18 of the best classic duets from the 70s, 80s and 90s

Take a trip down memory lane with these legendary collaborations

Author: Georgie HollandPublished 1st Jul 2023

The chemistry, the long stares into each others' eyes, those spine-tingling harmonies... These pairs really hit the nail on the head when it came to tugging on our heart strings. It's not secret that some of the greatest music came from the 70s, 80s and 90s - and, of course, that is also where some of the most legendary collaborations came from!

Including iconic names such as Phil Collins and Lionel Richie, and some of the greatest female musicians such as Diana Ross and Cher, we've collated some of our favourite classic duets of all time. Take a trip down memory lane, get those vocal chords warmed up, and enjoy...

Take a look at some of the biggest duets in music history:

Linda Ronstadt and Aaron Neville – 'Don't Know Much'

Favourite line: "The only truth I've ever known is me and you"


Listen to the song here on YouTube

John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John – 'You're The One That I Want'

Favourite line: "Cause the power you're supplying, it's electrifying"


Listen to the song here on YouTube

Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton – 'Islands in the Stream'

Favourite line: "I set out to get you with a fine-tooth comb"


Listen to the song here on YouTube

Diana Ross and Lionel Richie – 'Endless Love'

Favourite line: "I'll hold you close in my arms, I can't resist your charms"


Listen to the song here on YouTube

Sonny and Cher – 'I Got You Babe'

Favourite line: "Don't let them say your hair's too long, cause I don't care, with you I can't go wrong"


Listen to the song here on YouTube

David Bowie and Freddie Mercury – 'Under Pressure'

Favourite line: "It's the terror of knowing what this world is about"


Listen to the song here on YouTube

Elaine Paige and Barbara Dickson - 'I Know Him So Well'

Favourite line: "And though I move my world to be with him, still the gap between us is too wide"


Listen to the song here on YouTube

Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan - 'Especially For You'

Favourite line: "I want to tell you, you mean all the world to me, how I'm certain that our love was meant to be"


Listen to the song here on YouTube

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds and Kylie Minogue - 'Where The Wild Roses Grow'

Favourite line: "They call me The Wild Rose, but my name was Elisa Day"


Listen to the song here on YouTube

Roberta Flack and Peabo Bryson - 'Tonight I Celebrate My Love'

Favourite line: "Tonight our spirits will be climbing to a sky filled up with diamonds"


Listen to the song here on YouTube

Phil Collins and Marilyn Martin - 'Separate Lives'

Favourite line: "You have no right to speak to me so kind"


Listen to the song here on YouTube

PJ and Duncan (Ant and Dec) - 'Let's Get Ready To Rhumble'

Favourite line: "We can getcha groovin', this tracks boomin'"


Listen to the song here on YouTube

Elton John and Kiki Dee - 'Don't Go Breaking My Heart'

Favourite line: "Oh, you put the spark to the flame, I got your heart in my sight"


Listen to the song here on YouTube

George Michael and Elton John - 'Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me'

Favourite line: "Although I search myself, it's always someone else I see"


Listen to the song here on YouTube

Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush - 'Don't Give Up'

Favourite line: "Don't give up, 'cause somewhere there's a place where we belong"


Listen to the song here on YouTube

Philip Bailey and Phil Collins – 'Easy Lover'

Favourite line: "She'll take your heart but you won't feel it"

Listen to the song here on YouTube

Aretha Franklin and George Michael - 'I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)'

Favourite line: "When the river was deep, I didn't falter"

Listen to the song here on YouTube

Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty - 'Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around'

Favourite line: "This doesn't have to be the big get even, this doesn't have to be anything at all"

Listen to the song here on YouTube

Now read:

Motown legend Diana Ross' most iconic songs of all time

30 of the greatest female musicians of the 70s, 80s & 90s 🎶

45 of your favourite music icons: Then and now

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