CD Spotlight: "Dirty Dancing - The Deluxe Anniversary Edition"

Photo Credits: RCA Legacy/Miles High

Has it really been 25 years since Dirty Dancing first appeared in theaters? The film was a pop culture phenomenon, spawning several top ten hits, picking up numerous awards and, of course, becoming a box office sensation. To commemorate the 25th anniversary, RCA Legacy recently released Dirty Dancing: The Deluxe Anniversary Edition, featuring the original twelve soundtrack songs, including "(I've Had) The Time of My Life," "Hungry Eyes" and "She's Like the Wind," as well as bonus features, including six ready to frame art cards, a bumper sticker, new liner notes and collectible hardcover packaging. In addition to the aforementioned well loved hits, several classic songs, including "Stay" by Maurice Williams & The Zodiacs, "Be My Baby" by The Ronettes and one of my all-time favorite songs "In the Still of the Night" by The Five Satins, round out this memorable collection.

Patrick Swayze, who portrayed Johnny Castle, performed and co-wrote "She's Like the Wind," which became a top ten hit and showcased his many talents. In addition, the song "Hungry Eyes" revitalized the career of Eric Carmen ("All By Myself") by also becoming a top ten hit. Of course, the most popular song from the Dirty Dancing soundtrack was "(I've Had) The Time of My Life" by Righteous Brother Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes. The song shot to the top of the charts and earned an Academy Award for Best Original Song. The soundtrack spent an amazing 18 weeks at number one on the Billboard 200 album chart and, to date, has sold more than 40 million copies.

The accompanying booklet includes behind-the-scenes liner notes written by the song producers, starting with Jimmy Ienner. The stellar producers themselves then offer their own thoughts, including:
• Eric Carmen, singer and producer of "Hungry Eyes"
• Leon Medica, producer of "Where Are You Tonight?" (sung by Tom Johnston)
• Alfie Zappacosta, singer and producer of "Overload"
• Michael Lloyd, producer of "She’s Like the Wind" (written and performed by Patrick Swayze), "(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life" by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes, and "Yes" by Merry Clayton

Track Listing for the DIRTY DANCING: THE DELUXE ANNIVERSARY EDITION

1. (I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life / Love Theme performed by Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes
2. Be My Baby / The Ronettes
3. She's Like The Wind / Patrick Swayze (featuring Wendy Fraser)
4. Hungry Eyes / Eric Carmen
5. Stay / Maurice Williams & The Zodiacs
6. Yes / Merry Clayton
7. You Don’t Own Me / The Blow Monkeys
8. Hey Baby / Bruce Channel
9. Overload / Zappacosta
10. Love Is Strange / Mickey & Sylvia
11. Where Are You Tonight? / Tom Johnston
12. In The Still Of The Night / The Five Satins