Sheila E - The Belle Of St Mark b/w Too Sexy (1985)
UK chart peak - Number 18
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Confusingly, the label to this single credits only Sheila E as the songwriter, but Wikipedia also lists Prince - perhaps
@Ellie can clarify? Either way, this unsurprisingly bears the HEAVY INFLUENCE of the PURPLE ONE, as Sheila E, maybe the most legendary percussionist in the industry, was a key member of Prince's backing band for many years & also, I believe, in a relationship with him for at least some of that time.
Between her Whitney-esque looks, chic fashion sense & amazing percussion skills, OUR SHEE was an obvious candidate for Prince to groom for solo stardom, but unlike some of his other proteges, she had immense musical skills in her own right, so I'm unsure if the PURPLE ONE took the lead on her early solo work, or if Sheila was more in control, or if there might have been a bit of a POWER STRUGGLE going on. Regardless of the background,

debut single "The Glamorous Life" sailed into the US Top 10, but unfathomably completely bombed in the UK at a desultory #94.
This follow up was a more minor success at home (#34), but gave her her only chart entry in the UK, reaching the top 20. Like with other big American successes at the time, I do wonder if the relative floppage here was due to a lack of time available to promote overseas. Accompanied by fab live performances by OUR SHEE & her backing band with them all sauntering around the stage in unison, "The Belle Of St Mark" is all about some FEY, ANDROGYNOUS, ETHEREAL yet SEXY type (it's giving a male Enya) who OUR SHEE falls for, although he sounds a bit MINCY to me, Sheila - watch out & GOD HELP US IF THERE'S A WAR ON.
The zippy backing music is Prince through & through, but it's all done in a more upbeat, cartoony fashion. Absolutely one of the best works related to Prince from that decade & CRIMINAL it wasn't a bigger hit - it's just great! B side "Too Sexy" doesn't seem to have Prince's involvement, but the influence is still all over it, with this mainly instrumental percussion led tune featuring lots of heavy breathing & hints of NAUGHTINESS.
Sadly, despite still regularly releasing albums, Sheila's chart career didn't last much longer after this, but even after her association with Prince ended, she's worked & performed with every big name UNDER THE SUN over the years - her percussion skills have remained in constant demand & she's by far the most well-known musician associated with the percussion. Despite being iconic & pioneering though, has any other female musician of note followed on & cited her as an influence? I can't think of anyone myself, which is a real shame.