Vanity, Canadian-American singer-songwriter, dancer, and actress (d. 2016)

Denise Katrina Matthews: From Iconic Sex Symbol Vanity to Devoted Evangelist

Denise Katrina Matthews, born on January 4, 1959, in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, captivated audiences worldwide under her indelible professional moniker, Vanity. She rose to prominence in the vibrant 1980s as a multi-talented force, excelling as a singer, songwriter, model, and actress. During this era, she became widely recognized for her alluring and provocative image as a quintessential sex symbol. However, her life underwent a profound transformation in the 1990s when she consciously renounced her celebrated career as "Vanity" and dedicated herself to evangelism, embracing a new spiritual path that defined her later years.

The Musical Journey of Vanity: From Vanity 6 to Solo Success

Vanity’s musical career began with significant impact as the audacious lead singer of the all-female trio, Vanity 6. This group, notably conceived and associated with the iconic musician Prince, was known for their suggestive lyrics, provocative fashion, and daring stage presence, which perfectly encapsulated the rebellious spirit of early 1980s pop music. Their definitive mark on the music scene came with the release of their 1982 hit song, "Nasty Girl." This track not only solidified their place in pop culture but also became an enduring anthem of the era's bold musical expressions, peaking at number one on the Billboard Dance chart. The trio's dynamic run was relatively short-lived, as Vanity 6 disbanded in 1983 when Matthews decided to pursue a solo career, aiming to expand her artistic horizons independently and explore a broader musical range.

Following the dissolution of Vanity 6, Matthews signed with the renowned Motown Records label, embarking on her solo musical journey. She released two solo albums during this period, showcasing her distinctive vocal style and genre-blending sound:

• Wild Animal (released in 1984, which included the minor hit "Pretty Mess")
• Skin on Skin (released in 1986)

Her solo endeavors also yielded several minor hit singles, further cementing her presence on the music charts. These tracks included:

• "Pretty Mess"
• "Mechanical Emotion"
• "Under the Influence"
• "Undress" (a track featured prominently in the 1988 action film Action Jackson, in which she also starred)

Vanity's Illustrious Acting Career

Beyond her musical accomplishments, Vanity cultivated a successful and memorable career as an actress, often leveraging her charismatic persona and striking presence on screen. She starred in several notable films that further cemented her status as a multifaceted entertainer of the 1980s. Her significant acting credits showcase her range from romantic leads to dramatic roles:

• The Last Dragon (1985): This martial arts musical film saw her in a starring role as Laura Charles, an alluring and determined singer who becomes entangled with the protagonist. This role remains one of her most iconic and widely remembered performances, blending action, music, and romance.
• 52 Pick-Up (1986): A critically acclaimed crime thriller directed by John Frankenheimer, where she showcased her versatility in a more dramatic and intense role alongside Roy Scheider.
• Action Jackson (1988): An action-packed film where she played the character Sydney Ash, a crucial role opposite Carl Weathers and Sharon Stone. Her performance in this movie was complemented by her musical contribution with the song "Undress."

A Profound Transformation: From Vanity to Evangelist Denise Matthews

The trajectory of Denise Matthews' life took a dramatic and unforeseen turn following years of intense struggle with drug abuse. This period severely impacted her health, leading to grave physical ailments, including acute kidney failure. In 1992, at a critical juncture, Matthews experienced a profound spiritual awakening, becoming a born-again Christian. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of a radical personal transformation and a decisive break from her past.

As part of her newfound faith and unwavering commitment, she consciously renounced her past identity as "Vanity" and her entire career in entertainment, choosing to live solely under her birth name, Denise Matthews. She dedicated the remainder of her life to her spiritual convictions, becoming a devout evangelist and committing herself to serving her church in Fremont, California. This profound shift reflected a deep desire for spiritual healing, a conscious rejection of the lifestyle associated with her earlier fame, and a full embrace of a life of faith and ministry.

Legacy and Passing

Denise Katrina Matthews passed away on February 15, 2016, at the age of 57. Her death was attributed to kidney failure, a tragic and long-term consequence of the extensive health complications she endured due to her prior struggles with drug abuse. Her life story remains a compelling narrative of artistic success, personal struggle, and ultimately, profound spiritual redemption. She is remembered not only for her iconic contributions to music and film as Vanity, but also for her courage, resilience, and unwavering faith in undergoing a radical and public life change.

Frequently Asked Questions About Denise Matthews (Vanity)

Who was Denise Katrina Matthews known professionally as?

Denise Katrina Matthews was widely known by her professional stage name, Vanity. She adopted this moniker during her rise to fame in the 1980s as a prominent singer, model, and actress.

What musical group was Vanity the lead singer of?

Vanity was the charismatic lead singer of the all-female trio Vanity 6. This group, notably associated with Prince, was famous for their provocative image and their 1982 hit single "Nasty Girl," which topped the Billboard Dance chart.

What were some of Vanity's notable solo albums and songs?

As a solo artist signed with Motown Records, Vanity released two albums: Wild Animal (1984) and Skin on Skin (1986). Her minor hit singles included "Pretty Mess," "Mechanical Emotion," "Under the Influence," and "Undress," the latter featured in the film Action Jackson.

In which prominent films did Vanity star?

Vanity had a successful acting career, starring in several well-known films of the 1980s. Her most notable roles include Laura Charles in the martial arts musical The Last Dragon (1985), a dramatic role in the crime thriller 52 Pick-Up (1986), and Sydney Ash in the action film Action Jackson (1988).

Why did Denise Matthews renounce her career as Vanity?

After years of severe drug abuse led to significant and life-threatening health issues, Denise Matthews became a born-again Christian in 1992. This profound spiritual experience led her to consciously renounce her past lifestyle and celebrated career as Vanity, choosing instead to devote herself entirely to her faith and church ministry.

What was the cause of Denise Matthews' death?

Denise Matthews passed away on February 15, 2016, at the age of 57. Her death was caused by kidney failure, a tragic and direct result of the long-term health complications stemming from her past struggles with drug abuse.