It’s “Record Relays:” The series that features rare superstar collabs and hits from vinyl, cassette, and CD, and honoring the uncredited artists.
June may have come and gone.
But Pride is perpetual.
Not all of the tracks in this round of “Record Relays” feature artists from the LGBTQ+ community… but many do.
If you’re interested in learning more, I recommend Chris Molanphy’s recent Hit Parade look at LGBTQ+ hitmakers and the charts:
Which you can find over at Slate Magazine.
Johnny Mathis & Jane Olivor
“The Last Time I Felt Like This”
This duet was as glossy and middle-of-the-road as 1979 got, and I loved it.
From the film Same Time, Next Year, the song peaked at No. 15 on the Adult Contemporary chart and was Oscar-nominated for Best Original Song.
Johnny Mathis & Take 6
“It’s All in the Game“
The smooth gospel-pop fusion here is pure Sunday afternoon vibes.
Take 6 brings rich harmonies to Mathis’ velvet vocals in this charming update from 1992’s Better Together.
Stevie Wonder & Take 6
“Love’s in Need of Love Today“
Wonder’s intro is still heartbreakingly timely – and spiritually urgent.
From the America: A Tribute to Heroes benefit album (2001), this remake of his 1976 classic hits even harder now. Watch on YouTube
Jermaine Jackson & Stevie Wonder
“Let’s Get Serious“
Wonder hijacks the bridge, and honestly? Thank God.
Jermaine’s biggest ‘80s hit topped the R&B charts and snuck into the pop Top 10—thanks largely to Stevie’s unmistakable production swagger.
Whitney Houston & Jermaine Jackson
“Nobody Loves Me Like You Do “
A country-to-pop crossover that feels way more electric than it should.
Originally a No. 1 country hit for Anne Murray & Dave Loggins, this Houston-Jackson version leans into R&B gloss.
Whitney Houston & George Michael
“If I Told You That “
Pop radio slept on this, but it still sounds like a bop in 2025.
This duet remix from Whitney’s greatest hits collection never quite charted, but deserves a second listen (and a better press agent).
George Michael & Elton John
“Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me “
The single edit trims the drama—don’t settle for it.
Seek out the full-length version on Ladies & Gentlemen: The Best of George Michael and let it take its sweet time.
Elton John & RuPaul
“Don’t Go Breakin’ My Heart“
The camp level? A full rhinestone jumpsuit.
This revamp of Elton’s 1976 smash with Kiki Dee shines brightest in its music video glory. Watch it here.
Martha Wash & RuPaul
“It’s Raining Men (the Sequel)”
Justice for Martha Wash came with thunder and glitter.
Finally credited for her vocals, Wash storms through this 1990s update like a disco deity. See it here.
Luther Vandross & Martha Wash
“I (Who Have Nothing)“
A slow-burn soul duet that hits like a late-night confession.
Originally a hit for others, this Leiber-Stoller song becomes a heartwrenching torch song in their hands
Bruce Roberts, Elton John & Luther Vandross
“The Man Who Loves You“
A sleeper gem you’ll want to name-drop to impress friends.
Obscure? Yes. Forgettable? Never. Found on Roberts’ Intimacy (1995), this rare collab is a three-way harmony heaven.
Elton John & k.d. lang
“Teardrops“
A dance-pop cover with two queer icons and one criminally underrated vibe.
Originally by Womack & Womack, this version from Duets is ideal for any Pride playlist.
Tony Bennett & k.d. lang
“Moonglow“
Their chemistry on MTV Unplugged was smoky and sensational.
This classy collab predates Gaga/Bennett by over a decade and shows off k.d. lang’s jazz chops.
Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga
“The Lady Is a Tramp“
Gaga wasn’t just playing at jazz—she owned it
Off their 2014 album Cheek to Cheek, this track helped redefine Gaga for the standard-singing set
Lady Gaga & Beyoncé
“Telephone“
The video may be chaos, but the song is certified club carnage.
Peaking at No. 3, this hit from The Fame Monster is as iconic as it is absurd (in the best way).
Destiny’s Child & Stevie Nicks
“Bootylicious“
When R&B met Fleetwood Mac, things got cheeky.
The riff from “Edge of Seventeen” is unmistakable—and so is that Nicks cameo in the vide
Robbie Patton & Stevie Nicks
“Smiling Islands“
A soft rock goodbye to this edition of Record Relays.
More Adult Contemporary than pop, but that Nicks fairy dust makes it sparkle.
Here’s the playlist:
Which is your favorite?
Share your thoughts in the comments!
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