On This Day in 1987: Bob Seger’s Track Hit #1 on the US Pop Singles Chart and Was Later Nominated for an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award
via Country At Its Finest / YouTube
Seger’s Only #1 Hit & Film Connection
On August 1, 1987, Bob Seger scored his first and only #1 single on the Billboard Hot 100 with “Shakedown,” recorded for the soundtrack of Beverly Hills Cop II. The track featured music by Harold Faltermeyer and Keith Forsey, with Seger writing the lyrics. It also reached #1 on the Cash Box Top 100 and the Album Rock Tracks chart, and topped Canadian RPM charts as well.
“Shakedown” became part of the Beverly Hills Cop II soundtrack and showcased a hard rock, dance-rock style that fit the film’s energy. The song topped the Hot 100 chart for the week of August 1 and stayed at #1 on Album Rock Tracks for four weeks.
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Award Nominations & Competition
In 1988, “Shakedown” earned nominations for both the Academy Award and the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song. However, both awards were won by “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” from Dirty Dancing. At the 60th Academy Awards, Seger’s song was performed live by Little Richard.
Harold Faltermeyer wrote the film score and co-wrote “Shakedown” with Forsey and Seger. The song was originally intended for Glenn Frey, but when he became unavailable, Seger took over and revised the lyrics while keeping the original chorus. Seger’s collaborations on the song led to recognition from the Academy and Hollywood Foreign Press.
Standout Moments
Although Seger had a long and successful career, “Shakedown” remains his only top pop single. Its #1 status, combined with its presence in a hit film, made it one of his most visible works. It also marked one of the rare times Seger appeared in major industry award nominations.
“(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes took the top awards at both the Oscars and Golden Globes, overshadowing Seger’s nomination. Still, Seger’s work was recognized among the strongest film songs of 1987 and 1988.
Additional Highlights
“Shakedown” also earned Seger a Grammy nomination for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance earlier in 1988. The song remains a defining piece in his catalog and a reminder of how a film soundtrack can push a song into mainstream success.
