What 1987 duet between Aretha Franklin and George Michael became a number-one hit?
Answer
I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)
The 1987 Aretha Franklin and George Michael duet that became a number-one hit was “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me).” Released by Arista Records, the song topped the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and the UK Singles Chart.
Written by Simon Climie and Dennis Morgan and produced by Narada Michael Walden, the recording brought together two singers from different generations and musical traditions. Franklin supplied her commanding soul vocals, while Michael added the distinctive pop presence that had already made him a major international star.
The duet was released as the second single from Franklin’s 1986 album Aretha. It became her second and final U.S. number-one single, and it earned both performers the 1987 Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. It is frequently confused with Michael’s solo hits “Faith” and “Freedom! ’90,” but neither involved Franklin.