Secret Hitmaker: The Chart-Topping Songs Prince Gave Away

When you think of Prince, immediately images of purple velvet, electrifying guitar solos, and boundary-shattering performances flood your mind. But beyond his legendary solo career, this musical genius was also a secret weapon behind some of the biggest hits that ruled the charts—songs he wrote for others that catapulted their careers to sky-high levels. Yes, while Prince was busy dominating the stage, he was crafting masterpieces that other artists turned into some of the most unforgettable hits in music history.

If you’ve ever wondered about the stories behind those chart-toppers that feel so timeless, get ready—because we’re diving deep into the secret hitmaker side of Prince. Hit by hit, here’s the ultimate guide to the chart-topping songs Prince gave away and the incredible stories behind them. Whether you’re a diehard fan or discovering the Prince archives for the first time, this journey will reveal why his brilliance extends far beyond his own recordings.

From Purple Rain to Pop Royalty: Prince’s Hidden Songwriting Genius

Prince’s gift as a composer was nearly unmatched in the industry. According to the icon himself, “Songs meant to be sung by others always fascinated me.” While audiences worldwide celebrated Prince’s own chart smash hits, he was quietly empowering other artists with his songwriting magic—giving them tools to create their own legacies.

But why did Prince sometimes give away songs that could have been his own? Some songs just didn’t fit his style or current projects, while others were a way to boost artists he believed in. As he explained in an iconic 1985 interview, “Sometimes the song has a perfect home somewhere else.”

Chart-Topping Gems Prince Gave Away: The Ultimate List

1. “Nothing Compares 2 U” – Sinead O’Connor (1990)
Arguably the most heart-wrenching ballad of the ’90s was actually penned by Prince for his side band, The Family. Sinead O’Connor’s rendition turned the song into a global sensation, topping charts and earning a Grammy nomination. Prince’s emotionally raw writing combined with O’Connor’s haunting voice made this a timeless anthem of lost love.

Did you know? Prince wrote the song years earlier but never recorded a fully produced version himself. Fans often wonder, how would Prince’s own version have sounded?

2. “Manic Monday” – The Bangles (1986)
Feel like Mondays are always manic? Thank Prince! Originally written for his side project group Apollonia 6, “Manic Monday” found its perfect home with The Bangles, propelling them to serious pop stardom. The upbeat, catchy track is still a Friday-favorite playlist essential.

Prince later said about this track, “That one was written on a Sunday, believe it or not,” proving his ability to create hits in record time.

3. “The Glamorous Life” – Sheila E. (1984)
Queen of percussion Sheila E. owes part of her spotlight to Prince’s songwriting prowess. “The Glamorous Life,” with its infectious beats and powerhouse vocals, became a major dance hit and introduced Sheila E. as a force to be reckoned with. Prince produced and wrote the song, blending funk with pop perfection.

4. “Sugar Walls” – Sheena Easton (1984)
Before the song was deemed too risqué for its time, “Sugar Walls” gave Sheena Easton a sultry, edgy hit. Co-written by Prince under the pseudonym “Alexander Nevermind,” the track pushed boundaries and stirred conversations. It’s a perfect example of Prince’s flair for teasing the mainstream with provocative content.

5. “I Feel for You” – Chaka Khan (1984)
While Prince’s version of “I Feel For You” never hit the airwaves like Chaka Khan’s cover, it’s her funky, rap-infused remake that still gets dance floors moving today. Prince’s original appeared on his 1979 album, Prince, but Khan’s take, enhanced by Melle Mel’s rap, became a defining track of the ’80s.

The Stories Behind the Music: More Than Just A Songwriter

Prince didn’t just hand off songs—he mentored the artists he collaborated with. Sheila E. once recalled how Prince’s songs helped her “embrace my sound and identity.” Many of these tracks became pivotal crossovers that introduced funk, pop, and R&B to mainstream masses.

What’s fascinating is Prince’s tendency to write under pseudonyms like “Jamie Starr” or “Christopher,” making the “who wrote what” game a thrilling scavenger hunt for fans and music historians alike.

Why These Songs Matter Today

In the age of streaming and viral TikTok hits, Prince’s songwriting legacy holds up because of its raw emotion, catchy hooks, and groundbreaking production. These hits show the world that his creative powers couldn’t be limited to just one persona. Even when he wasn’t the one singing, his fingerprints were all over pop culture history.

But here’s the BIG question: Which of these songs is your all-time favorite? Did Prince’s secret songwriting ever surprise you? Fans can’t stop debating the "what ifs"—what if Prince had kept these songs for himself? Or what if more hits were lurking in vaults, waiting to be uncovered?

Join the Conversation

Let’s celebrate Prince’s unmatched songwriting talent together! Whether you grew up singing “Manic Monday,” shedding tears with “Nothing Compares 2 U,” or dancing to “The Glamorous Life,” Prince’s gifts have shaped the soundtrack of our lives in more ways than one. Share your memories, favorite tracks, and Prince stories below—because this icon’s music is as alive today as ever.

Final Thoughts

Prince was much more than the Purple One. He was a master songwriter who shaped pop music’s fabric behind the scenes with hits given to some of the biggest names in the industry. From chart-topping singles to groundbreaking production, these songs prove Prince was a secret hitmaker for the ages—making sure his genius touched the world, one hit at a time.

Stay tuned for more deep dives into music legends and their hidden stories. For now, crank up those tunes, relive the magic, and never forget the impact of Prince’s secret songwriting legacy.

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What’s your favorite Prince-penned song by another artist? Share your thoughts and memories with us!