1992

Will You Marry Me?

Spellbound

Overview

Emelio Estevez and Paula Abdul

"Will You Marry Me?" is a ballad and was the fifth and final single released from the Spellbound album. The song was written by Abdul; Peter Lord; Sandra St. Victor and V. Jeffrey Smith. Stevie Wonder made a special guest appearance on the track playing the harmonica.

The single was released commercially on March 19, 1992. A perfectly timed release, “Will You Marry Me?” hit the airwaves as the media frenzy began over Paula Abdul’s engagement to actor Emilio Estevez. The two wed in a California court on April 29th, 1992 and divorced two years later on May of 1994.

Like the previous single "Vibeology", the single reached the top 20 (peaking at number 19), becoming a modest hit for Abdul.

The music video was directed by BIG TV! aka Andy Delaney and Monty Whitebloom and produced by Jeremy Barrett for Limelight. The music video for the song featured a digital composite of 5 versions of Abdul wearing similarly colored white outfits dancing together.

Image from the music video.

In some segments Abdul dances with a clear “see-through” human. Each "version" of Abdul performed a different style of dance to the song (ballet, jazz etc...) and ultimately settled into a choreographed routine in which they danced with one another.

The video was never released commercially on VHS or DVD although it is available for download on iTunes.

Import copies of the Spellbound album include “Good Night My Love,” a song Paula recorded for the Pediatric Aids Foundation. “Good Night My Love” was included on the “For Our Children” album. “Good Night My Love” was written and produced by Don Was and also appears on the B-side of the “Will You Marry Me?” single.

Music Video

Official Promotional Video

Track Lists and Formats

Vinyl 12" UK  Single VUST 58:

1. Will You Marry Me?
2. The Promise Of A New Day (East Coast Remix)
3. Goodnight My Love (Pleasant Dreams)

Vinyl 7" Europe  Single VUS 58:

1. Will You Marry Me?
2. Goodnight My Love (Pleasant Dreams)

CD Single Europe & UK VUSCD 58 / 665 250:

1. Will You Marry Me? (Edit)
2. The Promise Of A New Day (East Coast Remix)
3. Goodnight My Love (Pleasant Dreams)
4. Will You Marry Me? (Album Version)

US Promo CD Single PRCD 4471:

1. Will You Marry Me? (Edit)
2. Will You Marry Me? (LP Version)

Spellbound Album, Europe CDVUS33 / 261 470:

1. The Promise Of A New Day
2. Rock House
3. Rush, Rush
4. Spellbound
5. Vibeology
6. Will You Marry Me?
7. U
8. My Foolish Heart
9. Blowing Kisses In The Wind
10. To You
11. Alright Tonight
12. Good Night My Love (Pleasant Dreams)

US Cassette Single 4-98584:

A1. Will You Marry Me?
A2. Good Night, My Love
B1. Will You Marry Me?
B2. Good Night, My Love

View All Formats

Will You Marry Me? (Live)

Paula Abdul performs Will You Marry Me on her Under My Spell Tour in Allentown, PA and invites a fan on stage that wants to propose to her.

Interview with Peter Lord

Stevie Wonder played the harmonica on Paula Abdul’s hit song "Will You Marry Me?" In an interview with SongFacts, songwriter and producer Peter Lord said “one of us said "Wouldn't it be great to get Stevie to play on the track?" And Paula said "I can get him." Stevie was of course incredible. He is truly my primary inspiration for even becoming a songwriter or musician. And he knew our Family Stand hit "Ghetto Heaven," so we were amped. It was one of the highlights of my music career to work with my hero.”

Lyrics

Sheet Music

Single Credits

Written by P. Lord, S. St. Victor, V. J. Smith, P. Abdul

Produced and arranged by: V. Jeffrey Smith. & Peter Lord for the Neptune Factor, Inc.
Vocals arranged by: Peter Lord, Sandra St. Victor & V. Jeffrey Smith
Lead vocals: Paula Abdul
Programming & keyboards: V. Jeffrey Smith & Peter Lord
Guitar: V. Jeffrey Smith
Harmonica: Stevie Wonder
Background vocals: Sandra St. Victor
Recorded at: Studio Masters, L.A.
Recording engineer: Greg Laney
Assistant engineer: Wolfgang Aicholz
Mixed by: Greg Laney at Studio Masters, L.A.
Published at EMI Songs Ltd / Copyright Control

Rush RushThe Promise Of A New DayVibeologyBlowing Kisses In The WindWill You Marry Me?Spellbound albumDiscography
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