prince’s universe — they opened for him on tour, appeared in his films, and embodied his vision of bold, sensual femininity. Vanity was also Prince’s girlfriend for a period during this time.

KEY RELEASES Vanity 6 (self-titled debut) Released: August 11, 1982 Label: Warner Bros. / Paisley Park (early association) Notable Tracks:

• “Nasty Girl” – Their biggest hit (peaked at #7 R&B)

• “He’s So Shy”

• “If a Girl Answers (Don’t Hang Up)”

• “Bite the Beat”

The album blended synth-funk, pop, and new wave with Prince’s signature sound.

STAGE WORK & LATER CAREER Vanity 6 toured as an opening act for Prince’s Controversy and 1999 tours, delivering energetic, provocative performances. In 1983, Vanity left the group (and Prince) to pursue a solo career and acting. She was replaced by Patricia “Apollonia” Kotero, and the group was renamed Apollonia 6.

Vanity released two solo albums (Wild Animal and Skin on Skin) and acted in films like The Last Dragon. She later became a born-again Christian and distanced herself from her earlier image. Brenda and Susan remained active in music and film. Vanity passed away in 2016.

WHY THEY MATTER TO THE PRINCE UNIVERSE Vanity 6 was Prince’s first major female protégé group and helped him explore themes of sexuality, fantasy, and female empowerment through music. Their success paved the way for Apollonia 6 and influenced many of Prince’s later female collaborations. “Nasty Girl” remains a classic Minneapolis Sound anthem and a key example of Prince’s ability to create hits for his satellite acts.

SOURCES Prince Vault, Wikipedia, Discogs, interviews with Brenda Bennett and Susan Moonsie, Vanity’s biography.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE All images, photographs, and artwork referenced or displayed remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This entry is a transformative, non-commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference.