"She's Like the Wind" is a 1987 song by American actor and singer Patrick Swayze from the soundtrack to the film Dirty Dancing. The song features additional vocals from singer Wendy Fraser.
Background Swayze and Stacy Widelitz co-wrote the song in 1984. During production of Dirty Dancing in 1987, Swayze played the demo for producer Linda Gottlieb and director Emile Ardolino. They loved it and passed it on to Jimmy Ienner and Bob Feiden, the soundtrack's executive producers. It was recorded for the soundtrack in November 1986, with Michael Lloyd producing.
During his appearance on the August 7, 2020, episode of the podcast The Joe Rogan Experience, actor Rob Lowe mentioned that Swayze tried to shop the song to the producers of Lowe's 1986 film, Youngblood, for inclusion on its soundtrack but the song was rejected.
Chart performance In the US, the song went to No. 1 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart, No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 2 on Cashbox Top 100. Worldwide, it became a top-10 hit in nine other countries.
Music video The music video was directed by David Fincher and depicts Swayze singing the song (joined in the climax by Fraser) and clips from the film in black and white. The video can be seen on the Ultimate Dirty Dancing DVD and other home media releases of the movie.
Releases The song was released commercially on 7" vinyl in many countries, with a 3-track 12" maxi single and 2-track cassette also produced. CD singles were a relatively new format. A 2- and 3-track 5" CD and Japanese mini CD single were commercially released.
Track listings
Personnel Patrick Swayze – lead vocals Wendy Fraser – harmony and co-lead vocals Laurence Juber – guitarCallwood, Brett (2017). "Laurence Juber is the ultimate Wing-man." Culver City News, 18 Nov. 2017. Retrieved November 21, 2021. Gary Herbig – saxophone Retrieved November 21, 2021. Dennis Belfield – bass"The Dirty Dancing Soundtrack: the inside story from its hitmaking songwriters." The Strange Brew Retrieved November 21, 2021. Paul Leim – drums Stacy Widelitz – Oberheim OB-8 synthesizer
Charts
Weekly charts Chart (1988–1992)PeakpositionAustralia (Kent Music Report)6Canada (The Record)5Italy Airplay (Music & Media) 5Mexico (La Opinión)7Puerto Rico (La Opinión)8South Africa (Springbok Radio)13US Billboard Hot 1003US Adult Contemporary 1US Cash Box Top 1002 Chart (2022)Peakposition
Year-end charts Chart (1988)PositionBelgium (Ultratop)45Canada Top Singles (RPM)29US Billboard Hot 10040US Billboard Adult Contemporary14US Cash Box Top 10038
Certifications
Lumidee and Tony Sunshine version
American recording artists Lumidee and Tony Sunshine covered the song for Lumidee's second album, Unexpected (2007). It was released as the lead single from Unexpected in the US and Europe on April 3, 2007.
Background According to Lumidee, the idea to record a remake of Patrick Swayze's 1987 song "She's Like the Wind" was inspired by her European label when she recommended a collaboration with recording artist Tony Sunshine.(Posted: March 26, 2007) Elena del Valle, Puerto Rican singer Lumidee launches second album in April 2007 hispanicmpr.com. Poyeen Publishing. Retrieved October 31, 2010. She also said, "We'd been talking about working together but hadn't been able to. But he loved the idea of doing something with this song."Gail Mitchell, "R&B singer Lumidee rejects one-hit-wonder tag" Reuters.com. Retrieved October 31, 2010.
Music video The music video for this version was directed by Dayo.Lumidee, "She's Like The Wind" (Feat. Tony Sunshine) - Music videos BET.com. Retrieved October 31, 2010.
Track listing "She's Like the Wind" (radio edit) – 4:17 "She's Like the Wind" (Spanglish version) – 3:53 "She's Like the Wind" (instrumental) – 4:18 "She's Like the Wind" (a cappella) – 4:15
Charts Chart (2007)Peakposition US Latin Rhythm Airplay (Billboard)30
References