15 Books: The 20 Greatest Music Collabs We Never Got — But Almost Did

David Bowie & Elvis Presley

It might sound unreal, but David Bowie once tried to give his song “Golden Years” to Elvis Presley. Bowie was a massive fan of Presley and saw him as the perfect artist for the track. Presley, however, turned it down, maybe not knowing just how timeless the song would become. Later, fate nearly brought them together again—Presley invited Bowie to produce his next album. But before anything could happen, Presley passed away unexpectedly in 1977. The possibility of these two giants working together still haunts fans. Their combined creativity could have sparked a new era in rock and pop. The thought of their voices on one record is a dream that never came true.

Michael Jackson & Madonna

In the early 1990s, Michael Jackson and Madonna were not just pop royalty—they were pop gods. The world buzzed with rumors about their brief romance, but the bigger story was the collaboration that almost happened. They made plans to work together on Jackson’s “Dangerous” album. For reasons never fully explained, the joint project fizzled out before it began. Both artists were known for pushing boundaries and reinventing themselves. Just imagine the spectacle, the dancing, the controversy that would have come from their combined forces. Fans still wonder if the world just wasn’t ready for the fireworks that would have exploded from this musical match-up.

David Bowie & Kraftwerk

Bowie was deeply inspired by Kraftwerk, the German electronic pioneers. During sessions for his groundbreaking “Low” album, Bowie wanted Kraftwerk’s guitarist Michael Rother to join him. Sadly, the invitation never reached Rother. The mix of Bowie’s experimental rock and Kraftwerk’s mechanized sound could have birthed something way ahead of its time. Bowie’s Berlin Trilogy already shows hints of this influence—but a real collaboration would have been a seismic event in music history. It’s one of those stories that shows how a simple missed message can echo through the decades.

Stevie Nicks & Prince

Stevie Nicks, famous for her haunting voice and poetic lyrics, was once asked by Prince to write lyrics for a melody he’d written. That melody? It became “Purple Rain.” Nicks, overwhelmed by the responsibility, declined the offer. Prince went on to create an anthem, but music fans have always wondered what Nicks could have added. Both artists are known for their mystical, genre-bending styles, and a collaboration would have been magical. This near-miss is one of music’s most tantalizing “what ifs”—a partnership that could have blended mystery and electricity in ways we can only imagine.

Jimi Hendrix & Miles Davis

Legend has it that Jimi Hendrix and Miles Davis were ready to record together in 1970. Hendrix, the psychedelic guitar hero, and Davis, the jazz revolutionary, were at the top of their games. But just as they were set to head into the studio, Hendrix died suddenly. Davis later expressed his deep regret over the lost opportunity, telling friends it could have changed the direction of music. The idea of these two creative forces merging jazz and rock is enough to make any music lover’s heart race. It’s a missed chapter that still brings a sense of loss to the world of music.

David Bowie & The Beatles

In 1974, a wild idea was floated: Paul McCartney and John Lennon talked about forming a supergroup with David Bowie. They even had a tentative name—”David Bowie and The Beatles.” The plan never got off the ground, but just thinking about it is enough to give you goosebumps. Imagine Bowie’s theatrical flair meeting The Beatles’ songwriting genius. The cultural impact would have been staggering. Sometimes, the greatest supergroups exist only in dreams, and this is one that fans still wish had become reality.

Slash & The Stone Roses

When John Squire left The Stone Roses in the mid-1990s, the British band found themselves in need of a new guitarist. Enter Slash, the iconic top-hatted guitarist from Guns N’ Roses. The band and Slash actually rehearsed together, but it turned out their styles just didn’t mesh. The Roses’ shimmering, jangly sound clashed with Slash’s bluesy, hard-rock edge. Even so, this near-collaboration is a wild footnote in rock history, showing how even the biggest stars sometimes just don’t click musically.

Amy Winehouse & Questlove

Amy Winehouse’s soulful voice and charismatic stage presence made her a force in music. She and Questlove, the legendary drummer from The Roots, talked about forming a supergroup with Mos Def and Raphael Saadiq. The lineup sounded almost too good to be true. But tragedy struck when Winehouse died in 2011, halting all plans. Questlove later spoke about how excited he was for the project. Fans are left imagining the blend of Winehouse’s raw emotion and Questlove’s tight rhythms—a sound that could have redefined neo-soul and hip-hop for a generation.

Cher & Lady Gaga – “The Greatest Thing”

Cher and Lady Gaga, two pop icons from different generations, recorded a duet called “The Greatest Thing.” Everything seemed set for a massive release, but Gaga was reportedly unhappy with the final version. The song was shelved, and fans could only guess at what might have been. Both artists are known for their dramatic vocal abilities and theatrical performances. A proper release could have dominated charts and brought together fans from across the pop spectrum. It’s a modern pop fairytale that ended before it even began.

Prince & Michael Jackson – “Bad”

Michael Jackson wanted Prince to join him on the song “Bad.” Prince, however, turned the offer down, reportedly due to discomfort with the song’s provocative opening line. The song went on to be a massive hit for Jackson alone, but fans still discuss what might have happened if the two superstars had joined forces. Their rivalry was legendary, and a duet would have been a true showdown of kingly proportions. It’s a reminder that even the biggest stars can have creative differences that keep them apart.

Jay-Z, Notorious B.I.G., & Diddy – The Commission

In the late 1990s, plans were in motion for a hip-hop supergroup called The Commission, starring Jay-Z, Notorious B.I.G., and Diddy. The group would have fused East Coast rap heavyweights into a single, unstoppable force. But after Biggie’s murder in 1997, the idea died with him. Diddy and Jay-Z have spoken about how close they were to making it happen. The Commission stands as one of hip-hop’s most heartbreaking “almosts,” a vision of greatness cut short by tragedy.

Jay-Z & Nas – “Can I Live”

Jay-Z’s “Can I Live” almost featured Nas, another titan of New York rap. Nas was supposed to show up for the studio session, but he never did. At the time, both rappers were at the top of their game, and their rivalry would later become one of hip-hop’s most famous. A collaboration in the ’90s could have changed the course of their relationship and even the sound of East Coast rap. Fans still wonder what kind of lyrical fireworks they could have created together.

Kanye West & Miley Cyrus – “Black Skinhead” Remix

Kanye West’s “Black Skinhead” is already a wild, genre-bending track, but things almost got even wilder. Kanye and Miley Cyrus recorded a remix together, blending her pop vocals with his powerful production. The remix, however, was never officially released. Some snippets have leaked online, giving fans a taste of what could have been. The unexpected pairing might have baffled critics, but it could also have become a massive crossover hit, showing how music can smash through genre barriers.

Pharrell Williams & Michael Jackson

Pharrell Williams wrote a batch of songs with Michael Jackson in mind, hoping the King of Pop would record them. Jackson, always picky with his material, turned them down. Instead, Justin Timberlake picked them up, turning them into hits like “Rock Your Body.” Pharrell has spoken about how surreal it was to have songs intended for Jackson end up with Timberlake. It’s a twist of fate that changed pop music in the early 2000s, leaving fans to imagine Jackson’s voice on those infectious hooks.

Foxy Brown & Lil’ Kim – “Thelma & Louise” Album

In the late ’90s, Foxy Brown and Lil’ Kim were the queens of hip-hop, and talk of a joint album called “Thelma & Louise” had fans buzzing. The project had serious backing and could have been a landmark for women in rap. But despite all the hype, the two never made it to the studio together. Rumors of rivalry and industry politics swirled. The album remains one of hip-hop’s most legendary “what could have beens,” a symbol of both the power and fragility of creative partnerships.

Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco, & Pharrell Williams – CRS Project

Child Rebel Soldier (CRS) was the supergroup nobody saw coming: Kanye, Lupe Fiasco, and Pharrell Williams. They teased fans with a few tracks, promising an album that would sample everyone from Pink Floyd to Radiohead. But the project was shelved indefinitely. Each artist went on to huge solo success, but fans are still waiting for the full CRS experience. The album could have been one of the most innovative blends of hip-hop and alternative music ever.

Eminem & J. Cole

Both Eminem and J. Cole are known for their deep lyrics and storytelling skills. They’ve publicly praised each other and hinted at working together, but it’s never happened. Fans keep their hopes up, believing that one day they’ll finally get a track from these two giants. A collaboration could push both artists to new lyrical heights and bring together fans from across generations of hip-hop. The anticipation itself has become almost as legendary as the music they would make.

Ghostface Killah & MF DOOM – “Swift & Changeable”

Ghostface Killah and MF DOOM, both known for their unique flows and mysterious personas, planned an album called “Swift & Changeable.” The project was announced, hyped, and then vanished. Over the years, snippets and rumors have kept fans guessing. MF DOOM’s passing in 2020 made the dream truly impossible. The album is now a ghost story in the world of underground hip-hop—a tantalizing mystery that may never be solved.

Lady Gaga & Azealia Banks – “Red Flame”

Lady Gaga and Azealia Banks teamed up for a track called “Red Flame,” but it was ultimately cut from Gaga’s “ARTPOP” album. A demo leaked online, giving fans a glimpse of the collaboration. The mix of Gaga’s pop theatrics and Banks’ rapid-fire rhymes could have been electrifying. Instead, the song lingers as an online curiosity. Both artists are known for their boldness, and “Red Flame” could have been a fiery anthem for outsiders everywhere.

Rihanna & Katy Perry

In 2011 and 2012, pop fans buzzed with excitement over the idea of a Rihanna and Katy Perry duet. Both were at the height of their fame, and their friendship was well known. They talked publicly about working together, but nothing ever came of it. The collaboration could have been a pop culture moment, combining Rihanna’s Caribbean-infused sound with Perry’s catchy hooks. The absence of their joint song is a reminder that even the best-laid plans in music don’t always come to life.