“Cherish” is one of the most recognizable ballads by American group Kool & The Gang and one of the defining romantic R&B and soul songs of the 1980s. The song was written by Ronald Bell and Kool & The Gang, key contributors to the band’s most successful material.
The track was released in 1985 and appears on the album Emergency, a record that marked a more melodic and polished phase in the group’s career, partially moving away from their earlier funk-driven sound.
Kool & The Gang made the song famous, as it reached the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the R&B charts in the United States, while also receiving significant airplay on adult contemporary radio stations.
A notable fact is that “Cherish” became one of the most frequently played songs at weddings and romantic ceremonies, thanks to its emotional lyrics and smooth, sentimental atmosphere, solidifying its place as a romantic classic.
Over the years, the song has been covered and reinterpreted by various artists, including vocal versions and instrumental arrangements in styles such as smooth jazz, easy listening, and lounge music, highlighting the strength of its melodic structure.
Although it did not receive individual awards as a single song, its continued presence on radio, in romantic compilations, and at special events confirms its status as a timeless classic within Kool & The Gang’s catalog.
Thanks to its moderate tempo and enveloping melody, “Cherish” lends itself naturally to instrumental versions, ideal for relaxed and refined listening environments.
The version featured on this website offers an elegant instrumental interpretation, perfect for Easy Listening, lounge music, and relaxed listening, highlighting the song’s romantic and timeless essence.