Vanity, born Denise Katrina Matthews, was a former protege of Prince’s and a member of the all female group, Vanity 6, has died at age 57. According to the various internet news sources, the singer had been fighting abdominal illness and had suffered from kidney failure for years. Vanity passed away in a hospital located in Fremont, California on Monday.

Born in Canada on January 4, 1959,  Vanity began her career as a model, before moving into music, where she was discovered by Prince and eventually hired to sing lead in the group, Vanity 6 from 1981 until 1983. During this time the group scored a major hit titled, “Nasty Girl.” She also later released two solo albums, which included the hits, “Pretty Mess” and “Under the Influence.”

In addition to music, Vanity appeared in films such as, “The Last Dragon,” “52 Pick-Up” and “Action Jackson.” Unfortunately, Vanity succumbed to the lure of drugs and this took a massive toll on her health. After a near fatal incident, Vanity renounced her stage name and became a born-again Christian.