Deborah Chan
The year 1987 was a big one for music, with artists like Aretha Franklin, Lionel Richie, and Belinda Carlisle topping the charts. But what about wedding songs? One source claims that I've Had The Time Of My Life by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes, from the Dirty Dancing soundtrack, was the most popular wedding song of 1987. The song, which won a Golden Globe and an Academy Award for Best Original Song and a Grammy for Best Pop Performance by a Duo, topped the Billboard charts and became a heavy favourite at weddings. Other popular wedding songs from 1987 include Livin' On A Prayer by Bon Jovi, Bad by Michael Jackson, and We'll Be Together by Sting.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year | 1987 |
| Popular Artists | Lionel Richie, Randy Travis, Belinda Carlisle, Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris, Moe Bandy, Roger Troutman, Gregory Abbott, Billy Vera & The Beaters, Bon Jovi, Bob Seger, Michael Jackson, Tiffany, Bill Medley, Jennifer Warnes, Sting, Anita Baker, Aretha Franklin |
| Popular Songs | "I've Had The Time Of My Life", "Shakedown", "Shake You Down", "At This Moment", "Livin' On A Prayer", "I Think We're Alone Now", "Bad", "We'll Be Together", "Caught Up In The Rapture", "Heaven Is A Place On Earth" |
| Popular Movies | Dirty Dancing, Beverly Hills Cop II |
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What You'll Learn
I've Had The Time Of My Life by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes
"I've Had The Time Of My Life" by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes is a popular choice for weddings, especially for couples who want a memorable last dance song. The song was released in January 1987 as part of the Dirty Dancing soundtrack and quickly became a chart-topper, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard charts. The song is an iconic reminder of the blockbuster film Dirty Dancing, which was released around August 21, 1987, and remains a beloved movie for many.
The award-winning song, with its catchy and upbeat tempo, has earned multiple accolades, including a Golden Globe and an Academy Award for "Best Original Song" and a Grammy for "Best Pop Performance by a Duo". The song's popularity is not limited to its success on the charts, as it has become a staple at weddings, with many couples choosing it for their special day.
The blend of Bill Medley's and Jennifer Warnes's voices creates a unique and iconic theme that has stood the test of time. The song's lyrics and tune perfectly capture the joy and celebration of love, making it an ideal choice for weddings. The song's message resonates with couples, expressing the sentiment of having the time of one's life when finding true love.
"I've Had The Time Of My Life" has become a timeless classic, with its popularity extending beyond the 1980s. It continues to be a favourite at weddings, even decades after its release, a testament to its enduring appeal and ability to evoke feelings of happiness and love.
Overall, "I've Had The Time Of My Life" by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes is a perfect choice for couples who want a fun, upbeat, and memorable song to celebrate their special day and create lasting memories on the dance floor.
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Shakedown by Bob Seger
"Shakedown" by Bob Seger was one of the most popular songs of 1987. The song was recorded for the Beverly Hills Cop II soundtrack and was released in the spring of 1987, spending four weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. It also topped the charts in Canada, reaching number one on the RPM 100 national singles chart.
The music was written by Harold Faltermeyer, who also composed the film's score, and Keith Forsey, with lyrics by Seger. "Shakedown" was Seger's only number-one hit single and his second number-one hit on the Album Rock Tracks chart. The song was nominated for the Academy Award and Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song in 1988 but lost to "([I've Had]) The Time of My Life" from Dirty Dancing.
"Shakedown" is a great choice for a wedding song, especially for couples who want to incorporate a fun and popular song from the 1980s into their celebration. It has an upbeat tempo and memorable lyrics, which are essential for a song to be played on a couple's special day.
While "Shakedown" by Bob Seger was one of the most popular songs of 1987, other notable musicians of that year included Lionel Richie, Randy Travis, and Belinda Carlisle. Additionally, the Dirty Dancing soundtrack produced the iconic wedding classic "I've Had The Time Of My Life" by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes, which is another popular choice for weddings.
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Shake You Down by Gregory Abbott
"Shake You Down" by Gregory Abbott is a popular choice for weddings, especially for a slow dance. The song was released in the fall of 1986 and, by the middle of January 1987, it had reached Number 1.
The lyrics of "Shake You Down" are filled with longing and desire, as the singer expresses his feelings for a girl he has been watching from afar. The song's chorus is a passionate declaration of intent:
> "You read my mind (You know you did) / Girl, I wanna shake you down (oh, baby) / (I wanna give it you ya) / I can give you all the lovin’ you'll need (Ah...) (Lovin' you'll need) / Come on let me take you down (oh, well, oh, well) / We'll go all the way to heaven (Come to me tonight)."
The song continues with the singer pleading with the object of his affection to let him show her how he feels:
> "I been missing you / And the way you make me feel inside / What can I do? / I can tell you've got your pride now, baby (Ooh...) / Come to me, well, oh, well (Won't you come to me) / Let me ease your mind, oh, babe / I've got the remedy, yes, I do / Now give me just a little time..."
"Shake You Down" was the lead single from Gregory Abbott's debut album of the same name. It topped Billboard's R&B Singles chart for two weeks in 1986 and peaked at #2. With its smooth rhythm and soulful vocals, "Shake You Down" has become a staple of wedding celebrations, evoking the romance and passion of new love.
While I cannot confirm if "Shake You Down" was the most popular wedding song in 1987, it certainly left its mark on music history and continues to be a beloved choice for couples on their special day.
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Bad by Michael Jackson
"Bad" by Michael Jackson was released on his seventh studio album, 'Bad', on 31 August 1987. The song was co-produced by Jackson and Quincy Jones, marking their third and final collaboration. Jackson wrote and recorded the song in 1986, adopting a more aggressive sound and departing from his signature groove-based style and falsetto. The track features pop, dance, and R&B elements, as well as influences from funk, soul, jazz, rock, and hard rock. The song's music video, directed by Martin Scorsese, premiered on CBS during prime time on the same date as the album's release. The video, inspired by the film West Side Story, features Jackson and a group of gangsters portraying a street gang dancing in a subway station. It has been praised by critics as one of the most iconic music videos of all time.
"Bad" by Michael Jackson is considered a popular choice for weddings, particularly in Charleston. The song spent six consecutive weeks at number one on the Billboard Top Pop Albums chart in the US, selling over 2.25 million copies in its first week. It was also the fastest-selling album in US history at the time. The song's longevity and influence are evident, as filmmaker Spike Lee commented that the album "Bad" sounded "freshest" compared to other Billboard 200 number-one albums released in 1987.
The year 1987 witnessed a diverse range of musicians and songs that gained popularity in the wedding scene. Lionel Richie, Randy Travis, and Belinda Carlisle were among the notable artists of that year. The Dirty Dancing soundtrack, featuring Jennifer Warnes and Bill Medley, produced the iconic wedding classic "I've Had The Time Of My Life". This song, released in August 1987, topped the Billboard charts and remains a favourite at weddings. Gregory Abbott's "Shake You Down", a slow R&B jam, and "Livin' On A Prayer" by Bon Jovi were also popular choices for weddings in 1987.
In addition to "Bad" by Michael Jackson, another notable song from 1987 that gained popularity at weddings is "I Think We're Alone Now" by Tiffany. This song was a cover of the original by Tommy James & The Shondells. Tiffany's version gained widespread attention, and she embarked on a shopping mall tour to promote it. "I Think We're Alone Now" resonated with audiences, and its impact extended beyond weddings, reflecting the cultural landscape of the late 1980s.
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Heaven Is A Place On Earth by Belinda Carlisle
"Heaven Is a Place on Earth" by Belinda Carlisle was released in September 1987 as the lead single from her second album, also titled "Heaven on Earth". The song was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in at least nine countries and becoming Carlisle's signature song. It has since been certified triple Platinum in the United Kingdom and Platinum in the United States.
The song is an uplifting and irresistible anthem, featuring Thomas Dolby on keyboards and synthesizers, and backup vocals by Michelle Phillips of The Mamas & the Papas, Chynna Phillips of Wilson Phillips, and songwriter Diane Warren. The music video, filmed partially at Six Flags Magic Mountain in California, features Carlisle in a strapless dress and later, a black off-the-shoulder blouse, with children wearing black masks and capes.
The sheet music for "Heaven Is a Place on Earth" is set in the key of E major (D major for the pre-chorus), with a tempo of 123 beats per minute in common time. Carlisle's vocals span from E3 to D♯5, and during the final chorus, the key modulates to F♯ major.
In 2015, Carlisle re-recorded an acoustic version of the song for her album "Wilder Shores" (2017), which combines acoustic tracks with world beats and traditional Sikh chants. This slower, piano-accompanied version showcases the emotional depth of Carlisle's sexy vibrato, as described by Classic Pop's Steve Harnell.
"Heaven Is a Place on Earth" has endured as a beloved and iconic pop-rock ballad, referenced in works by artists such as Lana Del Rey and Canadian band Alvvays, and featured in films and television shows including "Romy and Michele's High School Reunion" (1997) and "The Handmaid's Tale" (2019).
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Frequently asked questions
The most popular wedding song in 1987 was "I've Had The Time Of My Life" by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes, from the Dirty Dancing soundtrack.
Yes, "Livin' On A Prayer" by Bon Jovi was one of the most popular tracks of the 80s to be played at weddings. "We'll Be Together" by Sting, "Heaven Is A Place On Earth" by Belinda Carlisle, and "Shakedown" by Bob Seger were also popular wedding songs in 1987.
"Shake You Down" by Gregory Abbott is a slow R&B jam that was released in 1986 and was still popular in 1987. "At This Moment" by Billy Vera & The Beaters is another soft rock ballad that was popular at weddings in 1987.
Yes, 1987 featured musicians like Lionel Richie, Randy Travis, and Belinda Carlisle. "Bad" by Michael Jackson was also a popular song in 1987.
