“Scream” – Michael Jackson & Janet Jackson
“Scream” is the lead single from Michael Jackson’s 1995 album HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I. The song talks about career frustrations the brother and sister duo encountered from the tabloids and press.
“Endless Love” – Diana Ross & Lionel Ritchie
“Endless Love” was originally recorded by Diana Ross and Lionel Ritchie in 1981. In the ballad the singers declare their eternal love for each other. The song was featured in the 1981 film Endless Love, starring Brooke Shields.
“You’re All I Need” – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
“Your All I Need” was written by Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson and released by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell in 1968. The vocals were recorded separately by the two singers and combined during the mixing process.
“The Closer I Get to You” – Donny Hathaway & Roberta Flack
“The Closer I Get to You” was released by Roberta Flack in 1978 from her album Blue Lights in the Basement. Her duet with Donny Hathaway was a major crossover soul hit and was certified gold.
“The Girl Is Mine” – Michael Jackson & Paul McCartney
“The Girl Is Mine” featured Paul McCartney and was the first single from Thriller, Michael Jackson’s second solo album. The song was composed and written by Jackson and produced by Quincy Jones.
“Baby, Come To Me” – James Ingram & Patti Austin
“Baby, Come To Me” was a chart-topping single by Patti Austin and James Ingram in 1982. The song was produced by Quincy Jones and featured background vocals from Michael McDonald.
“I’ll Be There for You/You’re All I Need to Get By” – Mary J. Blige & Method Man
In 1995 Mary J. Blige and Method Man released the hip-hop and R&B hit, “I’ll Be There for You/You’re All I Need to Get By.”
“Solid” – Nick Ashford & Valerie Simpson
The husband and wife duo Ashford and Simpson released “Solid” as a single in 1984. The song talks about the power of forgiveness in a relationship and the enduring strength of love.
“The Boy Is Mine” – Brandy & Monica
Brandy and Monica released “The Boy Is Mine” as the lead single from their second albums in 1998. The lyrics to the song tell the story of two women disputing the love of a man.
“When You Believe” – Whitney Houston & Mariah Carey
The Academy Award winning song “When You Believe” was recorded by Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey for The Prince of Egypt. The song’s inspirational lyrics are about each person’s ability to achieve miracles.
“Reunited” – Peaches and Herb
“Reunited” was released from Peaches & Herb’s 1978 album 2 Hot. The song sold over 2 million copies.
“If This World Were Mine” – Luther Vandross & Cheryl Lynn
“If This World Were Mine” was originally recorded by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell in 1967. Luther Vandross and Cheryl Lynn had a hit with the song in 1982.
“Unforgettable” – Natalie Cole & Nat King Cole
“Unforgettable” was originally recorded by Nat King Cole in 1961. His daughter Natalie Cole released a remixed version of the song in 1991 which won 3 Grammy Awards.
“Count on Me” Whitney Houston & Cee Cee Winans
“Count on Me” was released in 1996 as the fourth single from the Waiting to Exhale soundtrack. The uplifting ballad is about leaning on a friend for support when needed.
“Fire & Desire” – Rick James & Teena Marie
Rick James and Teena Marie recorded the duet “Fire and Desire” for his 1981 album Street Songs. The duo performed a memorable rendition of the classic song at the BET awards in 2004.
Over the years many acclaimed music artists have collaborated to create memorable duets. Some duets tell a story of friendship, romance and love, while others are tempered conversations set to music. Marvin Gaye and Kim Weston said it best the title their 1965 hit song “It Takes Two.” Here are our 15 all-time favorite duets.
