Madonna Turned Down a Collaboration Song with Ozzy Osbourne
In a surprising turn of events, Madonna turned down a collaboration track with the late Ozzy Osbourne. The song, “Shake Your Head,” ultimately became a significant hit for actress Kim Basinger in the UK, though its origins are tied to Madonna.
Details of the Collaboration
Originally penned for Madonna, “Shake Your Head” featured vocals by Ozzy Osbourne. The track was produced by the band Was (Not Was) and climbed to No. 4 on the UK charts.
Despite Madonna’s initial involvement, she opted not to approve the final mix. Jack Osbourne and his brother Louis discussed the project on Jack’s podcast, revealing insights into its creation.
Insights from the Osbourne Family
- Louis Osbourne explained, “Was Not Was did a duet with Madonna.”
- He remarked that the collaboration occurred when both Madonna and Ozzy were at the height of their popularity in the ’80s.
- After Madonna’s rejection, Kim Basinger recorded the song, which became a UK hit.
Louis emphasized that a recording of the duet featuring Madonna and Ozzy still exists, although it has never been released. The record label chose to market “Shake Your Head” primarily as a Was (Not Was) and Kim Basinger track, downplaying Ozzy’s role.
The Impact of Madonna’s Rejection
Don Was, one of the producers, previously recounted the song’s history in an interview with Rolling Stone. He stated, “She did a great job… but it didn’t sound like Was (Not Was) to me anymore.”
Ultimately, after realizing both Ozzy and Madonna had recorded parts, they decided to remix the material. However, Madonna again declined, leading to Basinger’s version becoming the public face of the hit.
Conclusion
The song illustrates a unique moment in music history, showcasing how collaboration dynamics can shift the trajectory of a track. Madonna’s decision not to collaborate with Ozzy Osbourne on “Shake Your Head” allowed Kim Basinger to shine in a role that could have been very different. The unreleased duet remains an intriguing aspect of music industry lore.
