Celebrating the best 80s duets - from Tina Turner and Bryan Adams to Kylie and Jason

Virgin Radio

24 Mar 2023, 11:50

Like salt and pepper and wine and cheese, some things just go better together, and there’s no finer example of that than classic duets in the 1980s. 

From the likes of iconic pairings such as Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton, to the somewhat more unique team-ups with Robert Palmer and UB40, the 80s were bursting at the seams with unforgettable duos who made light work of climbing the charts. 

In 1985, Phill Collins and Phillip Bailey landed at number one in 1985 with their incredible earworm Easy Lover, and to celebrate, Virgin Radio 80s Plus is playing decade’s biggest and best duets all day long!

You can listen to Virgin Radio 80 Plus HERE. You can also listen on DAB+ in London and Central Scotland and on smart speakers across the UK, as well as via the Virgin Radio UK app.

Robert Palmer and UB40 - I'll be your baby tonight

Released in 1990, I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight was originally sung by Bob Dylan, but found a new life as a cover version by soulful singer Robert Palmer and reggae band UB40. 

The song, which featured on Palmer’s Don’t Explain record, was a major success for both Palmer and the band, landing in the top 10 in the UK. 

Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush - Don't Give Up

Genesis’ Peter Gabriel and fellow 80s icon Kate Bush teamed up for the stunning duet Don’t Give Up in 1986, as part of Peter’s seminal album, So. 

It spent 11 weeks in the top 75 UK singles chart, peaking at number nine, and it won the prestigious Ivor Novello prize for Best Song Musically and Lyrically. 

Inspired by the Great Depression and the difficult economic conditions of the 80s, Gabriel wanted to pen a tune around the struggles many felt during the era, and wrote lyrics from the perspective of an unemployed man, and the voice of hope coming from Bush. 

Liza Minelli and Pet Shop Boys - Losing My Mind

Musical star Liza Minelli got her first taste of UK success when she released Losing My Mind alongside the Pet Shop Boys, who produced the track in 1989. 

Reaching number six in the charts, the Stephen Sondheim song from 1971 musical Follies was also used in a demo by the Pet Shop boys for their b-side single, Jealousy, in 1990.

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

George Michael and Aretha Franklin flew up the charts with their 1987 duet, I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me). 

Wham! Singer Michael was reportedly so nervous about writing for one of his idols that he originally went to Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder before finally getting to Franklin. It’s a good thing too, as the upbeat track landed them a Grammy Award for best R&B performance.

Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton - Islands In The Stream

Originally written by the Bee Gees, country icons Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton came together for Islands in the Stream in 1983. 

It was the beginning of a longstanding partnership between Kenny and Dolly, who went on to record a Christmas album together, with another hit in 1985 with Real Love. 

Tina Turner and Bryan Adams - It's Only Love

It was rock, roll and soul when Tina Turner and Bryan Adams came together for It’s Only Love in 1985. 

The rocking anthem landed a Grammy nomination, and is fondly remembered by Bryan as his most memorable collaboration, according to Songfacts. “It was such a privilege to have sung with her, especially since I was only 24 at the time,” he said.

Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan - Especially For You

Australian sweethearts Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan turned up the heat on their romance rumours with Especially For You in 1988. 

Both Neighbours stars joined forces for the super successful track to coincide with the massively anticipated wedding for their characters, Charlene Mitchell and Scott Robinson, which ended up being one of the most memorable soap moments of all time. 

The ballad was also a major victory for producers Stock Aitken Waterman, with more than one million copies sold, and was Mingoue’s longest-charting single in the UK at the time, sticking around for 21 weeks. 

Jennifer Warnes and Joe Cocker - Up Where We Belong

Following on from her movie success with It Goes Like It Goes in 1979’s Norma Rae, Jennifer Warnes was invited to perform the ballad, Up Where We Belong, for An Officer and a Gentleman, and recommended Joe Cocker for the duet. 

The song went on to win the Best Original Song prize at the 1983 Oscars, and won the equivalent Golden Globe gong too. 

Janet Jackson and Luther Vandross - The Best things In Life Are Free

Another movie soundtrack duet came from the ultimate R&B pair-up with Janet Jackson and Luther Vandross. 

Part of the 1992 flick Mo’ Money, The Best Things in Life are Free was a major hit for both of the established singers, and peaked at number two in the UK singles charts. 

Phil Collins and Phillip Bailey - Easy Lover

Finally, the two Phils (Collins and Bailey) came together out of their respective bands for the number-one hit, Easy Lover. 

The Genesis and Earth, Wind & Fire singers came together after Collins produced some of Bailey’s solo album, Chinese Wall. After a late-night jam session, the magic of Easy Lover came together, and led to a worldwide number one, and a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Performance. 

You can listen to Virgin Radio 80 Plus HERE. You can also listen on DAB+ in London and Central Scotland and on smart speakers across the UK, as well as via the Virgin Radio UK app.