For the rest of history, Prince and Sheila E. will forever be linked. The two worked together, toured together, went down romantic roads together and Prince even helped write one of Sheila E.’s most well-known solo singles, “A Love Bizarre.”
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Sheila met Prince in 1977 after a performance with her father. Of course, the Purple One was immediately struck by her talent and beauty. Sheila later provided vocals on some of his hits, including “Let’s Go Crazy,” and she would later open for him on his Purple Rain Tour.
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But many music fans may not know that the great percussion performer, lifelong musician and frontwoman has helped write songs for the “Purple Rain” singer, too. Below are three songs you likely didn’t know Sheila E. wrote for Prince.
1. “Noon Rendezvous”
Written by Prince, Sheila E.
Prince and Sheila E. collaborated on this track all about sex. The beat for “Noon Rendezvous” begins and then quickly speeds up almost like the heart of someone engaged in some physical activity. This song was released on Prince’s posthumous album, Originals. The songs on the record come from Prince’s early 1980s catalog. “Noon Rendezvous” was released on Sheila E.’s 1984 album, The Glamorous Life, but it was written for the Purple One prior to that. Sings Prince,
I’ve been wondering what 2 wear
I love our noon rendezvous
I know U tell me U missed me
And I want 2 make love 2 U
Your words, they intoxicate me
I shiver each time that U speak
How much more can I endure, my love?
The sound of your voice makes me weak
If my bodily functions operate
This way when U just call my name
I’d hate 2 see when we are finally
Playing that nasty love game
2. “Holly Rock”
Written by Prince, Sheila E.
“Holly Rock” is another track from the two artists that landed on Prince’s posthumous Originals album. This song was written and produced by Prince and written by Sheila E. The song was first released on the soundtrack for the 1985 movie, Krush Groove. On it, Sheila E. raps over energetic percussion. On the Prince demo, recorded in the early ’80s, Prince sings,
Come on over, baby, and take the puck
A funky little thing called holly rock
It might be a dance, it might be a song
It might have you rockin’, baby, all night long
Anybody want the holly rock
Take a little pick, you just can’t stop
It’s bad, good God
Guaranteed to turn you out
All the little brothers, gather ’round
I’m gonna show you what the holly rock’s about
3. “Dear Michaelangelo”
Written by Prince, Sheila E.
The third on this trifecta of songs written by the two, “Dear Michaelangelo” also appeared on Prince’s Originals LP. Prior to that, Sheila recorded a rendition for her 1985 Romance 1600 LP, on which Prince also appeared. This song features frenetic percussion and some signature Prince synths. Prince’s offering includes him at his peak, alluring and in control at all times. This song could easily have been on Purple Rain. Sings the Minnesota-born artist,
Every summer in the gardens of Florence
A peasant of female persuasion
Used to cry for Michaelangelo
To save her from death’s invitation
Some say this woman was crazy
Others say this woman was possessed
But just one look at her face
And it’s evident to her he was the best (Oh)
Oh dear Michaelangelo
Color the dreams in my head
I look at your paintings
And I’m with you in your bed
Photo by Rob Shanahan / Courtesy KMJPR
