After becoming a radio hit, 'Let's Get It Started' (featured off their third studio effort 'Elephunk') became a popular culture phenomenon, playing during ABC's airing of the 2004 NBA Playoffs and the 2004 Democratic National Convention, even being featured in slew of video games such as 'Dance Dance Revolution' and 'Band Hero.' Now the Grammy Award-winning song is a wedding entrance favorite.
Featuring Beyoncé's hubby Jay-Z, the track samples the catchy trumpet hook in the The Chi-Lites' 1970 hit 'Are You My Woman (Tell Me So).' 'Crazy In Love' won two Grammys in 2004: Best R&B Song and Best Rap Collaboration. David Byrne, Switchfoot and Snow Patrol have all covered this wedding entrance song.
Prince built the song's riff around the Mamas & the Papas' 'Monday, Monday.' Not coincidental, the Bangles' 'Manic Monday' also borrows a similar melody to '1999,' which Prince wrote under the pseudonym "Christopher." The 1983 song was featured on Prince's breakthrough album of the same name, which Rolling Stone said "codified the Minneapolis sound that loomed over mid-'80s R&B and pop." Whether is 1983, 1999 or today, the song remains a party anthem staple.
Again, blaring trumpets (like 'Crazy In Love') dominate this wedding entrance song, which is featured on Dave Matthews Band's first studio album 'Under the Table and Dreaming.' The album's title derives from the song's line: "He remembers being small / Playing under the table and dreaming."
Released in 1977 and featured on Withers' 1978 'Menagerie,' 'Lovely Day' is the most sampled and remixed song on our wedding entrance song list. There have been R&B, pop, jazz, gospel, dance, and rap versions of the song by the likes of DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, Kirk Franklin, Maroon 5, Diana Ross and even Luther Vandross with Busta Rhymes.
Although not the best representation of innovative new wave, the beat is catchy, and the lyrics are dead on in calling for a celebration: "Across the nation, around the world / Everybody have fun tonight / A celebration so spread the word." The track reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, just behind the Bangles' 'Walk Like an Egyptian.'
Written by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, this was The O'Jays only No.1 song on the pop charts. Representing unity and love in the world, the song continues to make a presence in pop culture media, more recently at the 2008 Democratic convention and even in a few Coors Light ads in 2009.
A chart-topping, award-winning single for U2, 'Beautiful Day' won the 2000 Grammy for Song of the Year, Record of the Year and Best Rock Performance By Duo or Group. When the track went to No. 1 in the UK, Bono told BBC Radio One: "This tastes very sweet...singles are what makes rock sharp, and we've not been great at singles. I can't tell you how excited we feel, we've been around for a while and to hear this song on the radio, it feels very special."
Originally recorded in 1960, 'Ain't that a Kick in the Head' is a classic song by one of the original members of the Rat Pack. A favorite at weddings, the track was featured in the original 'Ocean's Eleven' as well as movie soundtracks for 'Ocean's Thirteen,' 'Goodfellas' and 'Fools Rush In.'
This song mirrors the exact sentiment that every wedding party should have. Even Kool & the Gang did plenty of celebrating due to the success of this single: It was No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, Billboard Dance and R&B charts for almost an entire year. This R&B classic appeals to nearly every demographic group, making the New Jersey-based Kool & The Gang's 1980 hit a continued staple at weddings and parties.
What's Your Favorite Wedding Entrance Song?
Share your favorite wedding entrance songs in the comments below. Plus, don't miss these other wedding music lists: Top Father Daughter Dance Songs and Top Mother Son Dance Songs. For even more wedding planning check out Aisle Dash, and for fun, check out AOL Music's top wedding music videos.
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1. I got married to John Tesh & James Ingram I Love you I do..Great song.
Posted at 11:13PM on Jun 23rd 2010 by Patty