ROCK 'N ROLL DUOS: Stars who had success after leaving famous duos
On this date (April 4th) in 1984, Tina Turner recorded "What's Love Got to Do With It," launching her solo superstardom. The career of her ex-husband and partner Ike faded following their divorce.
Here are some other famous duos who split up:
- After Simon and Garfunkel, Paul Simon began a very strong solo career. He won the Grammy for Album of the Year twice: for Still Crazy After All These Years and Graceland. Art Garfunkel enjoyed some hit singles, but never came close to matching Simon's solo success.
- Neither Don nor Phil Everly ever reached the Top 40 on their own. The duo reunited occasionally over the years, including a featured spot on Simon and Garfunkel's Old Friends tour of 2003 and 2004.
- Sam Moore remains an iconic classic soul artist, 30 years after the death of his singing partner Dave Prater, though he never scored any solo hits.
- Bill Medley recorded a pair of hits after his Righteous Brothers' heyday with Bobby Hatfield: "Brown Eyed Woman" and the Dirty Dancing duet "(I've Had) The Time of My Life" with Jennifer Warnes. These days, he tours as The Righteous Brothers with young partner Bucky Heard.
- Cher recorded several solo hits while still married to Sonny Bono. Following their divorce, she not only sustained her brand, but extended it into movies, with an Oscar-winning performance in Moonstruck. The Cher Show will open on Broadway later this year.
- George Michael shed the label of lightweight pop after splitting from Wham! partner Andrew Ridgeley. He made his mark with such hits as "Father Figure," "Faith" and "One More Try," plus the duet "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)" with Aretha Franklin.