What female vocal trio did Prince form in 1981?

Prince formed the female vocal trio Vanity 6 in 1981. The group grew from his idea for a glamorous, provocative girl group modeled partly on the image of classic female vocal groups, but with a distinctly early-1980s pop and funk style.

The original concept involved Susan Moonsie, her sister Loreen, and Jamie Shoop, and the group was initially called the Hookers. Denise Matthews later joined as the lead singer, adopted the stage name Vanity, and prompted the group’s final name: Vanity 6. The definitive lineup featured Vanity, Brenda Bennett, and Susan Moonsie.

Prince wrote, produced, and supplied much of the group’s material. Vanity 6 released one studio album in 1982, with “Nasty Girl” becoming its signature song and a major dance and R&B hit. The group also opened dates on Prince’s 1999 Tour.

Readers sometimes confuse Vanity 6 with Apollonia 6. After Vanity left during the preparation of Purple Rain, the group was renamed Apollonia 6, with Apollonia replacing her as its front woman.