Tune Tuesday: Islands In The Stream 1983
Thirty-five years ago, today, the number #1 Billboard Hot 100 song was Islands in the Stream, a duet sung by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton. Written by the Bee Gees, it was named after the Ernest Hemingway novel (published nine years after his death) and was originally intended for Marvin Gaye. Barry Gibb did a demo for Kenny Rogers (released in November 2006) and, the Bee Gees did two covers of their own in 1997 in Las Vegas with Barry on lead and in 2001 in the studio with Robin on lead.
This song was simultaneously #1 on the Billboard Hot Country chart, the Billboard Adult Contemporary (Pop) chart and the Cash Box Top 100. It also reached #1 in Australia, Austria and Canada (in four different categories).
Awards
♡ Top Vocal Duet (1984 Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards)
♡ Single Record of the Year~Artist (Dolly Parton/1984 Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards)
♡ Single Record of the Year~Artist (Kenny Rogers/1984 Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards)
♡ Single Record of the Year~Producer (Barry Gibb, Alby Galuten & Karl Richardson/1984 Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards)
♡ Single Record of the Year~Record Company (RCA Records/1984 Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards)
♡ Favorite Country Single (1984 American Music Awards)
Nominations
★ Pop Vocal Group (1984 Grammy Awards)
☆ Single of the Year (Dolly & Kenny/1984 Country Music Association (CMA) Awards)
☆ Song of the Year (Barry, Maurice & Robin/1984 Country Music Association (CMA) Awards)
☆ Vocal Duo of the Year (1984 Country Music Association (CMA) Awards)
☆ Favorite Country Band/Duo/Group (1984 American Music Awards)
☆ Favorite Country Male Artist (1984 American Music Awards)
☆ International Single of the Year (1984 Canadian Juno Awards)
November 7, 2018 at 4:28 AM
I love this song! What a fun memory!
November 7, 2018 at 10:23 AM
Which one?
November 7, 2018 at 5:30 PM
“Islands in the Stream” Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton! This is one that I haven’t heard in years. You have highlighted many wonderful songs in your post and, they all reflect on really amazing times and special memories ! A fantastic post!
November 7, 2018 at 7:55 PM
Yeah. They do.
Thanks! ❤
November 7, 2018 at 9:29 PM
You are welcome! I love them both!!