The best musical collaborations of all time

The Beatles or the Rolling Stones? Well, on an upcoming album you won't have to choose. According to Variety, multiple sources have confirmed that the two surviving Beatles members, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, have contributed to an as-yet unannounced Stones album, which is said to be produced by Andrew Watt who has worked with stars like Dua Lipa, Miley Cyrus, and Justin Bieber. Apparently McCartney has already recorded bass parts in some sessions taking place in Los Angeles in recent weeks. The project will mark the Stones' first album of new material since 2005's 'A Bigger Bang,' though no release date has been announced.

1 / 33 Fotos

'Under Pressure' - Queen and David Bowie -

In 1981, Queen invited David Bowie to sing backup vocals on their new song 'Cool Cat.' They weren't happy with the results, but Bowie and the four members of Queen started jamming that day and the result was 'Under Pressure.' The song became a massive hit all over the world.

2 / 33 Fotos

'Ebony and Ivory' - Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder -

Recorded for Paul McCartney’s 'Tug of War' album, the duet is the longest-running solo number one for either McCartney or his duet partner Stevie Wonder.

3 / 33 Fotos

'No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)' - Barbra Streisand and Donna Summer -

There's nothing like two of the biggest divas declaring that "enough is enough." The song stayed at number one on the Hot 100 for two weeks in 1979.

4 / 33 Fotos

'Lobby' - Anitta and Missy Elliott -

Anitta released a banging disco-pop record featuring Missy Elliott. Brazil's biggest pop star released the highly-anticipated single 'Lobby' which features the rap legend, both in the song and in the accompanying video. It opens with Missy Elliott saying "that new Anitta, suckas!” She also gave a shout-out to Anitta on Twitter after the song's release, writing “Such fun working with some1 I clicked with, we laughed during every take in this video and you were so kind. Anitta wanted to make her fans & Brazil proud!” The playful dance track follows the trend of musicians celebrating life and freedom after the tough years of lockdown.

5 / 33 Fotos

'Dancing in the Street' - David Bowie and Mick Jagger -

The 1985 duet cover by David Bowie and Mick Jagger topped the charts and gave us groovy dance moves by two of the biggest musicians ever.

6 / 33 Fotos

'Hold Me Closer' - Britney Spears and Sir Elton John -

After rumors swirled about the "song of the summer" coming soon, Britney Spears and Elton John have confirmed their collaboration single. 'Hold Me Closer' will be a new rendition of Sir Elton’s iconic 1971 hit 'Tiny Dancer,' and it will also mark Spears' first release since 2016, and the first since the end of her 13-year-long conservatorship. An insider close with the pair told Page Six that: "This was Elton’s idea, and Britney is a huge fan. They have recorded a remix of Tiny Dancer as a full duet—and it is incredible." The two were working on their "super-secret recording session" in a studio in Beverly Hills "overseen by über-producer Andrew Watt," the source added.

7 / 33 Fotos

'My Boo' - Usher and Alicia Keys -

The R&B superstars collaborated on the 2004 love anthem that became a major success. The song rocketed to number one on the charts and stayed there for six weeks.

8 / 33 Fotos

'Endless Love' - Diana Ross and Lionel Richie -

Considered one of the best duets of all time, 'Endless Love' became the biggest number one hit for either artist and spent nine weeks at the top of the charts.

9 / 33 Fotos

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

This classic duet from 1976 with Elton John and Kiki Dee is an all-time favorite. In 1994, John recorded a version with RuPaul that also peaked the charts.

10 / 33 Fotos

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

Considered an unlikely collaboration at the time, the 1987 up-tempo duet spent two weeks at the top of the Hot 100 chart.

11 / 33 Fotos

'Say Say Say' - Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson -

The super duo’s hit spent six weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and was their second collaboration. The stars also released 'The Girl Is Mine' in 1983.

12 / 33 Fotos

'(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life' - Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes -

We will never forget the lyrics toed to the 1987 film 'Dirty Dancing.' The soft-rock hit won the 1988 Academy Award for Best Original Song.

13 / 33 Fotos

'Get Lucky' - Daft Punk, Pharrell Williams, and Nile Rodgers -

You were probably dancing in 2013 to 'Get Lucky,' which became one of the biggest pop songs ever. Daft Punk's comeback single was infused with Pharrell's soul-fueled vocals and Nile Rodgers' funky sound, making it the perfect dance song to this day.

14 / 33 Fotos

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

Written by the Bee Gees and recorded by American country stars Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton, this tune has become a country classic and a karaoke favorite.

15 / 33 Fotos

'Dilemma' - Nelly and Kelly Rowland -

Kelly Rowland's first single away from Destiny’s Child became a smash hit that made her a solo star in her own right. The song had a 10-week run at number one on the Billboard Hot 100.

16 / 33 Fotos

'Leather & Lace' - Stevie Nicks and Don Henley -

The leaders of Fleetwood Mac and the Eagles, respectively, proved they were meant to collaborate with this 1981 hit. The song peaked the charts for six weeks in 1982.

17 / 33 Fotos

'Empire State of Mind' - Jay-Z and Alicia Keys -

2009 gifted us 'Empire State of Mind,' a true New York anthem by superstars Jay-Z and Alicia Keys. The song ruled the Hot 100 for five consecutive weeks.

18 / 33 Fotos

'Girl from the North Country' - Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash -

Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash met in 1964 and soon formed a tight friendship. They spent a few days at Columbia's Studio A in 1969 recording various songs. But 'Girl from the North Country' was the only one that got officially released.

19 / 33 Fotos

'I'm Your Puppet' - Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell -

One of R&B's great singing duos delivered the perfect tune with their powerful voices. In perfect harmony, the song showcases their similar vocal tone and how they surrender to the music.

20 / 33 Fotos

'Somethin’ Stupid' - Nancy and Frank Sinatra -

The legendary Frank Sinatra joined forces with his daughter Nancy Sinatra with this father-daughter duet. The song ruled the top of the Hot 100 for four weeks straight.

21 / 33 Fotos

'You Don’t Bring Me Flowers' - Barbra Streisand and Neil Diamond -

The 1978 hit was originally not supposed to be a duet. Diamond released his version months before Streisand’s, which later got mixed with his. Audiences heard the mix and loved it so much that Columbia then released the song with both superstars.

22 / 33 Fotos

'The Boy Is Mine' - Brandy and Monica -

This 1998 song became a smash hit. The song stayed at number one on the charts for 13 weeks.

23 / 33 Fotos

'Numb/Encore' - Jay-Z and Linkin Park -

'Numb/Encore' is a mash-up that fuses rock and hip hop, combining lyrics from Linkin Park's 'Numb' and 'Encore' by Jay-Z. The track went on to reach worldwide success.

24 / 33 Fotos

'I’m Real' - Jennifer Lopez and Ja Rule -

'I’m Real' was one of four songs that J.Lo collaborated with rapper Ja Rule on. The song became a success that reached number one on the Hot 100 in 2001.

25 / 33 Fotos

'Walk This Way' - Aerosmith and Run-D.M.C. -

Run-D.M.C.'s 1985 LP was almost completed when Jam Master Jay spontaneously spun Aerosmith's classic 'Walk This Way.' The group invited the band to the studio and created the perfect mix of rock and hip hop.

26 / 33 Fotos

'On My Own' - Patti LaBelle and Michael McDonald -

The 1986 duet topped the charts and was the first solo hit by both artists away from their respective groups. The two singers met for the first time when they performed the song on ‘The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.' The song had been recorded on different coasts in different studios.

27 / 33 Fotos

'Baby Boy' - Beyoncé and Sean Paul -

Whether on her own, in pairings, or in girl groups, Beyoncé has constantly throughout her career provided smash hits. Her collab with Sean Paul in 2003 was no different.

28 / 33 Fotos

'While My Guitar Gently Weeps' - The Beatles and Eric Clapton -

29 / 33 Fotos

'The Saints Are Coming' - U2 and Green Day -

About one year after Hurricane Katrina ravaged New Orleans, U2 and Green Day came together at London's Abbey Road Studios to record a charity song to benefit the city. They picked 'The Saints Are Coming,' which became an instant hit.

30 / 33 Fotos

'Bonnie & Clyde' - Serge Gainsbourg and Brigitte Bardot -

The French-language song by Serge Gainsbourg, and his muse Brigitte Bardot, tells the story of the outlaw couple Bonnie and Clyde. It is based on an English-language poem written by Bonnie Parker herself a few weeks before she and Clyde Barrow were shot.

31 / 33 Fotos

'One Sweet Day' - Boyz II Men and Mariah Carey -

'One Sweet Day' was a major hit by Boyz II Men and Mariah Carey who were at their peak at the time. The song stayed at number one on the charts for a staggering 16 weeks.

Sources: (Billboard) (Rolling Stone) (Radio X)

32 / 33 Fotos

0 / 33 Fotos

The Beatles and the Rolling Stones -

1 / 33 Fotos

'Under Pressure' - Queen and David Bowie -

Getty Images

2 / 33 Fotos

'Ebony and Ivory' - Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder -

Recorded for Paul McCartney’s 'Tug of War' album, the duet is the longest-running solo number one for either McCartney or his duet partner Stevie Wonder.

Getty Images

3 / 33 Fotos

'No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)' - Barbra Streisand and Donna Summer -

There's nothing like two of the biggest divas declaring that "enough is enough." The song stayed at number one on the Hot 100 for two weeks in 1979.

Getty Images

4 / 33 Fotos

'Lobby' - Anitta and Missy Elliott -

5 / 33 Fotos

'Dancing in the Street' - David Bowie and Mick Jagger -

The 1985 duet cover by David Bowie and Mick Jagger topped the charts and gave us groovy dance moves by two of the biggest musicians ever.

Getty Images

6 / 33 Fotos

'Hold Me Closer' - Britney Spears and Sir Elton John -

7 / 33 Fotos

'My Boo' - Usher and Alicia Keys -

The R&B superstars collaborated on the 2004 love anthem that became a major success. The song rocketed to number one on the charts and stayed there for six weeks.

Getty Images

8 / 33 Fotos

'Endless Love' - Diana Ross and Lionel Richie -

Considered one of the best duets of all time, 'Endless Love' became the biggest number one hit for either artist and spent nine weeks at the top of the charts.

Getty Images

9 / 33 Fotos

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

This classic duet from 1976 with Elton John and Kiki Dee is an all-time favorite. In 1994, John recorded a version with RuPaul that also peaked the charts.

Getty Images

10 / 33 Fotos

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

Considered an unlikely collaboration at the time, the 1987 up-tempo duet spent two weeks at the top of the Hot 100 chart.

Getty Images

11 / 33 Fotos

'Say Say Say' - Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson -

The super duo’s hit spent six weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and was their second collaboration. The stars also released 'The Girl Is Mine' in 1983.

Getty Images

12 / 33 Fotos

'(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life' - Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes -

We will never forget the lyrics toed to the 1987 film 'Dirty Dancing.' The soft-rock hit won the 1988 Academy Award for Best Original Song.

Getty Images

13 / 33 Fotos

'Get Lucky' - Daft Punk, Pharrell Williams, and Nile Rodgers -

Getty Images

14 / 33 Fotos

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

Written by the Bee Gees and recorded by American country stars Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton, this tune has become a country classic and a karaoke favorite.

Getty Images

15 / 33 Fotos

'Dilemma' - Nelly and Kelly Rowland -

Kelly Rowland's first single away from Destiny’s Child became a smash hit that made her a solo star in her own right. The song had a 10-week run at number one on the Billboard Hot 100.

Getty Images

16 / 33 Fotos

'Leather & Lace' - Stevie Nicks and Don Henley -

The leaders of Fleetwood Mac and the Eagles, respectively, proved they were meant to collaborate with this 1981 hit. The song peaked the charts for six weeks in 1982.

Getty Images

17 / 33 Fotos

'Empire State of Mind' - Jay-Z and Alicia Keys -

2009 gifted us 'Empire State of Mind,' a true New York anthem by superstars Jay-Z and Alicia Keys. The song ruled the Hot 100 for five consecutive weeks.

Getty Images

18 / 33 Fotos

'Girl from the North Country' - Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash -

Getty Images

19 / 33 Fotos

'I'm Your Puppet' - Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell -

One of R&B's great singing duos delivered the perfect tune with their powerful voices. In perfect harmony, the song showcases their similar vocal tone and how they surrender to the music.

Getty Images

20 / 33 Fotos

'Somethin’ Stupid' - Nancy and Frank Sinatra -

The legendary Frank Sinatra joined forces with his daughter Nancy Sinatra with this father-daughter duet. The song ruled the top of the Hot 100 for four weeks straight.

Getty Images

21 / 33 Fotos

'You Don’t Bring Me Flowers' - Barbra Streisand and Neil Diamond -

Getty Images

22 / 33 Fotos

'The Boy Is Mine' - Brandy and Monica -

This 1998 song became a smash hit. The song stayed at number one on the charts for 13 weeks.

Getty Images

23 / 33 Fotos

'Numb/Encore' - Jay-Z and Linkin Park -

'Numb/Encore' is a mash-up that fuses rock and hip hop, combining lyrics from Linkin Park's 'Numb' and 'Encore' by Jay-Z. The track went on to reach worldwide success.

Getty Images

24 / 33 Fotos

'I’m Real' - Jennifer Lopez and Ja Rule -

'I’m Real' was one of four songs that J.Lo collaborated with rapper Ja Rule on. The song became a success that reached number one on the Hot 100 in 2001.

Getty Images

25 / 33 Fotos

'Walk This Way' - Aerosmith and Run-D.M.C. -

Getty Images

26 / 33 Fotos

'On My Own' - Patti LaBelle and Michael McDonald -

Getty Images

27 / 33 Fotos

'Baby Boy' - Beyoncé and Sean Paul -

Whether on her own, in pairings, or in girl groups, Beyoncé has constantly throughout her career provided smash hits. Her collab with Sean Paul in 2003 was no different.

Getty Images

28 / 33 Fotos

'While My Guitar Gently Weeps' - The Beatles and Eric Clapton -

Getty Images

29 / 33 Fotos

'The Saints Are Coming' - U2 and Green Day -

Getty Images

30 / 33 Fotos

'Bonnie & Clyde' - Serge Gainsbourg and Brigitte Bardot -

Getty Images

31 / 33 Fotos

'One Sweet Day' - Boyz II Men and Mariah Carey -

'One Sweet Day' was a major hit by Boyz II Men and Mariah Carey who were at their peak at the time. The song stayed at number one on the charts for a staggering 16 weeks.

Sources: (Billboard) (Rolling Stone) (Radio X)

Getty Images

32 / 33 Fotos

The best musical collaborations of all time

Discover iconic duets and legendary band pairings that changed music history

25/11/24 | StarsInsider

MUSIC Hits

From love ballads to rock anthems, several musicians have collaborated, but only a few have delivered the tone and chemistry for the perfect hit. Click through this gallery for more of the best musical collaborations of all time.