Vanity: The Rise and Fall of Prince’s Muse
Denise Matthews, known professionally as Vanity, captivated audiences in the 1980s with her striking beauty, musical talent, and undeniable sex appeal. Her career, launched by a chance encounter with Prince, soared to prominence before being tragically cut short by health issues and personal struggles. This is the story of Vanity, a singer, actress, and an evangelist who left an indelible mark on pop culture.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born Denise Katherine Matthews on January 4, 1959, in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada,1 Vanity came from a diverse background, with a mother of Polish-Jewish descent and an African-American father.1 Before her musical breakthrough, she pursued modeling and competed in pageants in Toronto, eventually moving to Latest York City as a teenager to further her career.2
Meeting Prince and the Formation of Vanity 6
A pivotal moment arrived in 1980 when Matthews met Prince at the American Music Awards.12 Impressed by her potential, Prince invited her to Minneapolis and transformed her image, renaming her Vanity and making her the frontwoman of a new all-female group, Vanity 6.1
“Nasty Girl” and Early Success
Vanity 6 quickly gained attention for their provocative style, often performing in lingerie – a concept reportedly initiated by Prince.2 In 1982, the group released their signature hit, “Nasty Girl,” which topped the Billboard dance charts and became a lasting dance-floor classic.2 Their self-titled album achieved gold certification in 1983, but marked the only album released by Vanity 6.1
Solo Career and Acting Roles
In 1984, Vanity embarked on a solo career, signing with Motown Records and releasing two albums, Wild Animal and Skin on Skin.1 She also transitioned into acting, appearing in films such as The Last Dragon (1985) and Action Jackson (1988).1 Notably, she turned down the role of Prince’s love interest in the 1984 film Purple Rain, a role ultimately played by Apollonia Kotero.2
Personal Struggles and Finding Faith
Despite her success, Vanity battled personal demons, including drug addiction. She openly discussed her past struggles with cocaine use, describing herself as “extremely wild” and “the walking dead” during that period.2 In 1994, she experienced kidney failure, which she viewed as a turning point.1 She became a born-again Christian and dedicated herself to evangelism, reverting to her birth name, Denise.1
Later Life and Death
Vanity’s later life was marked by continued health challenges stemming from her past drug use. She passed away on February 15, 2016, at the age of 57, due to kidney failure in Fremont, California.1 Adding a tragic layer to her story, her ex-husband, Anthony Smith, was later convicted of multiple murders and sentenced to life in prison.2