As Marvin Gaye and Kim Weston as soon as sang: “It Takes Two.” Certainly, a pairing of nice abilities can usually result in really memorable (and extremely worthwhile) outcomes. Whether or not it’s a romantic ballad, a tandem melody, or advanced, counterpart harmonies, probably the most profitable duets discover each artists supporting each other – permitting each events to excel. From Motown to metallic and pop to nation, under are a few of the greatest duets of all time.
Whilst you’re studying, hearken to our playlist of the most effective duets right here.
73: Bob Seger – Probabilities Are
1998’s huge finances Hope Floats (starring Sandra Bullock and Harry Connick Jr.) arrived with an all-star soundtrack album that additionally made the Prime 5 of the U.S. Billboard 200. It featured tracks by the likes of The Rolling Stones and Sheryl Crow in addition to Garth Brooks’ Grammy-nominated “To Make You Feel My Love,” however its stand-out was arguably Bob Seger and Martine McBride’s “Chances Are”: a hovering, slow-burning ballad that also ranks extremely amongst trendy music’s biggest duets.
72: YUNGBLUD ft. Machine Gun Kelly – Performing Like That (2020)
In 2019, British alt-rocker YUNGBLUD joined American rapper and rock artist Machine Gun Kelly for “I Think I’m OKAY” (off MGK’s Resort Diablo). Since then, a well-documented friendship has developed between the 2 artists, spanning levels, studios, and loads of bars on each side of the Atlantic. In 2020, MGK and YUNGBLUD joined forces once more for “Acting Like That,” off the British artist’s best-selling LP, Bizarre! The high-energy monitor additionally produced an impressed, pandemic-era music video, during which each artists fend off a zombie apocalypse of their respective cities.
71: Religion Hill and Tim McGraw – Let’s Make Love (2000)
On the flip of the millennium, nation music energy couple Religion Hill and Tim McGraw paired up for his or her third duet, “Let’s Make Love,” for Hill’s chart-topping crossover hit, Breathe. The piano-driven ballad not solely landed within the Nation Prime Ten, however earned the husband and spouse a Grammy Award in 2001. Whereas Hill and McGraw have continued to carry out on one another’s information over the past twenty years, they lastly launched their first collaborative LP, The Remainder of Our Life, in 2017.
70: Juice WRLD ft. Halsey – Life’s a Mess (2020)
“You just gotta learn to live and love on,” sings the late Juice WRLD on this poignant duet with Halsey. “Life’s a Mess” finds the duo (who beforehand collaborated in 2018 on Halsey’s “Without Me”) discovering gratitude for his or her romantic companions whereas trying again on the difficulties that they’ve confronted in life. The tune – which appeared on the proficient rapper’s record-breaking posthumous album, Legends By no means Die – turned a Prime Ten hit within the US. Months later, an earlier model of the tune was launched, that includes Juice WRLD with Submit Malone.
69: Girl A – Want You Now (2009)
A former couple realizes how a lot they miss each other on this multi-platinum crossover hit from nation band Girl A. Carried out by Hillary Scott and Charles Kelley, the emotive “Need You Now” achieved huge business and significant success – topping the Billboard Nation chart for 5 weeks, peaking at No.2 on the Sizzling 100, and incomes the group a number of ACM and Grammy Awards, amongst others.
68: The Righteous Brothers – (You’re My) Soul and Inspiration (1966)
In 1966, The Righteous Brothers (aka Invoice Medley and Bobby Hatfield) scored their second No.1 pop hit with “(You’re My) Soul and Inspiration” – a lushly-arranged ballad written by the legendary songwriting staff of Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, who additionally penned the group’s first chart-topper, “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’.” Whereas the duo had just lately parted methods with producer Phil Spector, they labored with arranger Jack Nitzsche to recreate Spector’s widespread “Wall of Sound” that outlined a lot of their earlier releases.
67: Dinah Washington & Brook Benton – A Rockin’ Good Approach (To Mess Round and Fall in Love) (1960)
In 1960, legendary jazz vocalist Dinah Washington and R&B star Brook Benton paired as much as file The Two of Us – an album that spawned not one however two chart-topping duets, together with this peppy, orchestral quantity. When it got here to success, there was actually no messing round: “A Rockin’ Good Way” went straight to No.1 on the R&B charts, and peaked at No.7 on the Billboard Sizzling 100.
66: Britney Spears feat. Madonna – Me Towards the Music (2003)
Pop followers across the globe had been pinching themselves when Britney Spears paired up with Madonna for an iconic efficiency (and a kiss) on the 2003 MTV Music Awards. Months later, after they launched the duet “Me Against the Music,” it was one of the vital anticipated moments in pop music historical past. The dance monitor, which took place throughout rehearsals for the award present, marked Spears’ tenth charting single and Madonna’s fiftieth charting single, and really proved the facility of a cross-generational partnership.
65: Maroon 5 ft. Christina Aguilera – Strikes Like Jagger (2011)
This delectable 2011 dance-pop tune paired Maroon 5’s Adam Levine along with his fellow decide on The Voice, Christina Aguilera. The duet finds Levine making an attempt to impress Aguilera along with his dancing abilities, which he compares to the long-lasting strikes of Rolling Stones frontman, Mick Jagger (the tune’s melody additionally takes a cue from the Stones’ disco hit, “Miss You.”) Probably the greatest-selling singles of all-time, “Moves Like Jagger” landed on the prime of the charts in almost 20 nations.
64: Isaac Hayes & David Porter – Ain’t That Loving You (For Extra Causes Than One) (1972)
Lengthy earlier than Isaac Hayes was a larger-than-life music icon, he was one-half of a hit-making songwriting staff with David Porter at Stax Data. Whereas the pair didn’t write “Ain’t That Loving You” (a Homer Banks/Allen Jones tune first recorded by Johnnie Taylor) the 2 outdated mates reunited in 1972, when Hayes was on the peak of his fame, to cowl this soul basic. Easy as silk, this disco-era monitor finds the 2 males singing facet by facet in funky concord.
63: James Morrison & Nelly Furtado – Damaged Strings (2008)
Deeply shifting (and but surprisingly catchy) this duet between James Morrison and Nelly Furtado finds the 2 stars mourning the top of a relationship. Launched in 2008, the tune turned Morrison’s largest hit but, peaking at No.2 on the UK pop charts and touchdown within the Prime 5 throughout Europe. Months later, Morrison launched a model with singer Ai for the Japanese version of his album, Songs for You, Truths for Me.
62: Diane Schuur & José Feliciano – By Design (1985)
In 1985, Grammy Award-winning jazz artist Diane “Deedles” Schuur paired up with Latin star José Feliciano for a number of tracks on her delightfully-titled LP, Schuur Factor. The hovering, pop-forward duet “By Design” was a significant success for the artists, and helped to make Schuur Factor a Prime Ten hit on the Billboard 200.
61: The Captain & Tennille – Do That to Me One Extra Time (1979)
Captain & Tennille (aka real-life married couple “Captain” Daryl Dragon and Toni Tennille) burst onto the scene in 1975 with one in every of delicate rock’s most iconic duets, “Love Will Keep Us Together.” Whereas they adopted with a string of hits over the subsequent 5 years, they closed out the last decade with one in every of their most profitable tracks, “Do That to Me One More Time.” The suggestive tune, penned by Tennille, marked the duo’s second No.1 hit on the US pop charts, in addition to their highest-charting tune within the UK. It was so widespread, actually, that the duo recorded a Spanish model of the tune, “Amame Una Vez Mas.”
60: Don Williams & Emmylou Harris – If I Wanted You (1981)
This candy, acoustic duet introduced collectively Nation Corridor of Famer Don Williams with Americana star Emmylou Harris, who lined the Townes Van Zandt tune on her 1981 LP, Cimarron. The tune not solely earned the duo a number of nominations on the ACM, CMA, and GRAMMY Awards but additionally was a No.3 hit on the Billboard Nation charts and a No.1 Nation hit in Canada.
59: Kenny Rogers & Kim Carnes – Don’t Fall in Love with a Dreamer (1980)
A yr earlier than Kim Carnes turned a chart-topping star with “Bette Davis Eyes,” she was an in-demand songwriter who had labored with a few of the trade’s largest acts. In 1980, nation star Kenny Rogers employed Carnes to assist him write his subsequent venture – an idea album revolving round a cowboy, titled Gideon. The LP’s sole single, “Don’t Fall in Love with a Dreamer,” turned a crossover hit, touchdown at No.4 on the Billboard Sizzling 100, topping the Canadian nation chart, and serving to to make Carnes a family identify.
58: The Mamas & The Papas – Dream a Little Dream of Me (1968)
The Mamas & The Papas incessantly lined this 1931 pop commonplace throughout their reside reveals and selected to incorporate it of their fourth studio album (1968’s The Papas & the Mamas), with “Mama” Cass Elliot on lead vocals. The ensuing tune (which turned a Prime 20 hit within the UK and US) was decidedly dreamy, with a contact of classic aptitude. In an interview with Melody Maker, Cass shared that she “tried to sing it like it was 1943 and somebody had just come in and said, ‘Here’s a new song.’ I tried to sing it as if it were the first time.”
57: Bing Crosby & Louis Armstrong – Gone Fishin’ (1951)
Initially recorded as a one-off efficiency for Bing Crosby’s radio present, “Gone Fishin’” with Louis Armstrong was so well-received by audiences that it was launched as a single in 1951. The droll duet, which finds two buddies calling one another out for escaping life’s obligations for a day of fishing, went on to develop into a Prime 20 hit.
56: Fred Astaire & Jack Buchanan – I Guess I Have To Change My Plans (1953)
Within the 1953 musical The Band Wagon, Fred Astaire and Jack Buchanan don tuxedos and prime hats for an enthralling duet of “I Guess I Have to Change My Plans.” The ballad, which was first used within the 1929 Broadway revue, The Little Present, is a few man discovering that the lady he admired is spoken for. Astaire and Buchanan’s model, in the meantime, barely modified the which means of the tune – making it from the standpoint of two competing suitors. The tune, which has since develop into a pop commonplace, would go on to be featured in quite a lot of movies, and lined by quite a few artists.
55: George Jones & Tammy Wynette – Cryin’ Time (1976)
Fiction met actuality on this 1976 duet, which paired recently-divorced nation stars, George Jones and Tammy Wynette. Written by Buck Owens, the unhappy break-up tune appeared on the previous couple’s chart-topping seventh studio album, Golden Ring. In a coincidence, nevertheless, the album was so profitable that the 2 artists continued to work collectively for the remainder of the last decade, regardless of their significantly contentious divorce.
54: Elton John & Kiki Dee – Don’t Go Breaking My Coronary heart (1976)
It’s unattainable to not smile once you hear “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart,” the playful, 1976 duet from Elton John and Kiki Dee. The Ivor Novello-winning tune, which marked the primary UK No.1 for each artists, was written as a hat-tip to the basic Motown-era duets by John and his longtime collaborator, Bernie Taupin (beneath the pseudonyms “Ann Orson” and “Carte Blanche”).
53: Johnny Money & June Carter Money – Jackson (1967)
On this Billy Edd Wheeler/Jerry Leiber tune, a husband fantasizes about going to the unspecified metropolis of “Jackson,” the place he’ll get into all types of hassle. His spouse, in the meantime, has a extra reasonable view of what’s going to occur. In 1967, real-life married couple Johnny Money and June Carter Money turned the tune right into a Grammy-winning nation hit, whereas just some months later, Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazelwood provided their very own rendition. Though it’s nonetheless unclear the place this legendary “Jackson” is…the tune is decidedly a basic.
52: Girl Gaga & Beyonce – Phone (2010)
Whereas it’s exhausting to think about “Telephone” being carried out by anybody aside from Girl Gaga and Beyoncé, the Gaga-penned international hit was truly meant for Britney Spears. Though Spears actually would have made it her personal, Queen Bey and Gaga poured their star energy into the dance-pop tune to make it an epic hit, full with a nine-and-a-half-minute quick movie/music video.
51: Joe Pizzulo & Leeza Miller – By no means Gonna Let You Go (1983)
When Brazilian bandleader Sergio Mendes was in quest of a ballad so as to add to his 1983 self-titled album, he turned to the celebrated husband-and-wife songwriting duo of Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, whose “Never Gonna Let You Go” hit the spot. Mendes enlisted singers Joe Pizzulo and Leeza Miller to carry out the hovering tune and wrote a fancy association of chord progressions to accompany them. Launched as a single that spring, “Never Gonna Let You Go” spent 4 weeks on the prime of the Grownup Modern chart within the US, and have become a large hit in Brazil, amongst different territories. Right this moment, it stays one in every of Mendes’ most profitable songs.
50: Paul Younger & Zucchero – Senza una donna (With no Lady) (1991)
In 1991, the favored Italian singer-songwriter Zucchero paired up with British artist Paul Younger for an English-language model of his tune “Senza una donna (Without a Woman).” Not solely did the bluesy ballad introduce Zucchero to an American viewers, however it made the singer a global star, topping the charts in a number of European nations and touchdown within the Prime 10 in Korea, the UK, and Brazil, amongst different territories.
49: Owl Metropolis & Carly Rae Jepsen – Good Time (2012)
In 2012, Owl Metropolis (the electronica venture of singer-songwriter Adam Younger) and Carly Rae Jepsen partnered for the anthem of the summer time – the aptly named “Good Time.” The joyful, high-energy dance monitor reverberated on seashores and in golf equipment throughout the globe – hitting No.1 in South Korea, Canada, and New Zealand, amongst different territories.
48: Gram Parsons & Emmylou Harris – Love Hurts (1974)
When Gram Parsons launched into a solo profession, following the dissolution of the Flying Burrito Brothers, one in every of his first duties was discovering a feminine collaborator. His former bandmate, Chris Hillman, really useful a rising nation singer named Emmylou Harris. Whereas their time collectively was temporary (reduce quick by Parsons’ premature demise in 1973), they produced quite a lot of unbelievable songs collectively – and loads of candy harmonies, as heard on this unbelievable cowl of “Love Hurts,” which appeared on Parsons’ posthumous Grievous Angel. Harris, in the meantime, would go on to dominate the Americana scene and develop into a celebrated artist in her personal proper.
47: Ray Charles & Willie Nelson – Seven Spanish Angels (1984)
In 1962, R&B and jazz singer-songwriter Ray Charles expanded his vary with the massively widespread Fashionable Sounds in Nation and Western Music. 22 years later, he revisited the style on Friendship, which discovered him partnering with nation music’s largest stars. Among the many album’s highlights was “Seven Spanish Angels” with Willie Nelson, which tells the dramatic story of an outlaw and his girlfriend. The tune hit No.1 on the Billboard Sizzling Nation Songs chart and have become Charles’ most profitable hit within the style.
46: Robert Plant & Alison Krauss – Please Learn the Letter (2007)
When Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant partnered with bluegrass star Alison Krauss for a duet album (2007’s Elevating Sand), many had been stunned on the unlikely pairing. The outcomes, nevertheless, had been magical, incomes the pair common acclaim and numerous awards. Their craving, melancholic rendition of “Please Read the Letter” (Plant’s 1998 duet along with his former bandmate, Jimmy Web page) was one of many album’s standout tracks and was later named File of the Yr on the Grammys.
45: Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello – Señorita (2019)
Whereas “Señorita” wasn’t Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello’s first duet collectively (2015’s “I Know What You Did Last Summer” was), the steamy duet did spark a romance between the real-life couple. The tune, which appeared on Mendes’ 2018 self-titled album and Cabello’s Romance LP (2019), turned one of many hottest songs of the summer time, hitting No.1 in over 35 nations: from the US to Brazil and China to Russia.
44: Frank & Nancy Sinatra – Somethin’ Silly (1967)
The primary-and-only father-daughter duet to hit No.1 within the US, Frank and Nancy Sinatra’s rendition of “Somethin’ Stupid” turned a large hit for each generations of the proficient household in 1967. Whereas the tune (penned by folks artist Carson Parks) raised a couple of eyebrows with its romantic lyrics, the Sinatras had the final chuckle – incomes a gold file and a Grammy nod for his or her endearing efficiency.
43: Bryan Adams & Melanie Chisholm – When You’re Gone (1998)
Bryan Adams and Mel C. (aka Sporty Spice) seize that feeling of realizing how a lot you care a few vital different after they’re not with you on this 1998 single. The catchy duet appeared on Adams’ eighth studio album, On a Day Like Right this moment, and have become a Prime Ten hit throughout the UK, Europe, Canada, and Australia.
42: Stevie Nicks & Don Henley – Leather-based And Lace (1981)
Whereas Stevie Nicks initially wrote “Leather and Lace” for Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter’s album of the identical identify, the tune by no means made it to the LP. As a substitute, Nicks (who was nonetheless a member of Fleetwood Mac) recorded the ballad along with her then-boyfriend, Don Henley (who had just lately departed the Eagles), for her solo debut, Bella Donna. The tender tune peaked at No.6 on the Billboard Sizzling 100 and helped to safe each Nicks and Henley as bona fide solo stars.
41: Marvin Gaye & Diana Ross – Cease, Look, Pay attention (To Your Coronary heart) (1974)
Within the early 70s, Motown artists Marvin Gaye and Diana Ross had been two of music’s largest stars, so it was a pure transfer when the label paired them up for a duet album. 1973’s Diana & Marvin spawned a number of singles, together with a canopy of the soulful ballad, “Stop, Look, Listen (To Your Heart)” – first made well-known by the Stylistics. That includes heartfelt performances by each artists, the tune was launched as a single within the UK, the place it turned a Prime 40 hit.
40: The Everly Brothers – Cathy’s Clown (1960)
Within the mid-50s, brothers Don and Phil Everly rose to fame with their country-influenced rock’n’roll duets, together with hits like “Bye Bye Love,” All I Need to Do Is Dream,” and “Wake Up Little Susie.” However their largest hit was 1960’s “Cathy’s Clown,” which tells the story of a person who’s performed by his girlfriend. The unusually structured tune – which opens with a refrain and has no precise verses – went on to affect a few of music’s largest pop acts (together with the Beatles) was later added to the Library of Congress’s Nationwide Recording Registry.
39: Joe Cocker & Jennifer Warnes – Up The place We Belong (1982)
Written because the theme to 1982’s An Officer and a Gentleman by celebrated songwriters Jack Nitzsche, Buffy Sainte-Marie, and Will Jennings, this hovering, romantic duet between Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes (who later went on to file Soiled Dancing’s hit theme tune) was a defining tune of the last decade. The platinum-certified hit landed on the prime of the pop charts within the US, Australia, and South Africa, amongst different territories, and went on to win a Grammy, an Academy Award, and a Golden Globe.
38: Colbie Caillat & Gavin DeGraw – We Each Know (2013)
In 2013, Colbie Caillat and Gavin DeGraw wrote this poignant duet for the romantic thriller, Secure Haven. Mirroring the love story between the movie’s primary characters, Caillat and DeGraw’s tune captures the emotions of two people who find themselves making an attempt to maneuver ahead whereas letting go of inauspicious moments of their pasts.
37: Barbra Streisand & Neil Diamond – You Don’t Carry Me Flowers (1978)
This basic duet is the results of, fairly presumably, one of many very first memes. Within the mid-70s, Neil Diamond wrote “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” because the theme tune to a TV present known as All that Glitters. Whereas the tune was by no means used on the present, Diamond recorded it for his 1977 LP, “I’m Glad You’re Here with Me Tonight.” One yr later, Barbara Streisand lined the tune on her album, Songbird. That impressed a DJ to edit collectively his personal model of a “duet” between the 2 stars. What started as a one-off bit become a craze throughout the nation, inspiring numerous different stations to do the identical. Lastly, Streisand and Diamond recorded a correct duet of the tune, a lot to the delight of followers. Launched in October 1978, the platinum-selling “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers Anymore” went to No.1, and resulted in a must-see reside efficiency by the pair on the 1980 Grammys.
36: Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello – I Know What You Did Final Summer time (2015)
Lengthy earlier than they turned a pair, Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello paired up for this 2015 duet. The dramatic tune was written throughout a backstage jam session, when Mendes was on tour with Taylor Swift and Cabello, together with Fifth Concord, visited for a visitor efficiency. The Prime 20 hit marked Cabello’s debut single as a solo artist, in addition to the lead single off Mendes’ Handwritten Revisited.
35: Janet Jackson & Michael Jackson – Scream (1995)
It’s distinctive when two of music’s largest stars occur to come back from the identical household…and after they pair up for a single, it’s an occasion. That’s what occurred when siblings Michael and Janet Jackson received collectively for 1995’s “Scream.” Written by the pair, alongside the hitmaking staff of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, the hard-driving tune discovered the Jacksons firing again on the tabloid media.
34: Luther Vandross and Cheryl Lynn – If This World Have been Mine (1982)
In 1967, Marvin Gaye wrote this soulful duet and launched it as a B-side along with his frequent duet accomplice, Tammi Terrell. 15 years later, Luther Vandross and Cheryl Lynn launched it to a brand new era of followers – delivering loads of chemistry with their smooth-as-silk rendition and scoring a Prime 5 hit on the R&B charts alongside the best way.
33: Mariah Carey & Whitney Houston – When You Consider (1998)
Christmas got here early for pop music followers in November 1998 when Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston – two of the best vocalists ever – mixed their abilities for “When You Believe.” Written for the 1998 animated movie The Prince of Egypt, the inspiring ballad earned an Academy Award…and loads of publicity. Whereas “When You Believe” marked the one musical partnership for these two divas, it was actually a memorable one.
32: Patsy Cline & Jim Reeves – I Fall to Items (1982)
In 1961, Patsy Cline made the Hank Cochran/Harlan Howard tune “I Fall to Pieces” a rustic commonplace and a significant crossover hit. 20 years later, the magic of digital expertise allowed for engineers to pair Cline’s vocals with these of one other nation legend, Jim Reeves. Whereas each artists had tragically misplaced their lives to aircraft crashes within the 60s and by no means labored collectively throughout their lifetimes, they had been introduced collectively posthumously within the album Remembering Patsy Cline & Jim Reeves. Their duet of “I Fall to Pieces,” in the meantime, rose up the charts within the US and Canada, and provided a gorgeous reminder of Reeves and Cline’s unbelievable abilities.
31: Billy Eckstine & Sarah Vaughan – Passing Strangers (1957)
A pair displays on their strained relationship on this melancholic commonplace, initially made well-known in 1957 by bandleader and singer Billy Eckstine and jazz singer Sarah Vaughan. Whereas the duet achieved success upon its launch in America and Britain, “Passing Strangers” returned to the UK charts 12 years later, changing into a Prime 20 hit.
30: Bob Dylan & Johnny Money – Lady from the North Nation (1969)
Impressed by a visit to England, Bob Dylan’s “Girl from the North Country” made its first look in 1963 on The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan. Seven years later, Dylan revisited the people ballad, recording it as a duet with Johnny Money for his country-inspired 1969 LP, Nashville Skyline. Since then, the basic tune has been lined – in each codecs – by numerous artists, together with Leon Russell and Joe Cocker, the Black Crowes, and Rosanne Money.
29: Nelly Furtado & Timbaland – Promiscuous (2006)
Nelly Furtado and Timbaland ship loads of playful, attractive banter on this delectable hit, off Furtado’s best-selling 2006 LP, Free. Within the studio, the monitor (written by Furtado and Timothy “Attitude” Clayton) was sometimes called “the BlackBerry Song,” as its lyrics felt akin to flirty textual content messages. Produced by Timbaland, who helmed nearly all of Free, “Promiscuous” turned the Canadian pop star’s first No.1 hit within the US and earned the pair a Grammy nod.
28: Ozzy Osbourne & Lita Ford – Shut My Eyes Eternally (1989)
Take two tremendous proficient rockers, a bottle of whiskey, and a few guitars: wait a couple of hours, and also you would possibly simply get a powerhouse ballad like “Close My Eyes Forever.” That’s what occurred in 1989 when Ozzy Osbourne and Lita Ford spent an extended, late night time jamming within the studio. Showing on Ford’s album, Lita, the tune broke the Billboard Sizzling 100’s Prime Ten, changing into the highest-charting single of each artists’ solo careers.
27: Jay-Z & Alicia Keys – Empire State of Thoughts (2009)
Over the previous century, New York Metropolis has had a number of iconic songs written about it. However in 2009, Jay-Z and Alicia Keys created one for the fashionable age. Anthemic, hip, and soulful, “Empire State of Mind” turned a sensation in New York and across the globe, incomes a number of Grammys, a number of platinum information, and numerous accolades from the press. Fittingly changing into the ultimate No.1 hit of the 2000s, the tune closed out a very turbulent decade for New Yorkers.
26: John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John – Summer time Nights (Grease) (1978)
In one of the vital memorable scenes from Grease, Danny Zuko (John Travolta) and Sandy Olsson (Olivia Newton-John) element their summer time romance in “Summer Nights” – every delivering a barely totally different model to their keen mates (the “T-Birds” and “The Pink Ladies”). The humor-laced tune was launched as a single in August 1978 – two months after Grease premiered in film theaters – and landed at No.5 on the Billboard Sizzling 100. It was a fair larger hit within the UK, spending a whopping seven weeks on the prime of the pop charts. Probably the greatest karaoke duets ever penned.
25: Patti Labelle & Michael McDonald – On My Personal (1986)
A pair mourns a relationship and wonders what might have been on this shifting, 1986 ballad from Patti Labelle and Michael McDonald. Regardless of the intimate efficiency, the busy artists had been in several areas when it got here time to file the tune, and recorded their components individually. Fittingly, the music video additionally displays this distance, exhibiting McDonald and Labelle on a split-screen, every acting from a unique coast. Topping the pop charts within the US and Canada, “On My Own” turned each stars’ largest hit single.
24: Nelly & Kelly Rowland – Dilemma (2002)
Nelly and Kelly Rowland face the final word “Dilemma” on this Grammy-winning duet from 2002. The tune, which appeared on solo albums by each artists, finds the rapper and singer buying and selling traces about how they will’t cease serious about one another, regardless of being in relationships with different individuals. Followers discovered the tune equally as interesting: “Dilemma” topped the charts across the globe, together with within the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and throughout Europe.
23: Paul McCartney & Michael Jackson – Say Say Say (1983)
Within the spring of 1981, Paul McCartney was settling again right into a solo profession, following the breakup of Wings, whereas Michael Jackson had just lately launched his breakthrough file, Off the Wall. Throughout this time, McCartney enlisted Jackson to work with him on the bubbly “Say Say Say,” inviting the younger artist to remain at his house and inspiring him creatively alongside the best way. Within the two years that handed between the tune’s recording and launch (off McCartney’s Pipes of Peace), Jackson’s star would rise exponentially with Thriller (which included one other duet with McCartney, “The Girl is Mine”). By the point that “Say Say Say” got here out in 1983, the world was primed for extra of the duo. It turned a large international hit for each artists and remained on the prime of the Billboard Sizzling 100 for six weeks.
22: Girl Gaga & Bradley Cooper – Shallow (2018)
The chemistry between Girl Gaga and Bradley Cooper is simple on this poignant folk-rock duet, which leads the soundtrack to 2018’s A Star Is Born. Carried out a number of instances all through the movie by Ally (Gaga) and Jackson (Cooper), the chart-topping hit earned a large number of accolades – together with an Academy Award, 4 Grammy Awards, and a BAFTA – and was included in quite a lot of year-end and decade-end lists. Co-written by Girl Gaga, the tune has since been lined by a number of artists, together with husband-and-wife duo, Tricia Yearwood and Garth Brooks.
21: Louis Armstrong & Ella Fitzgerald – Cheek to Cheek (1956)
Initially written for Fred Astaire to sing to Ginger Rogers within the 1935 film, Prime Hat, this Irving Berlin commonplace has been carried out incessantly all through the twentieth century (and past). One of the vital memorable renditions of “Cheek to Cheek,” nevertheless, was by two of the best jazz vocalists in historical past, Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, for his or her 1956 LP, Ella and Louis. Backed by the nice Oscar Peterson on piano, the swinging efficiency is totally charming and stands as among the finest duets of the 50s.
20: George Michael & Aretha Franklin – I Knew You Have been Ready (For Me) (1987)
In 1987, when producer Clive Davis paired George Michael, one of many largest pop stars on the planet, with soul legend Aretha Franklin, it was a magical second in music historical past. Each artists had been equally as enamored with one another’s work, and that chemistry actually shines by way of in “I Knew You Were Waiting.” Followers of each artists responded simply as enthusiastically – the one not solely earned a Grammy but additionally topped the pop charts within the US and the UK (making the tune Franklin’s first No.1 single on the Billboard Sizzling 100).
19: Christina Aguilera, Mya, Lil’ Kim, & P!nk – Girl Marmalade (2001)
In 1974, LaBelle topped the charts and raised eyebrows with the funky “Lady Marmalade,” singing the suggestive French lyrics “Voulez-vous coucher avec moi?” (“Do you want to sleep with me?”). Almost three a long time later, 4 of the fiercest feminine vocalists in music (Christina Aguilera, Mya, Lil Kim, and P!nk) reimagined the tune for a brand new era. The tune, recorded for the best-selling Moulin Rouge! soundtrack, earned the artists a Grammy and hit No.1 in additional than a dozen nations, together with the US, UK, and Australia.
18: Brandy & Monica – The Boy Is Mine (1998)
Two of R&B’s largest stars battled it out over a cute boy on this irresistibly catchy 1998 single. Whereas we by no means did discover out the destiny of the younger man in query, each women in the end received. Not solely did “The Boy is Mine” prime the US charts however it turned the best-selling tune of the yr and earned Monica and Brandy their first Grammy Awards.
17: Tom Petty and Stevie Nicks – Cease Draggin’ My Coronary heart Round (1981)
The primary single off Stevie Nicks’ 1981 solo debut (Bella Donna), “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around” was the primary of a number of collaborations between the Fleetwood Mac star and Tom Petty. The one tune on the album not written or co-written by Nicks, “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around” was penned by Petty and his Heartbreakers bandmate, Mike Campbell. Their producer, Jimmy Iovine, was additionally working with Nicks on the time and really useful that she check out the tune, bringing the band in to affix in on the recording. The monitor not solely turned an instantaneous basic but additionally marked the most important US hit for each Nicks and the Heartbreakers.
16: Peaches & Herb – Reunited (1979)
Whereas a number of girls sang beneath the identify “Peaches” within the long-running vocal duo Peaches & Herb, Linda Greene (1976 – 1983) helped Herb rating a few of the duo’s largest hits, together with “Reunited.” Because the title suggests, the 1979 slow-jam finds a pair reveling in getting again collectively. Like the topics of their duet, Greene and Fame had one thing else to rejoice: scoring a multi-platinum-selling crossover hit. The tune spent 4 weeks atop the Billboard Sizzling 100, in addition to the R&B chart, and was ranked because the fifth largest single of the yr.
15: Queen & David Bowie – Below Strain (1981)
Opening with one of the vital recognizable bass traces ever, 1981’s “Under Pressure” was the results of an impromptu jam session between Queen and David Bowie (two of the most important acts on the planet), after they had been recording on the similar studio in Montreux, Switzerland. Launched as a single in 1981, and later showing on Queen’s tenth studio album, Sizzling House, the highly effective rock tune turned a large hit – topping the pop charts within the UK and Canada, and touchdown within the Prime Ten in a large number of nations. Within the a long time following its launch, “Under Pressure” has usually been ranked among the many biggest songs of all time.
14: Donna Summer time & Barbra Streisand – No Extra Tears (Sufficient Is Sufficient) (1979)
Two of music’s biggest pop singers teamed up with an vital message: that girls shouldn’t put up with a nasty relationship. Co-produced by Giorgio Moroder (aka the “Father of Disco”) the monitor was launched in a number of edits and mixes (together with an 11-minute prolonged model), showing on Streisand’s 1979 LP, Moist, and Summer time’s compilation LP, On the Radio: Biggest Hits Vols. I & II (additionally 1979). Whereas the ladies by no means carried out the tune collectively reside, they did rating a significant hit – touchdown at No.1 within the US and within the Prime Ten throughout the globe. One of many nice feminine duets ever.
13: Donny Hathaway & Roberta Flack – The Nearer I Get to You (1977)
In 1972, soul stars Donny Hathaway and Roberta Flack teamed up for an album of duets, leading to a number of best-selling singles and a Grammy Award (for “Where is the Love”). 5 years later, they reunited for the romantic single, “The Closer I Get to You.” The ballad, which appeared on Flack’s solo LP, Blue Lights within the Basement, flew to the highest of the Soul chart and landed at No.2 on the Billboard Sizzling 100. Whereas the artists continued to collaborate within the studio, Hathaway sadly handed away in 1979. Flack paid tribute to her shut pal and musical accomplice by together with a number of of those songs on 1980’s Roberta Flack That includes Donny Hathaway.
12: Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell – Your Treasured Love (1967)
Within the spring of 1967, Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell captured the hearts of America with their debut duet, “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” written by the husband-and-wife songwriting staff of Ashford & Simpson. Not lengthy after, all 4 reunited to repeat the magic with “Your Precious Love.” Launched in August 1967, the soulful monitor continued the duo’s success – after which some – touchdown at No.2 on the R&B chart and No.5 on the Billboard Sizzling 100. It could go on to be lined by everybody from D’Angelo and Erykah Badu to Neil Sedaka and his daughter, Dara.
11: Technique Man & Mary J. Blige – I’ll Be There For You/You’re All I Have to Get By (1995)
In 1995, rapper Technique Man teamed up with songstress Mary J. Blige and RZA (as producer) for a remix of “All I Need” (off his 1994 debut, Tical). Borrowing from one other well-known duet (Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell’s “You’re All I Need to Get By”), the pair delivered one of the vital iconic hip-hop duets ever, incomes a Grammy and a No.1 R&B hit. A long time later, the tune is taken into account to be among the many biggest hip-hop tracks of all time.
10: Invoice Medley & Jennifer Warnes – (I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life (1987)
In the summertime of 1987, individuals couldn’t get sufficient of “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life”– the irresistible theme to Soiled Dancing. A duet between Invoice Medley (of the Righteous Brothers) and singer-songwriter Jennifer Warnes, the tune was one of some originals written for the blockbuster film, which occurred in 1963. Whereas “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” was decidedly trendy, in comparison with most of the soundtrack’s era-specific tunes, it outlined the now-classic flick – not solely changing into a large international hit, however scoring a number of awards, together with a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Golden Globe.
09: Andrea Bocelli & Sarah Brightman – Time To Say Goodbye (1996)
Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli broke information throughout Europe with 1995’s “Con te partirò.” One yr later, he topped himself, recording an English-language model of the operatic tune with British soprano Sarah Brightman. The tune (launched as “Time to Say Goodbye”) topped the pop charts throughout Europe and have become one of many best-selling singles, globally, of all time. It stays among the finest duets of the 90s.
08: Willie Nelson & Waylon Jennings – Mamas, Don’t Let Your Infants Develop As much as Be Cowboys (1978)
…Nevertheless it’s not so dangerous in the event that they develop as much as be nation singers! When Ed and Patsy Bruce wrote “Mamas, Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys,” they provided a tip of the (cowboy) hat to the basic songs of Roy Rogers and Gene Autry. Three years later, Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings turned the tune right into a male duet for his or her 1978 album, Waylon & Willie. The memorable recording turned a No.1 Nation hit and scored the legendary artists a Grammy alongside the best way.
07: Peabo Bryson & Roberta Flack – Tonight I Rejoice My Love (1983)
One of many consummate romantic ballads of the 80s, the platinum-selling “Tonight I Celebrate My Love” set the temper for numerous {couples} all through the last decade. That includes a soulful efficiency by Peabo Bryson and Roberta Flack (who recorded their tune for his or her duet album, Born to Love), the 1983 single landed within the Prime Ten in a number of territories, together with the UK, South Africa, Canada, Norway, and Australia.
06: Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway – The place Is the Love (1972)
The most effective duet of the 70s? Two of the smoothest vocals in soul surprise what occurred to the love that they as soon as had on this 1972 duet. Hathaway and Flack didn’t must look too far for that lacking adoration: they scored a Prime 5 hit on the Billboard Sizzling 100 and received a Grammy Award for Greatest Pop Efficiency by a Duo or Group. The love continued by way of the years with dozens of covers, together with these by Liza Minelli, Sérgio Mendes, and Johnny Mathis.
05: The Righteous Brothers – Unchained Melody (1965)
Initially written by Alex North and Hy Zaret for the 1955 movie Unchained, “Unchained Melody” turned one of many most-recorded songs of the twentieth century. The ballad first hit the charts in 1955, with variations by Liberace, Harry Belafonte, and bandleader Les Baxter, amongst a number of others. In 1965, nevertheless, the Righteous Brothers recorded probably the most enduring model of the tune, with a strong and emotion-packed vocal solo efficiency by the duo’s Bobby Hatfield. 25 years later, the Righteous Brothers’ shifting recording re-entered the Billboard Sizzling 100’s Prime Ten, after it featured prominently within the movie Ghost.
04: Sonny & Cher – I Acquired You Babe (1965)
For a ten-year interval within the 60s and 70s, husband-and-wife duo Sonny & Cher had been one of the vital well-known {couples} in leisure – starting with their chart-topping 1965 debut, “I Got You Babe.” Drawing from components of folks, rock, and pop, the duet turned the couple’s signature hit, in addition to a defining tune of the period. A long time later, the tune stays a staple in widespread tradition (Groundhog Day, anybody?), and is taken into account to be amongst among the finest duets in historical past.
03: Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton – Islands In The Stream (1983)
One of the vital enduring crossover hits ever (and a must-sing karaoke tune), “Islands in the Stream” paired nation superstars Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton to carry out a duet of the Bee Gees-penned ballad. The 1983 tune, which appeared on Rogers’ LP, Eyes That See within the Darkish, topped nation and pop charts world wide, giving each Parton and Rogers their second No.1 hits on the Billboard Sizzling 100.
02: Diana Ross & Lionel Richie – Infinite Love (1981)
The most effective duet of the 80s? Whereas 1981’s Infinite Love may not have been fairly as enduring as its title suggests, the movie’s theme tune – written by Lionel Richie and carried out as a duet with Diana Ross – fared a lot better. A multi-platinum-selling hit, “Endless Love” went on to spend 9 weeks atop the Billboard Sizzling 100, incomes Oscar and GRAMMY nods, and changing into the best-selling single of Ross’ profession.
01: Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell – Ain’t No Mountain Excessive Sufficient (1967)
From 1967-1970, Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell had been Motown’s golden duo. Collectively, the gifted singers launched three studio albums and scored a dozen hit singles, starting with “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” Written by the husband-and-wife songwriting staff of Ashford & Simpson, and that includes instrumentation by the Funk Brothers and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the tune landed at No.3 on the R&B chart and crossed over into the Billboard Sizzling 100’s Prime 20. In 1999, the enduring hit was inducted into the Grammy Corridor of Fame, whereas immediately, it’s considered among the finest duets ever recorded.
