shep'S NEWS & ARTICLES
Jane Child’s Dance-Rock Classic “Don’t Wanna Fall in Love”
Gets the Full Shep Pettibone Remix Treatment—Now Fully Streamable
In 1990, Canadian multi-instrumentalist and producer Jane Child broke through with a single that nobody saw coming—and yet everybody remembered. Don’t Wanna Fall in Love, the second single from her self-titled Warner Bros. debut, became an unlikely global smash: peaking at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100, #6 on the R&B chart, #11 Dance, and scoring Top 5 in Canada and Top 30 in the UK.
Its success wasn't just about the song’s irresistible hook or Jane’s iconic look (punk tresses, nose-to-ear chain, and all). It was also about the strategic remixing behind the scenes—designed to push the single into multiple markets and club formats.
Jane Child was no industry product. She wrote, performed, produced, and arranged the entirety of her debut album—handling synths, drum machines, bass, and vocals herself. Critics called her "the female Prince," and not without reason. Her uncompromising control and genre-defying sound fused funk, industrial pop, and R&B into something utterly her own.
The album Jane Child, released in late 1989, initially flew under the radar—until Warner Bros. turned their attention to its standout track.
To boost the single’s reach, Warner enlisted two titans:
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Teddy Riley, architect of the New Jack Swing movement, delivered a set of remixes aimed at R&B and urban radio, including the Knife Feel Good Mix, T.R. Dub, and New Jack Swing Club Mix. These versions helped the track break into formats rarely accessible to white Canadian pop acts, driving it to #6 on the Billboard R&B chart.
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Shep Pettibone, already known for his transformative club remixes took the reins for the dancefloor. With his longtime studio collaborators Goh Hotoda and Tony Shimkin, Pettibone crafted an explosive 7:50 12″ Remix, a radio-ready Remix/Edit, and a Dub It mix that lit up DJ crates across the US and Europe.
While Dub It, Edit and the 12″ Remix found their way onto CD singles and promos, three additional versions—Dub It Again, Instrumental, and Beatapella—were pressed exclusively on 12″ vinyl. These versions circulated mainly in DJ culture, passed hand-to-hand by selectors, club jocks, and crate-diggers.
At a time when vinyl ruled the booth and radio had strict formatting limits, these deeper cuts offered DJs the flexibility they needed:
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Dub It Again brought extended breakdowns and echo-drenched hits for dub lovers.
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The Instrumental allowed for seamless club overlays and mashups.
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Beatapella, stripped to voice and rhythm, was the secret weapon for creative mixing and transitions.
Together, this full six-track remix suite formed the backbone of the track’s club longevity—ensuring Don’t Wanna Fall in Love never really left the floor.
After decades confined to vinyl and out-of-print CD singles, all six of Shep Pettibone’s official remixes of Don’t Wanna Fall in Love are now available digitally for the first time. Released on March 28, 2025, the collection is streaming worldwide across platforms like Apple Music, Spotify, Deezer, Qobuz, Tidal, and more.
The digital release not only gives new listeners a window into Jane Child’s brief but brilliant crossover era—it also restores a crucial piece of Shep Pettibone’s remix legacy in full, remastered clarity.
These are more than just remixes. They're snapshots of a moment when genre walls fell, club culture exploded into the mainstream, and producers like Pettibone shaped pop from the underground up.
Mitsou and Shep: They Lassoed the Clubs with a Cowboy Beat
In 1989, a young Québécois singer named Mitsou found herself catapulted to the forefront of the Canadian and international music scene with her iconic track “Bye Bye Mon Cowboy.” At a time when the Quebec music industry was undergoing a renaissance, Mitsou emerged as a bold and iconic figure. But it was the intervention of one man, the famous producer and remixer Shep Pettibone, that allowed “Bye Bye Mon Cowboy” to become more than just a local hit: it became a dance anthem that conquered radio waves, clubs, and listeners' hearts worldwide.
Shep Pettibone brought an irresistible touch to Mitsou’s song. In August 1989, he remixed “Bye Bye Mon Cowboy,” transforming this francophone pop track into a true dance banger ready to cross borders. Pettibone created several versions of the remix, including the “French Remix Version” and the “English Remix Version” (both 3:44), as well as extended versions like the “House Mix” (6:55) and the “House Dub” (7:05). These remixes allowed Mitsou to appeal to a wide audience, both in European clubs and on Canadian and American airwaves.
The success of these remixes was immediate. In 1990, “Bye Bye Mon Cowboy” entered the Billboard “Hot Dance Club Play” charts, reaching as high as number 35. Although the track was initially in French, that didn’t stop it from ascending on English-speaking platforms, thanks to Pettibone’s energetic production and an engaging music video. Directed by Jim Sonzerro and shot in New York, the video showcased Mitsou in a provocative style, often compared to Brigitte Bardot, grabbing the attention of media and audiences alike.
The impact of this remix was such that Mitsou received recognition at various prestigious events. At the MuchMusic Video Awards, the song won the award for “Best Dance Video of the Year,” establishing Mitsou as a rising force on the Canadian pop scene. In addition to this accolade, Mitsou was nominated for “Most Promising Female Vocalist” at the Juno Awards, confirming her potential to break beyond Quebec.
Support from the music channel MusiquePlus also played a crucial role. MusiquePlus, the Quebec equivalent of MuchMusic, was one of the main platforms to air “Bye Bye Mon Cowboy” continuously, helping to transform the track into a real phenomenon in Quebec and across Canada. The channel, which aimed to promote local talent and create stars, was one of the driving forces behind Mitsou’s success. At the same time, MuchMusic also contributed by providing nationwide exposure, paving the way for Mitsou’s broader recognition.
Mitsou’s strategy of staying true to the French language while aiming for international success was largely realized thanks to Shep Pettibone’s boldness, as he crafted a sound capable of transcending language barriers. This approach allowed Mitsou to make her mark on the international music scene, particularly in Europe, where “Bye Bye Mon Cowboy” was broadcast on European airwaves, as reported by Music & Media magazine.
Behind the success of “Bye Bye Mon Cowboy” was a talented team: songwriter Jean-Pierre Isaac, original producer Pierre Gendron, and of course, Shep Pettibone for the remixes, with the collaboration of Goh Hotoda (sound engineer), Tony Shimkin (editing), and Fred McFarlane and Alan Friedman (programming). The single, officially released in January 1990, captivated clubs and charts, becoming a symbol of the energy and boldness of the Quebec music scene.
Even today, “Bye Bye Mon Cowboy” stands as a testament to an era when Mitsou and Shep Pettibone made clubs dance to a track that transcended both cultural and linguistic boundaries. The success of this remix was a pivotal moment in Mitsou’s career, laying the foundation for her status as a pop star and reinforcing Shep Pettibone’s crucial role in expanding dance music on a global scale.
Shep Pettibone's Lasting Impact on Shirley Lewis's Album "Passion"
In November 1989, the music landscape was enriched with the release of Shirley Lewis’s album "Passion," masterfully produced by Shep Pettibone, a revered name in the industry for his collaborations with icons like Madonna and the Pet Shop Boys. This time, Pettibone joined forces with Shirley Lewis, a British artist celebrated for her undeniable vocal prowess and extensive experience performing with a slew of musical heavyweights.
Introducing Shirley Lewis: A Legacy of Talent and Collaboration
Shirley Lewis is not just a gifted vocalist; her music career is deeply rooted in a rich familial and professional background. Her sister, Linda Lewis, was a star in the 70s, known for her unique vocal style and significant impact on that era's music scene. This connection highlights a profound legacy of musical talent within her family.
Throughout her career, Shirley has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the music industry. She has lent her voice to performances alongside Elton John, George Michael, the Pet Shop Boys, and Sting, enhancing her versatility and breadth as an artist. Her engagements with Rick Astley, Bros, and The Beloved further showcase her adaptability and the high regard in which she is held within the industry.
An intriguing anecdote from her career involves the iconic track "I Should Be So Lucky," originally penned by Stock Aitken Waterman for Shirley. After recording the song, Shirley decided against releasing it under her name because she was not satisfied with how her voice sounded on the track. This decision led to the song being passed to Kylie Minogue, who turned it into a global hit, illustrating Shirley’s integrity and dedication to artistic authenticity.
The recording sessions for "Passion" took place between January and April 1989, during which Pettibone utilized his profound production skills on standout tracks like "Realistic" and "You Can't Hide." His expertise didn't stop at production—he also remixed these singles, enhancing their appeal and elevating the album's profile significantly.
The album's initial release was a highlight in 1989, marked by a promotional luncheon hosted by A&M to introduce Shirley Lewis to the media. Lewis's engaging presence and the way she charmed everyone in attendance underscored her strong rapport with the press and her command over the narrative, attributes that complemented Pettibone’s production prowess.
On the technical front, "Passion" benefited immensely from contributions by a host of talented individuals, including Steve Harvey, Eric T, Jay F, Alan Friedman, Joe Moskowitz, Fred McFarlane, and Paul Pesco. Their combined efforts brought a rich, multi-layered sound to the album, solidifying its quality and enduring appeal.
The re-release of "Passion" on streaming platforms in 2024 underscores the timeless nature of Pettibone's work and Lewis’s magnetic performance. The album continues to resonate with audiences, blending vibrant pop and poignant ballads—a testament to the era it originated from yet remarkably relevant today.
As this album finds its way back into the hearts and playlists of listeners in 2024, it remains a testament to the enduring synergy between an extraordinary producer and a gifted artist. Pettibone’s ability to accentuate Lewis's vocal talents not only marked a significant moment in 1980s pop music but also continues to inspire and captivate music lovers around the world.
Rediscovering a Classic: Shep Pettibone's Remix of Huey Lewis's "Hip to Be Square"
Released on October 6, 1986, Huey Lewis and The News's "Hip to Be Square" became an anthem of the 80s, celebrated for its catchy rhythm and a tongue-in-cheek take on conformity. Yet, it was in November 1986 that the track was transformed by the legendary remixer Shep Pettibone. Pettibone’s remix introduced a vibrant club-ready energy that extended the track's appeal from radio waves to dance floors.
This collaboration highlighted the magic that occurs when rock and dance music merge, thanks to Pettibone's visionary approach. An interesting anecdote about the song is that during its initial recording, Huey Lewis aimed to reflect the band’s quirky sense of humor and social commentary, making the song's upbeat vibe somewhat ironic.
Fast forward to June 28, 2023, "Fore!" the album featuring "Hip to Be Square," was reissued in Japan, this time including a CD version of Pettibone’s rare Dub Mix for the first time. This release not only brings nostalgia for the 80s but also showcases Pettibone's enduring impact on music by keeping classic tracks alive in contemporary culture.
Shep Pettibone’s remixes are more than just altered versions; they are a reimagining that breathes new life into the music. His work on "Hip to Be Square" stands as a testament to his creative prowess and a bridge connecting different musical eras. As fans enjoy this special reissue, they get a glimpse into the unique blend of creativity that has kept this song hip over the decades.
Arthur Baker presents Dance MasterS
Shep Pettibone
The Classic Master-Mixes
Exclusive Billboard Shep Pettibone's First Interview in 20 Years:
On Making a Madonna Classic & Why He Left Music Behind
True Blue Anniversary
For the first time, the Shep Pettibone's "True Blue" remixes by Madonna are now fully available!
Only available in vinyl until now, the INSTRUMENTAL/DUB VERSION is now digitaly remastered with the COLOR MIX and the SINGLE REMIX/EDIT!!!
Available on the "True Blue 35th Anniversary Edition" on iTunes, Spotify, Tidal and Qobuz!
Sheena's Collection
Released September 17, 2021
Sheena Easton’s first-ever collection of every UK and US single A-side from her hugely successful EMI era – including 7-inch edits, 12-inch extended versions and rare dub mixes – many never before available on CD with two previously unreleased remixes by Shep Pettibone!
Arthur's souvenirs
Shep’s classic remixes launches Arthur Baker’s Dance Masters, a new series that will celebrate the heritage of the great dance remixes of the 20th century.
This first-ever collection of one of the most successful and celebrated remixers features 46 classic tracks compiled and sequenced by Wayne Dickson (BBR/Groove Line Records) in conjunction with series Curator Arthur Baker; this collection highlights some of the biggest acts of the ‘80s as well as underground club acts. Some of these remixes are incredibly rare, and some of them are making their CD debut.
Released October 7, 2021
Peter Cetera's Glory
On October 29, 2021 Cherry Red’s Cherry Pop imprint will celebrate the first and most celebrated chapter of Cetera’s solo career with an all-encompassing new 6-CD box set. Unreleased remixes by Shep Pettibone of "Body Language (There In The Dark)" are available for the first time ever!!! The track was originally scheduled to be a single. Grab your copy here:
Rhino heard your prayers
The amazing song "Like A Prayer" is now digitalin reissue with the Shep Pettibone DUBS previously only available on the twelve inch promo. GOD?
Joel's Gems
Joel Diamond is now celebrating his 50th year in the music industry and going stronger than ever. His vast experience has included everything from music publishing, record production, song writing, personal management, and even having been a recording artist himself. Today, unreleased remixes done by Shep Pettibone in the 80's are issue for the first time in digital format and available everywhere...
Shep's Affair
Released as a single in 1990, "Foreign Affair" was reissued in digital format on May 20, 2020 by Rhino including club mixes by Shep Pettibone.
Prince's Vaults
Prince's 1987 album "Sign O’ The Times" will be reissued by Warner Records in September and amongst the formats are two enormous CD and vinyl super deluxe editions that offer a massive 63 previously unreleased tracks, including 45 studio ‘vault’ tracks.
The 45 vault tracks are full of unreleased gems including the unreleased Shep Pettibone club remix of "Strange Relationship"!
It's time to pre-order... www.superdeluxeedition.com
Mariah Celebration
Mariah Carey continued her #MC30 celebration of her three decades of hits on Friday (July 24) with the release of remix EPs of "Someday" and "There's Got To Be a Way," featuring hard-to-find and unreleased makeovers of the tracks from her 1990 self-titled debut album.
Both EPs mix hard-to-find remixes including the "Someday" unreleased alternative version of the "Pianoapercaloopapella" and the hard to find dubs "House Dub" + "New Jack Bonus Beats."
The five-track "Got To Be a Way" EP includes a 7" and 12" remix, as well as a "Vocal Dub," "Alt. Vocal Dub" and "Sample Dub" mix.
Full versions are produced and remixed by Shep Pettibone.
Now available in lossless format on the best 'Music Lovers' streaming platform www.qobuz.com
Nick is now Complete!
Nick Kamen released four albums between 1987 and 1992. All of them are now collected in a new box set! "The Complete Collection", along with two discs of ‘remixes & rarities’.
Each disc has appropriate seven-inch, dub and 12-inch remixes appended and there’s two discs packed with more remixes from the likes of Jellybean, Arthur Baker and Shep Pettibone.
Grab your copy now on www.cherryred.co.uk
The Best from the 8os
Eighties pop curators BLANK & JONES just delivered over four-and-a-half hours of rare and sought-after 1980s remixes via two new volumes of their now well established ‘so80s’ compilations. Fans can look forward to rare versions of tracks.
Among them the absolutely amazing TRUE DUB from New Order and the Underworld's "Underneath the Radar" 12'' remix single... both post-produced and remixed by M. PETTIBONE of course!
More informations on superdeluxeedition.com
OH OK, it's alright...
Essential Media Group released the NV single "It's Alright".
Completely remixed by Shep Pettibone in 1983, the extended and the dub versions are now available on every streaming platform...
It's time to discover...
Sugar DUBS for all now!
In 1989 the British Band Thompson Twins released the SUGAR DADDY single.
Today, for the first time and from the original master tapes, the Shep Pettibone DUBS are officially available in digital format on every streaming platform. Take a sweet baby!
Shakespears Sister/Singles Party
PHIL COLLINS/REMIXED SIDES
Phil Collins has spent the last few years meticulously revisiting his catalog. Now, he’s expanding the last years albums reissue with a pair of new digital-only compilations, "Other Sides" and "Remixed Sides".
The "Remixed Sides" includes all the "Hang In Long Enough" Shep Pettibone remixes, for some previously unavailable on CD.
JANET JACKSON IS BACK
You can now easily grab the two "Pleasure Principal" remixes done by M. Pettibone in 1987!
GO ON GIRL!
JERMAINE STEWART
SAY IT AGAIN REISSUE
In 1988 Shep Pettibone co-produced the Jermaine Stewart song "Don't Have Sex With Your Ex".
A 2 disc deluxe edition of the album "Say It Again" is now available... get your copy!
Now available >>> amazon
WALLY JUMP IS NOW-BACK
DIGITALY REMASTERISED
Arthur Baker "Criminal" Label is now reissue and digitally remastered after 30 years. "Jummp-Back" is a Baker & Pettibone mix collaboration with Junior Vasquez absolutely amazing edits.
Don't miss your copy!
Now available >>> junodownload
HEART OF GLASS BY BLONDIE
UNRELEASED AND MORE
A new unreleased Pettibone mix from the Blondie "Heart of Glass" single now available as deluxe 12” EP and on all digital formats since October 26, 2018, followed by BLONDIE: The Complete Studio Recordings 1975-1982 in the fall of 2019.
Order your copy >>> bandcamp.com
THE SALSOUL ORCHESTRA STORY
40 Y.O. ALREADY
Release in 2015 - Limited Deluxe Edition 3CD collection with a bonus third disc of remixes including some that were exclusive to this release!
Order your copy >>> amazon.co.uk
SHEP PETTIBONE MASTERMIXES
SHEP'S CLASSICS
Whether you're just diving in to the world of disco or you're an old head, this release is sure to please. Eight tracks in all. Released by Salsoul Records on double vinyl.
Order your copy >>> amazon.co.uk
FIVE STAR - THE DEFINITIVE WAY TO GET THE SHEP'S JEWLS
British pop group Five Star see their career celebrated with a new 9CD+DVD box set Luxury: The Definitive Anthology 1984-1991.
Including lot of Shep's remixes unavailable on CD until now!
Pre-order your copy >>> superdeluxeedition
CAT MILLER READY OR NOT
FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 1984
The Cat Miller single "Ready Or Not" is available for the first time in digital format from High Fashion Music.
Including the 3 Shep's twelve inch remixes.
Check your copy >>> iTunes // Beatport // TrackItDown
DEBBIE GIBSON IS BACK!
WE COULD BE TOGETHER
The Debbie Gibson superfan will no doubt go wild for We Could Be Together, a new box set by Edsel that offers an even deeper dive into her career. This 10CD/3DVD set features 2 Pettibone Remixes!
Check your copy >>> superdeluxeedition
HUEY LEWIS AND THE NEWS
COLLECTED
For the first time on CD! The Shep's "Hip To Be Square" Dance Remix available now!
Check your copy >>> superdeluxeedition
FALCO 60 - 3 CD EDITION
Sony in Germany are to issue "Falco 60", a new best of/rarities collection, to celebrate what would have been the 60th birthday of Austrian singer-songwriter Falco.
"Falco 60" is being issued as a three-CD deluxe set which includes the hits, rarities and the Pettibone 12'' Remix.
Check your copy >>> amazon.de
PAUL McCARTNEY: ARCHIVES
Paul McCartney‘s 1989 album "Flowers in the Dirt" will be reissued in March in the usual ‘Archive Collection’ formats, including a four-disc deluxe edition which comes with all the commercially issued Ou Est Le Soleil? remixes done by Shep Pettibone.
Check your copy >>> amazon.co.uk
DUSTY SPRINGFIELD
REPUTATION EXPANDED
Dusty Springfield‘s 1990 album "Reputation" is now reissue!
The Pet Shop Boys co-produced the entire ‘side two’ of the album.
This new deluxe edition includes many remixes and B-Sides... of course all the Shep's mixes are now included!
Check your copy >>> amazon.co.uk
NICK KAMEN EACH TIME ... REMIXES
Nick Kamen‘s self-titled debut album is now reissue.
Issued originally in 1987, spawned two top 20 hits in the UK, including the Madonna and Stephen Bray penned "Each Time You Break My Heart". This new deluxe features a wealth of remixes from that era’s A-listers, including Shep Pettibone's.
Check your copy >>> amazon.co.uk
NIKI HARIS + DONNA DE LORY
RAIN COVER
"Rain" is a song written by Madonna & Shep Pettibone in 1992. Today Niki Haris & Donna De Lory, the famous girls behind Madonna, make a wonderful cover of it.
Check your copy >> donnadelory.com
Much more!
Niki and Donna are going to produce an EP together and want you to become part of the journey creating it!
Go to >> pledgemusic.com
CATHY DENNIS' MOVE TO THIS!
Early nineties dance/pop artist Cathy Dennis‘ first album "Move To This" is now reissued as a two CD deluxe edition with many seven-inch edits and twelve-inch remixes by Shep Pettibone.
Check your copy >>> amazon.co.uk
BANANARAMA
UNRELEASED REMIXES
"True Confessions" is the third album by the British girl group Bananarama. Released in 1986, the new Deluxe Edition feature Shep Pettibone's Previously Unreleased Mixes...
Check your copy >>> amazon.co.uk
BELINDA CARLISLE
HEAVEN'S REISSUE
Belinda Carlisle "Heaven on Earth" is the second solo album by Belinda Carlisle and her most successful to date. Released in 1987 it featured several remixes by Shep Pettibone!