Vanity
Singer, actress, Vanity 6 band member, Prince protégée
Vanity (January 4, 1959 – February 15, 2016), born Denise Katrina Matthews, was a Canadian-American entertainer who became a prominent figure in 1980s pop and funk music. Discovered by Prince, she was cast as the lead singer of Vanity 6, a girl group that became known for their provocative image and funk-pop sound, featuring hits like 'Nasty Girl.' After leaving the group, she launched a solo music career with albums including 'Never Too Late' and 'Under the Influence,' establishing herself as a recording artist in her own right. Beyond music, Vanity acted in films and television, bringing her distinctive style to screen. Known for her stage presence, charisma, and bold aesthetic, she became an icon of 1980s pop culture. Later in life, Vanity experienced significant personal struggles and became a born-again Christian, dedicating herself to ministry and recovery work. Her legacy encompasses her influence on 1980s music and pop culture, as well as her public spiritual transformation, making her a complex and memorable figure in entertainment history.
Entertainment
Canadian
1959
2016
Thinking about the name
Vanity
Latin origin
“Derived from the Latin 'vanitas,' meaning 'emptiness' or 'futility,' Vanity was used as a cautionary or virtue-opposite name in Puritan traditions (notably in Bunyan's 'The Pilgrim's Progress'). Modern usage reclaims the name for its bold, confident sound and unconventional character, appealing to parents seeking statement-making choices.”