Michael Jackson – I Just Can’t Stop Loving You – A Timeless Duet by Michael Jackson and Siedah Garrett

Introduction: I Just Can’t Stop Loving You is a timeless and heartfelt duet ballad released in 1987 by the legendary Michael Jackson and the talented Siedah Garrett. It was the lead single from Jackson’s iconic seventh album, “Bad.” The song was a labor of love, co-written and co-produced by Jackson and Quincy Jones. While the track features the mesmerizing vocals of Siedah Garrett, it is fascinating to learn how she unexpectedly became a part of this musical masterpiece.

The Unplanned Duet: The journey of “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You” took an unexpected turn when Michael Jackson initially had his sights set on sharing vocals with either Barbra Streisand or Whitney Houston. Unfortunately, Streisand felt the age difference between her and Jackson would make the lyrics less believable. On the other hand, Houston’s label worried it might overshadow the promotion of her sophomore album. However, fate intervened, and Siedah Garrett was chosen as the duet partner.

Siedah Garrett’s Surprise and Rise: Siedah Garrett, a protégé of Quincy Jones, had already worked with Jackson, co-writing “Man in the Mirror.” She had no idea she would be singing “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You” until the day of the recording session. The talented singer had previously garnered attention through her work with Dennis Edwards on “Don’t Look Any Further.” Her mesmerizing vocals were a perfect complement to Jackson’s, and the duet further solidified her status as a noteworthy artist.

Critical and Chart Success: “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You” received both critical acclaim and commercial success. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, R&B Singles, and Adult Contemporary charts, marking the beginning of a remarkable streak of five number-one singles from the “Bad” album. In the UK, the song also topped the charts and became one of the best-selling songs of the year.

Live Performances and Lasting Impact: Michael Jackson performed the song during his “Bad” and “Dangerous” world tours, showcasing its enduring popularity. Unfortunately, the planned performance with Judith Hill for the “This Is It” concert series was never realized due to Jackson’s untimely passing. Nevertheless, “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You” remains a touching tribute to his musical legacy.

Multiple Languages and Re-releases: The song’s emotional impact transcended language barriers, leading to the recording of Spanish and French versions. In 2012, the original English version was re-released as part of the “Bad 25” anniversary album, celebrating the 25th anniversary of Jackson’s “Bad” album.

Legacy and Cover Versions: “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You” left an indelible mark on the music industry, inspiring artists to cover the song. Notable covers include those by Gloria Estefan & James Ingram, Chuck Loeb, Rachel Berry (Lea Michele) and Finn Hudson (Cory Monteith) from “Glee,” and Toby Love’s bachata rendition.

Conclusion: “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You” remains an enchanting testament to the power of love and the synergy of two exceptional artists. Michael Jackson and Siedah Garrett’s voices blend effortlessly, creating an unforgettable musical experience. The song’s timeless appeal has continued to captivate audiences, leaving a lasting impact on music lovers around the world.