Peaches & Herb in 1968.
This week, I have been inspired by classic duets…
I’m a sucker for great duets, whether they are between two men, two women, or a man and a woman. Growing up in the 1970s and 80s, I was exposed to many classic duets that I have heard over and over again through the years. Since I rejoined SingSnap.com a few months ago, I have even honed my own duet skills with other singers. I thought today would be a good day to have a look at some memorable songs featuring two great singers.
Johnny Mathis and Deniece Williams sing “Too Much, Too Little, Too Late”
“Too Much, Too Little, Too Late” is a classic duet in my mind. Every time I hear it, I am transported back to the late 70s. I never get tired of this song; Johnny Mathis and Deniece Williams have great vocal chemistry.
Peaches & Herb sing “Reunited”
“Reunited” is another one of those classic songs from the late 70s that immediately springs to mind when I think of a great duet. This is a sweet love song that never gets old. It’s also a great song for commercials. I’ve heard it many times over the years used to hawk products, yet I never get sick of hearing it.
Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney sing “The Girl Is Mine”.
Don’t want to listen to a man and a woman mooning over each other? How about this 1982 classic, “The Girl Is Mine” by Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney. These two teamed up again when they sang “Say Say Say”. Sir Paul McCartney also sang a well known duet with Stevie Wonder called “Ebony and Ivory”, while Michael joined Mick Jagger on the song “State of Shock”.
“State of Shock”, Michael Jackson and Mick Jagger. It works surprisingly well…
Okay, so technically “State of Shock” was The Jacksons featuring Mick Jagger. But when I hear this song, I automatically think “duet”, not pop group featuring rock star.
In 1984, Michael and his brother, Jermaine Jackson, had a hit duet in the song “Tell Me I’m Not Dreamin'”. I confess, as a twelve year old, I loved this song! I also owned a vinyl copy of the album it came from. That album has the distinction of including the super weird song, “Escape From The Planet of the Ant Men”, as well as a couple of duets with the late Whitney Houston.
“It’s raining, it’s pouring, my love life is boring me to tears…”
Barbra Streisand and Donna Summer got together for this 1979 hit, “No More Tears”. This song was a big hit for them and was later parodied by Eddie Murphy, who turned it into a hysterical duet featuring his characterizations of Richard Simmons and Buckwheat.
Speaking of Barbra Streisand, she and Neil Diamond also had a huge hit in their duet “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers”, which has aged surprisingly well.
Barbra Streisand and Neil Diamond sing their classic duet.
I would be completely remiss if I didn’t mention the late Marvin Gaye, who famously paired up with several female singers to make some of the most unforgettable classic duets yet.
Gaye paired up with Kim Weston on “It Takes Two”.
He got together with Tammi Terrell on the classic hit, “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”.
He sang with Diana Ross on “You Are Everything”.
Marvin Gaye’s smooth vocals were magic with these three ladies, who helped him make golden hits for Motown in the 1960s and 70s. But Marvin was not the only one making great duets… Billy Preston and Syreeta Wright contributed the lovely “With You I’m Born Again”.
Billy Preston and the late Syreeta Wright sing “With You I’m Born Again”.
Since I am also a singer, I’m always looking for a good partner. I found one the other day when I came across his half of the song, “With You I’m Born Again”.
I think it’s not too bad for karaoke! Have a great weekend, everybody!
