Artist : Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes
song : The Time Of My Life
Album : Dirty Dancing – 1987
Style – Tempo – Signature – Length : Pop – 110 – 4/4 –
Musician :
pages : 4
Version : Album
Level : Intermediate
“(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes is an iconic duet, synonymous with the 1987 film Dirty Dancing. The song won an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and a Grammy, becoming a timeless anthem for love and celebration. For drum enthusiasts, the track’s rhythm section provides a steady foundation, underscoring its emotional and cinematic impact.
The composition of the song was entrusted to Franke Previte, John DeNicola, and Donald Markowitz. Previte, a former frontman of Franke and the Knockouts, initially hesitated to work on the project, as he was focusing on his band. However, upon being persuaded by producer Jimmy Ienner, Previte wrote the lyrics inspired by the romantic and uplifting themes of Dirty Dancing. DeNicola and Markowitz crafted the melody, blending soft rock with a touch of pop and R&B to create an instantly recognizable tune.
Bill Medley was reluctant to record the duet, as he had stepped back from the music industry to focus on his family. However, after persistent requests from the producers and assurances of the song’s quality, he agreed. Jennifer Warnes, known for her vocal collaborations, joined Medley to create the magical chemistry that defines the track.
The drumming in “The Time of My Life” is integral to its structure. The track begins softly, with light percussion setting an intimate tone. As the song builds, the drums provide a driving force, accentuating the crescendo and lending a danceable energy. The snare hits and cymbal crashes add drama, perfectly aligning with the climactic lift scene in the film.
The song premiered in Dirty Dancing’s pivotal final scene, becoming an instant sensation. It was performed live at award shows, where the rhythm section played a crucial role in capturing the energy of the studio version. On stage, the drumming amplified the celebratory vibe, ensuring that the live audience felt the same exhilaration as moviegoers.
For drumming fans, “The Time of My Life” is a lesson in subtlety and escalation. The percussion evolves from gentle support to a commanding presence, mirroring the song’s emotional arc. It remains a masterful example of how drums can enhance storytelling in music, solidifying the track’s place in both cinematic and musical history.
Drum sheet / Drum cover
Familie.Koebke.Cottbus (verified owner) –
this is the Version from Video, long Version…i needed the normal Version…
Sebastien POITEVIN –
The normal version will be available soon 😉
Jonas –
I’m really happy that the transcription is about the long version. I won’t miss the awesome trumpet and saxophone solo parts which are missing in the normal short version. Thank you 🙂
Jonas –
I have to add something, because I can’t edit my review. And that’s the point why I want to give only 4 Stars in total. How do you decide, Sebastien, whether the song is on Level Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced? Because in my opinion, The Time Of My Life is a bit to hard for Intermediate. In my point of view the song has to be Advanced. You have got a lot to do during playing it. The not so suitable Level in my opinion costs 1 star.
Sebastien POITEVIN –
Hi Jonas, thank you for your review.
You know, it’s very hard to find the good level of a drum parts because it depends on each drummer. So I try give the good one, depends on the speed, the lenght, the beats, the fills…
But I think each musician have to ear the song and know if he can play it, it’s the most important!