The 30 Best Music Duos of All Time

Some people are just meant to create music together. There’s an undeniable magic that happens when two artists come together and complement each other’s talents. Throughout history, many incredible musical duos have enthralled audiences with their inventive and unforgettable songs.

In this list, you will find the 30 best music duos of all time. From classic rock power couples to hip-hop heavyweights, these are the musical partnerships that have truly stood the test of time.

1. “Endless Love” by Diana Ross & Lionel Richie

Starting off this list is one of the most successful duets of all time, “Endless Love” by Diana Ross and Lionel Richie. This song was labeled as the greatest duet of all time by Billboard. It was released in 1981 and you can find it on the “Endless Love: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack album”.

2. “On My Own” by Patti LaBelle & Michael McDonald

Next on the list is “On My Own” by Patti LaBelle and Michael McDonald. This song was released in 1986 and was a huge hit. It can be found on LaBelle’s album, “Winner in You”. This duet won several awards and became a global hit.

3. “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon & Garfunkel

This next song is another timeless ballad that has been covered by many artists over the years. “Bridge Over Troubled Water” was released in 1970 as the lead single off of Simon & Garfunkel’s fifth and final studio album of the same name. The song became such a huge hit and was covered by various artists over the years including Elvis Presley and Wille Nelson.

4. “Hold On, I’m Comin'” by Sam & Dave

Sam & Dave’s 1966 hit “Hold On, I’m Comin'” has been covered by everyone from Eric Clapton to Michael Bolton. Sam & Dave were one of the most popular soul duos of the 1960s and their music still holds up today. This song can still be streamed on all major music platforms out there.

5. “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell

Next on the list is Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell’s 1967 Motown classic “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” This song was written by the legendary songwriting team of Ashford & Simpson and has also been covered by many artists over the years. It’s still widely considered to be one of the greatest Motown songs of all time. You can find it on the “United” album.

6. “It’s Gonna Work Out Fine” by Ike & Tina Turner

The next song is by one of the most popular music duos of all time, Ike and Tina Turner. This duo was formed in the early 1960s and they were married for a time as well. This particular song is called “It’s Gonna Work Out Fine” and it was one of the tracks on the “Dynamite!” album.

7. “Islands In The Stream” by Kenny Rogers with Dolly Parton

“Islands In The Stream” is a song that was originally written by the Bee Gees, and it was recorded by several different artists over the years. This duet was released in 1983 and can be found on the “Eyes That See in the Dark” album. You can still stream this track on all music platforms out there.

8. “My Boo” by Usher and Alicia Keys

Of course, I couldn’t leave out this dynamic duo! Usher and Alicia Keys collaborated on this R&B song called “My Boo” in 2004. It was included on Usher’s “Confessions” album and it was a huge success, reaching the top of the Billboard charts. It’s still widely streamed among young adults today.

9. “Baby Boy” by Beyonce & Sean Paul

Next on the list is a song by two more popular music artists, Beyonce and Sean Paul. This song is called “Baby Boy” and it was released in 2003. If you look this up on Tiktok, you can see that it’s still a trend today. This song was included on Beyonce’s “Dangerously in Love” album. It now has over 150 million views on Youtube and the views are still climbing!

10. “Close To You” by The Carpenters

“Close To You” is a song that was originally written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David. This song was released in 1970 and it can be found on the “Close To You” album. The Carpenters have a lot of hit songs, but this one is the best-selling single of all time.

11. “Ebony And Ivory” by Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder

Next on the list is a song by two legends, Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder. This song is called “Ebony And Ivory” and it was released in 1982. It can be found on the “Tug of War” album. This song is about racial equality and it topped the charts in several countries when it first came out.

12. “Follow The Leader” by Eric B. & Rakim

The next song is “Follow The Leader” by Eric B. & Rakim. This is one of the most well-known and respected duos in music history and for good reason. Rakim’s delivery and Eric B’s production came together to create a sound that was ahead of its time and completely changed the game. They are both legends in their own right and are responsible for some of the most iconic hip-hop tracks of all time.

13. “Maneater” by Hall & Oates

Hall & Oates is one of the most successful duos in pop music history, and “Maneater” is their signature song. It’s a catchy, up-tempo track with a great hook that is impossible to forget. The duo’s harmonies are also on point, making this one of their best songs. You can find it on the album of the same title which was released in 1982.

14. “I’m Your Puppet” by James & Bobby Purify

“I’m Your Puppet” is a classic soul track that was written and originally recorded by James & Bobby Purify. It’s a timeless song that has been covered by many artists over the years, but the original is still the best. The duo’s vocals are perfect for the song and the overall performance is flawless. It was released in 1966.

15. “Empire State of Mind” by Jay-Z + Alicia Keys

Who would ever forget this iconic track about New York City? “Empire State of Mind” is one of the most popular songs in recent memory, and it’s a duet between two of the biggest names in music. Jay-Z and Alicia Keys come together perfectly on this song, and the result is something truly remarkable. It was released in 2009 and quickly became a global smash hit.

16. “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” by Barbra Streisand & Neil Diamond

“You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” is a beautiful ballad that was originally recorded by Barbra Streisand and Neil Diamond. It’s a classic song that has been covered by many artists, but the original is still the best. The duo’s vocals are perfect and the overall performance is emotive and moving. It was released in 1978.

17. “(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life” by Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes

The next song is “(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life” by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes. This duet was recorded for the film “Dirty Dancing” and it went on to become one of the most popular songs of all time. It’s a fun, up-tempo track that is perfect for dancing. It was released in 1987 and has won numerous awards.

18. “No Air” by Jordin Sparks with Chris Brown

Another iconic song about love is “No Air” by Jordin Sparks with Chris Brown. This ballad is a beautiful track that will tug at your heartstrings. It was released in 2008 as part of Jordin’s self-titled album. Listening to this track will take you on an emotional roller coaster.

19. “The Girl Is Mine” by Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney

The next duo on this list is a no-brainer. Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney came together to record “The Girl Is Mine” in 1982. It’s a catchy, up-tempo track that was included on Jackson’s “Thriller” album. This song is proof that two legends can come together and create something special.

20. “The Closer I Get To You” by Roberta Flack with Donny Hathaway

Next on the list is “The Closer I Get To You” by Roberta Flack with Donny Hathaway. This ballad is a classic track that was released in 1978. It’s a beautiful song about love and longing. The duo’s vocals are perfection and the overall performance is flawless. It’s a timeless track that will stay with you long after it’s over.

21. “I Don’t Believe You’ve Met My Baby” by The Louvin Brothers

Here’s another iconic country music duo, The Louvin Brothers. In 1955, they released “I Don’t Believe You’ve Met My Baby,” and the song quickly became a hit. It’s a heartwarming story about a man who is head-over-heels in love with his partner, and he’ll do anything to make her happy. Various artists covered the song over the years, but no one could do it justice quite like The Louvin Brothers.

22. “Cathy’s Clown” by The Everly Brothers

Another duo composed of brothers, The Everly Brothers were one of the most popular groups of the 1950s and 1960s. Their close harmony style was heavily influenced by country music, but they also incorporated elements of rock and pop into their sound. In 1960, they released “Cathy’s Clown,” which became their biggest hit. You can find it on their “A Date with the Everly Brothers” album.

23. “I Got You Babe” by Sonny and Cher

Sonny & Cher is one of the most famous music duos of all time, and for good reason. They were a chart-topping recording artist in the 1960s and 1970s, and their influence can still be felt today. “I Got You Babe” was one of their most successful singles, peaking at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. This couple left a lasting mark on popular culture.

24. “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” by Elton John and Kiki Dee

“Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” is a classic song that was originally performed by Elton John and Kiki Dee. The song was released in 1976 as part of the album of the same title. The song became a huge hit, reaching the top of the charts in several countries. It’s about a relationship that is on the verge of breaking up. However, the singers are pleading with each other not to let that happen.

25. “Leather and Lace” by Stevie Nicks and Don Henley

This next song is a duet between Stevie Nicks and Don Henley. “Leather and Lace” was released in 1981 and it appeared on Nicks’s solo album, “Bella Donna”. With over 2 million views on Youtube, the song has become a classic that is still adored by fans today.

26. “Under Pressure” by Queen and David Bowie

“Under Pressure” is a song by the British rock band Queen and singer David Bowie. It was released as a single in October 1981 and included on Queen’s 1982 album “Hot Space”. The song was featured in the Bohemian Rhapsody movie. These two legends came together and created an unforgettable song that is still popular today.

27. “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around” by Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty

Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty collaborated on this song, which was released in 1981. The song appeared on Nicks’s solo album, “Bella Donna”. If you’re a fan of either artist and haven’t heard this song, you’re missing out. You can still stream this track on all music platforms out there.

28. “Girl From the North Country” by Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash

This song is a classic duet between Dylan and Cash. It was released in 1963 and appeared on Dylan’s second studio album, “The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan”. This song is special because it was one of the first times that Dylan and Cash performed together. It now has over 3.6 million views on Youtube.

29. “Hate That I Love You” by Rihanna feat. Ne-Yo

Of course, we can’t forget about modern music duos. Rihanna and Ne-Yo teamed up for this song, which was released in 2007. The song appeared on Rihanna’s third studio album, “Good Girl Gone Bad”. It was a huge hit, topping the charts in multiple countries. It’s one of those songs that you can’t help but sing along to.

30. “Golden Ring” by George Jones & Tammy Wynette

Wrapping up this list is a song by George Jones and Tammy Wynette. It was released in 1976 and appeared on the album of the same title. This song is a classic country duet that tells the story of a couple’s love. Even if you’re not a fan of country music, this song is worth a listen.

Final Thoughts

There you have it, the 30 best music duos of all time. These artists have created some of the most iconic and timeless tracks that we all know and love. Duos have a special chemistry that allows them to create something special. I hope you enjoyed this list and found some new music to enjoy.

Michael Jackson Featured Image (Top-Left) by: Zoran Veselinovic, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Paul McCartney Featured Image (Top-Right) by: Raphael Pour-Hashemi, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Freddie Mercury Featured Image (Bottom-Left) by: Carl Lender, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
David Bowie Featured Image (Bottom-Right) by: Photographer: Photobra|Adam BielawskiDerivative work: Y2kcrazyjoker4, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons