Song:(I've Had) The Time Of My Life
Album:Dirty Dancing: Twentieth Anniversary Edition
The soundtrack to the 1987 hit film Dirty Dancing was an even bigger hit than the film. Because the film was set in the early 60s, it had a mix of oldies and songs written and recorded for the film. (I've Had) The Time Of My Life was the biggest hit from the soundtrack. Bill Medley is best known as half of The Righteous Brothers. He had modest success as a solo artist especially on the country charts in the 80s. Jennifer Warnes is known for her interpretations of Leonard Cohen songs. But she has had two number one hits that were duets in films. Dirty Dancing was produced independently and then picked up for distribution by Vestron Video. It was their first theatrical film. RCA Records hired Jimmy Ienner to produce the soundtrack. During rehearsals, the cast danced to oldies from the 60s so a lot of oldies were used in the film. It was left to choreographer Kenny Ortega to choose a song for the film finale. After listening to many tapes, The Time Of My Life was chosen. It was the only time Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes would record together but the song was a huge hit and so was the film soundtrack. The song was written by Franke Previte of Franke & The Knockouts along with John diNicola and Donald Markowitz. The song won an Oscar, a Grammy and a Golden Globe. This 20th anniversary CD/DVD of Dirty Dancing is available at a budget price. Bill Medley hasn't had a hit since but he still performs in Branson, MO. Jennifer Warnes' other number one hit was Up Where We Belong with Joe Cocker from the 1981 film An Officer and a Gentleman. She has sung four songs that have been nominated for Oscars. Supposedly she was recording a new CD for Capitol Records. Though Vestron went out of business, Dirty Dancing is a cottage industry with sequels, TV series and stage musicals. Kenny Ortega is currently working on a Dirty Dancing film remake. Here's the video for (I've Had) The Time Of My life by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes.
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