Dive into the soulful ballad that proved Patrick Swayze was more than just a movie star.
The Song
"She's Like the Wind" is a poignant soft rock ballad released in December 1987, featuring additional vocals from Wendy Fraser. It was co-written by Patrick Swayze and Stacy Widelitz in 1984, long before its connection to Dirty Dancing. The song was initially intended for the soundtrack of another film Swayze was working on, Grandview, U.S.A., but was ultimately rejected.
During the production of Dirty Dancing in 1987, Swayze played the demo for the film's producers and director, who loved it and decided to include it on the soundtrack. The track was recorded in November 1986, with Michael Lloyd producing. Its melancholic lyrics express the feelings of a man in love with a woman he believes is out of his league, comparing her elusive nature to the wind.
The Artist
While primarily celebrated as an actor and dancer, Patrick Swayze also possessed significant musical talent. He was a trained ballet dancer and had a background in musical theater, even taking on the lead role of Danny Zuko in Grease on Broadway. "She's Like the Wind" marked his debut as a recording artist and songwriter.
This song offered Swayze a unique opportunity to showcase his vocal abilities beyond his acting roles. Although he did not sing the song on camera in Dirty Dancing, its inclusion in the film and his co-writing credit further solidified his multifaceted artistry. His musical contributions extended beyond this single; he also co-wrote and recorded two songs for the soundtrack of his 1989 film Road House.
Chart Performance
"She's Like the Wind" achieved remarkable commercial success, becoming a global hit. In the United States, it peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart on February 26, 1988, and impressively reached No. 1 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart. It also climbed to No. 2 on the Cashbox Top 100.
Worldwide, the ballad was a top-10 hit in nine other countries, including Canada, France, and Ireland, demonstrating its broad international appeal. The success of "She's Like the Wind" further contributed to the monumental sales of the Dirty Dancing: Original Soundtrack from the Vestron Motion Picture album, which sold over 30 million copies and spent 18 weeks at No. 1 in the US.
Cultural Impact
As part of the iconic Dirty Dancing soundtrack, "She's Like the Wind" is deeply intertwined with the film's enduring legacy. It played a crucial role in one of the movie's most memorable scenes, accompanying Patrick Swayze's character, Johnny Castle, as he says goodbye to Baby. The song became a staple of late 1980s romantic ballads and remains a beloved classic.
While Swayze had other musical endeavors, "She's Like the Wind" is often considered his signature musical contribution and is sometimes referred to as his "one-hit wonder" in the music world. Its timeless melody and heartfelt lyrics continue to resonate with audiences, ensuring its regular rotation on adult contemporary radio stations decades after its release.
Fun Facts
- The music video for "She's Like the Wind" was directed by acclaimed filmmaker David Fincher, known for his later work on movies like The Social Network and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.
- The video is predominantly in black and white and features clips from Dirty Dancing, intercut with images of Swayze and Wendy Fraser.
- Stacy Widelitz, Swayze's co-writer, initially had his name frequently misspelled as "Stacey" in credits, leading some to mistakenly believe a woman co-wrote the song.
- The song almost didn't make it to Dirty Dancing; it was pitched for Rob Lowe's 1986 film Youngblood but was rejected.
- Swayze stated in a 2008 interview that his wife, Lisa Niemi, was the inspiration for the song.
- In 1989, Swayze and Stacy Widelitz received BMI TV/Film and BMI Pop Awards for the song, recognizing it as one of the most-performed songs of the year.