“She’s Like the Wind” is one of Patrick Swayze’s most iconic contributions to the music world, famously associated with the 1987 film Dirty Dancing. Though Swayze is widely celebrated as an actor, dancer, and performer, this song showcases his talent as a musician and his depth as an artist, revealing a more personal side of his creativity.
Patrick Swayze co-wrote “She’s Like the Wind” with songwriter Stacy Widelitz in 1984, long before it became part of Dirty Dancing. Originally, he wrote it with the intention of it being used in comedy film “Grandview, U.S.A.” (starring Jamie Lee Curtis, C. Thomas Howell and Patrick Swayze) but was not used in the film. According to Swayze, he was inspired by his own relationship with his wife, Lisa Niemi, describing a love that felt elusive and deeply cherished. The emotional lyrics reflected this admiration, capturing a sense of beauty, longing, and a somewhat melancholy tone.
When Dirty Dancing director Emile Ardolino heard the song, he thought it would perfectly complement the film’s atmosphere and the on-screen romance between Swayze’s character, Johnny Castle, and Baby, played by Jennifer Grey. The song was included in the film’s soundtrack, and it quickly resonated with audiences, encapsulating the chemistry between the characters and the intense emotions of young love.
Released in 1987, “She’s Like the Wind” became a huge success, reaching #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s popularity helped drive the success of the Dirty Dancing soundtrack, which went on to sell millions of copies worldwide. The soundtrack also won several awards and remains one of the best-selling soundtracks of all time. For Swayze, the song marked a significant achievement, proving he was a multi-talented artist with a gift for storytelling in more ways than one. Even now, “She’s Like the Wind” is still cherished by fans and is seen as a timeless love ballad from the ‘80s.
“She’s Like the Wind” features Wendy Fraser as a vocalist. Her voice adds a soft harmony to Patrick Swayze’s lead vocals, giving the song an added layer of emotional resonance. Fraser’s contribution is subtle yet impactful, enhancing the haunting and tender quality of the track.