1

Diana Ross & Lionel Richie: "Endless Love"

Image: Ethan Smith

Did you know that this pop music classic was actually composed for a movie? Diana Ross and Lionel Richie recorded "Endless Love" for the Motown label, and it was used as the theme song for the 1981 film of the same name, starring Brooke Shields and Martin Hewitt.

Produced by Richie, the song was released as a single from the film’s soundtrack. Although the film was a flop, the song became the top hit single in the United States that year. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and remained there for nine consecutive weeks.

2

Sonny & Cher: "I Got You Babe"

Image: Joop van Bilsen / Anefo, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

"I Got You Babe" is arguably the biggest hit by Sonny & Cher, one of the most iconic musical duos in history . Sonny Bono wrote it late one night in their basement for his wife, Cher.

Recorded in 1965, the song became a smash hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. "I Got You Babe" is a beautiful hymn to love and loyalty , and it has been covered by various artists over the years.

3

Barbra Streisand & Donna Summer: "No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)"

Image: Gritte

Considered one of Donna Summer’s standout songs , "No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)" was recorded with Barbra Streisand in 1979. The song became so popular that several vocalists have recorded their own versions over the years.

Neither Donna nor Barbra ever performed the duet live together, but Streisand sang an excerpt during her Back to Brooklyn concert tour in 2012. At the time, she remarked that if Donna were still alive, she would have loved to perform it with her.

4

Michael Jackson & Paul McCartney: "Say Say Say"

Image: Pavel Danilyuk

The former Beatle had already collaborated with the King of Pop on "The Girl Is Mine," featured on Jackson’s Thriller album. The song was so successful that they teamed up again to record "Say Say Say," the lead single from McCartney’s fourth solo album , Pipes of Peace .

Jackson wrote most of the lyrics, and the legendary George Martin produced the track. It was released in 1983 , along with a music video in which the duo plays a pair of con men selling a miracle potion. The video also featured cameos by Linda McCartney and La Toya Jackson.

5

Aretha Franklin & George Michael: "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)"

Image: melojordan94

Did you know this song wasn’t originally written as a duet? It was composed by Dennis Morgan and Simon Climie with Tina Turner in mind . Eventually, Aretha Franklin got the job, and the label later suggested a collaboration with George Michael.

Aretha and George released "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)" in 1987. Both artists later stated that they had a great time recording the song and the music video that followed. And it shows, because the tune reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped charts around the world.

6

Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes: "(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life"

Image: Chris Duan

Performed by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes, "(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life" was released in 1987 as part of the soundtrack for the movie Dirty Dancing . This pop ballad, with rock and soul influences, conveys a sense of celebration and joy, highlighting the importance of special moments that leave lasting memories.

The song was such a huge hit that it reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and won the Oscar for Best Original Song , the Golden Globe for Best Original Song, and the Grammy for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.

7

Nancy & Frank Sinatra: "Somethin’ Stupid"

Image: Elviss Railijs Bitāns

The original version of this song was recorded in 1966 by C. Carson Parks and his wife, Gaile Foote, but it only became widely known in 1967 when Nancy Sinatra performed it with her father, Frank.

It may seem a little unusual for a father and daughter to sing a romantic duet, but their version of "Somethin’ Stupid" became a massive international hit . Although the song was revived in 2001 by another duo—British singer Robbie Williams and Australian actress Nicole Kidman—Nancy and Frank’s rendition remains the most iconic.

8

Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton: "Islands In The Stream"

Image: 42 North

When the anti-disco backlash nearly ended their reign, the Bee Gees shifted their focus to writing hits for other artists. Originally, "Islands in the Stream" was intended as a soul song for Diana Ross or Marvin Gaye. However, it ended up becoming the quintessential country-pop duet—and one of the biggest hits of Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton’s careers.

The song is named after Ernest Hemingway’s posthumous novel, but its lyrics speak to the joy of finding that one person you’ve been searching for your whole life. Pretty romantic, don’t you think?

9

Paul McCartney & Stevie Wonder: "Ebony And Ivory"

Image: Osman Rana

Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder released "Ebony and Ivory" in 1982, and it was an instant hit. Written by McCartney, the song addresses racial integration , using the black and white keys of a piano—working together to create harmony—as a metaphor.

Fun fact: McCartney and Wonder filmed their parts of the music video separately due to scheduling conflicts, but the final result was seamless nonetheless.

10

Joe Cocker & Jennifer Warnes: "Up Where We Belong"

Image: Paul Seling

This powerful and emotional ballad, performed by Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes, was released in 1982. The song was created for the soundtrack of the movie An Officer and a Gentleman and captures the essence of overcoming challenges and transcending through love.

"Up Where We Belong" won several major awards, including the Academy Award for Best Original Song, the Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals, and the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song . The combination of Cocker’s and Warnes’ passionate vocal performances and the rich instrumentation has made this song an enduring classic.

11

Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell: "Ain't No Mountain High Enough"

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There’s nothing like the charismatic and luscious voices of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell to convince us of love’s healing power. "Ain’t No Mountain High Enough" was released as a single in 1967 and became a huge hit.

This romantic anthem is just one of the iconic collaborations by the duo that helped define the Motown era, thanks to their vocal harmonies and onstage chemistry . Their list of great soul duets also includes "Your Precious Love," "Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing," and "You’re All I Need to Get By," among others.

12

John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John: "You’re The One That I Want"

Image: Mesh

Anyone who has seen the movie Grease is probably a fan of this iconic tune. Immortalized on screen in 1978 by Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta, the song transcended the boundaries of cinema, topped charts worldwide, reached number one in several countries, and became one of the best-selling singles of all time .

1

Marilyn Monroe

Image: Sam Shaw, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

When we think of her, one iconic garment immediately comes to mind: her white halter dress . This image, now a key part of American pop-culture history, comes from the 1955 film The Seven Year Itch, in which she stands over a New York City subway grate as a gust of wind blows her dress upward.

2

Elvis Presley

Image: MGM, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

His style made such an impact that it became a symbol in its own right. Just a high pompadour and a flashy jumpsuit with flared pants are enough for anyone to recognize a reference to Elvis, the King of Rock and Roll. But here’s something you might not know: when he was young, Elvis’ natural hair color was blonde!

3

Jackie Kennedy

Image: U.S. Navy, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

When talking about fashion icons, Jackie Kennedy has to be on the list. Her classic pillbox hat became famous worldwide in 1961, when she wore it to her husband’s inauguration. Beyond the hat, her elegance shone through her tailored suits, pearl necklaces, and cat-eye sunglasses.

4

Frank Sinatra

Image: William P. Gottlieb, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

If someone says "fedora," we think of Sinatra. His suits were sharp and extremely elegant, sure, but it was that slightly tilted hat that stole the show. We have to say that no one ever wore a fedora quite like he did!

5

Steve Jobs

Image: AB

Turtlenecks aren’t for everyone, we know. But there was a man who knew how to wear them with unmistakable style. Steve Jobs made the black turtleneck his signature look; he wore it so consistently that it became his personal "uniform." In addition, each one was custom-made by Japanese designer Issey Miyake.

6

Johnny Cash

Image: Heinrich Klaffs, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

It’s no wonder Johnny Cash earned the nickname "The Man in Black." His style was not only elegant, but it was also extremely cool, thanks to his signature all-black wardrobe. Every item, from head to toe, was that color. Many tried to imitate him, but none could match him.

7

Farrah Fawcett

Image: ABC Television, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Her smile was lovely, but her hair is what everyone remembers most. Farrah Fawcett set the standard for ’70s and early ’80s hairstyles with her famous feathered, voluminous blowout that turned heads everywhere she went.

8

Bob Dylan

Image: Rowland Scherman, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Bob Dylan doesn’t need flashy clothes to make a style statement. What really defines his look is that carefree, rebellious vibe, especially his voluminous hair, as seen in photos from his youth and even today. Of course, his guitar and harmonica were constants throughout his career, helping to shape his unmistakable image.

9

Michael Jackson

Image: White House Photo Office, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Michael Jackson was the definition of style. We could fill an entire article talking about his clothing and accessories, but one item set him apart: his single white glove. Covered in numerous sparkling Swarovski crystals, he first wore it in the early ’80s, perfectly complementing his legendary dance moves.

10

Buddy Holly

Image: Buddy_Holly_Brunswick_Records.jpg: Brunswick Recordsderivative work: GDuwenTell me!, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Who knew a pair of thick black-rimmed glasses could make someone an icon? That’s exactly what happened with Buddy Holly. He didn’t just keep wearing them after reaching fame; he turned them into the key item that defined his image. We can’t imagine his face without them!

1

The White House

Though America’s most famous house, located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, is not technically on the National Mall, it has been historically considered part of it due to its proximity and importance. It is separated from the National Mall by the Ellipse public park, and has a direct view of one of the most important Mall landmarks, the Washington Monument.

2

How America’s front yard came to be

When Pierre Charles L'Enfant designed Washington, D.C., in 1791, he envisioned a majestic avenue going from the Capitol to an equestrian statue of George Washington (now the site of the Washington Monument). The chosen name referenced the Mall in London, a fashionable avenue near Buckingham Palace. During the following century, L’Enfants’ plans for the Mall were ignored, and the space was used for canals, railways, and gardens. In 1901, the U.S. Senate decided to expand the number of monuments in Washington, D.C., which led to the renewal of the National Mall and to the addition of most of its iconic landmarks.

3

American history in action

As a space open to all Americans and one that is close to the Capitol and the White House, the National Mall has been the scene of many historical moments, from presidential inaugurations to festivals and protests. Among the most important events to take place in the National Mall, we can remember the 1963 March on Washington, the late 1960s Vietnam War protests, the 1987 AIDS Memorial Quilt, and the 1939 Marian Anderson concert.

4

Washington Monument

Located where L’Enfant initially envisioned an equestrian statue of George Washington, this 555-foot marble and granite obelisk was designed in the 1830s , but was not completed until 1884 due to fund shortages and political disputes. In 2011, damages caused by a 5.8 magnitude earthquake forced the closing of the monument, which reopened in 2014.

5

Lincoln Memorial

Conceived shortly after Lincoln’s assassination in 1865, construction began only in 1914, and the memorial was dedicated in 1922. The Neoclassic structure is surrounded by 36 columns, representing the 36 states that formed the Union at the time of Lincoln’s death . The famous statue of Lincoln in the interior is 19 feet tall, and both the Gettysburg Address and Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address are inscribed on the north and south interior walls.

6

Jefferson Memorial

Authorized by Congress in 1934 and dedicated on April 13, 1943, the construction of this monument sparked outrage, as i t required clearing parts of the Tidal Basin and cutting down some of its cherry trees to make space for the memorial. In what is known as the 1938 Cherry Tree Rebellion, protestors chained themselves to the trees. In the end, a compromise was reached, and most of the trees were transplanted. The monument, an homage to Jefferson’s estate of Monticello and the rotunda of the University of Virginia, features excerpts of his most notable writings.

7

The Capitol

The first building to be constructed in the National Mall, the House of Congress is located in what was then known as Jenkins' Hill (now Capitol Hill) . George Washington laid the foundational stone in 1793, and the initial building was completed in 1800, but it was set on fire by the British during the War of 1812. It was reconstructed in 1826 and expanded during the 19th and 20th centuries.

8

War memorials

Several memorials across the National Mall honor the thousands of Americans who gave their lives while serving the country . The first war memorial was the District of Columbia War Memorial of 1931, dedicated to honor residents of Washington, D.C. killed in WWI. Among the most significant memorials, we can find the National World War II Memorial of 2004, the Korean War Veterans Memorial of 1995, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial of 1982, and the National World War I Memorial of 2014.

9

FDR Memorial

Despite President Roosevelt’s wish for an understated memorial near the National Archives, the project approved by Congress after his passing was much grander. Instead of a monolithic monument, the FDR Memorial consists of a park-like landscape , with areas representing the four terms he served and the conflicts he led the nation through. It is also the only presidential memorial to include a tribute to a First Lady, in the form of a bronze statue of Eleanor Roosevelt.

10

Museums

The National Mall is one of the places with the highest concentration of museums in the world , most of them managed by the Smithsonian Institution. Among its most famous museums are the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of Natural History, the National Gallery of Art, the National Air and Space Museum, and the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum.

11

MLK Memorial

In 1963, the National Mall was the stage for Martin Luther King Jr.’s most famous speech, "I have a dream" , during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. After his 1968 assassination, members of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity —to which King belonged— petitioned to build a memorial in his honor on the National Mall, and were allowed by President Clinton in 1996. The memorial features a split rock —inspired by the iconic line "Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope."— and a central figure depicting MLK Jr.

12

Parks and Tidal Basin

The National Mall's original plan included several landscaped areas, but they were not designed as part of it until 1901, when the area was cleaned to include open lawns and rows of trees lining the different sections . In 1882, part of the Potomac River was dredged to reclaim 628 acres of land, creating the Tidal Basin and adding space for many of the current monuments. In 1912, the city of Tokyo gifted Washington, D.C., more than 3,000 cherry trees as a sign of friendship, now an iconic part of the Tidal Basin landscape. In 1965, the parks in the National Mall were consolidated as a unit as the National Mall and Memorial Parks.