When we think about iconic musicians, we often focus on the frontmen and women who take center stage. However, behind most of the greatest songs and performances lie the unsung heroes – backup singers. These talented vocalists provide the harmonies, depth and soul that elevate songs to new heights. In fact, many of those great songs wouldn’t have achieved the status they did were it not for the talents of the backup singers. In this post, we want to spotlight 5 of the most influential backup singers who have left an indelible mark on the music industry.
Darlene Love
Darlene Love’s powerful voice and soulful delivery made her one of the most sought-after backup singers of the 1960s. She worked extensively with producer Phil Spector, lending her vocals to legendary hits like “He’s a Rebel” and “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)”. She was a highly sought after vocalist who worked with music legends including Dionne Warwick, Sam Cooke, the Beach Boys, Tom Jones, Sonny and Cher and Elvis Presley. Love’s contribution to the music of that era is immeasurable, and her talent eventually propelled her to a successful solo career. Ms. Love is a Grammy Award winner, a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductee, and was proclaimed by Rolling Stone Magazine to be one of the greatest singers of all time.
Image: Wes Washington, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Merry Clayton
Merry Clayton’s unforgettable vocals on The Rolling Stones’ “Gimme Shelter” are a testament to her incredible talent as a backup singer. Her raw, emotive performance on this iconic track remains one of the most powerful moments in rock history. Clayton’s collaborations with artists such as Ray Charles, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Joe Cocker, and Carole King further solidify her status as a legendary backup singer. Ms. Clayton is still a sought-after vocalist, appearing on Coldplay’s “A Head Full of Dreams” in 2015.
Lisa Fischer
Lisa Fischer’s versatile voice and remarkable range have made her one of the most sought-after backup singers for over 4 decades. She has worked with a diverse range of artists, including The Rolling Stones, Beyoncé, Luther Vandross, Tina Turner, Chaka Khan and Nine Inch Nails. Fischer’s exceptional vocal abilities have earned her numerous accolades, including a Grammy for her solo work. Ms. Fischer is known not only for the ability to sing numerous genres of music, including soul, gospel, jazz, rock, pop, and classical, but for her ability to mix genres in the same song!
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Cissy Houston
Cissy Houston is not only an accomplished solo artist but also a highly respected backup singer. Her powerful vocals have graced recordings by artists such as Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley, Dionne Warwick, Roy Hamilton and Van Morrison. Ms. Houston began her career singing in a group with her siblings, and later as a member of the Sweet Inspirations who sang backing vocals for a variety of acts including Otis Redding, Dusty Springfield, Wilson Pickett, Lou Rawls and the Drifters. The Sweet Inspirations sang background vocals for Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl” and Jimi Hendrix’s “Burning of the Midnight Lamp.” Houston’s daughter, Whitney Houston, inherited her mother’s vocal talent and went on to become one of the greatest singers of all time.
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Clydie King
Clydie King’s rich, soulful voice can be heard in countless recordings from the 1960s and 1970s. She collaborated with renowned artists like The Rolling Stones, Steely Dan, and Bob Dylan, leaving an indelible mark on each track she contributed to. She is known for her vocals on Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama.” Ms. King, along with Merry Clayton, Shirley Matthews and Venetta Fields, were the most in-demand backup and sessions singers of her time. In a 1971 interview, Ms. King estimated that she had already sung over 300 songs. King’s remarkable vocal abilities appeared on hits like Linda Ronstadt’s “You’re No Good,” Arlo Guthrie’s “City of New Orleans,” Graham Nash’s “Chicago,” and Elton John’s “The Bitch Is Back.”
These 5 Influential Backup Singers Shaped Music as We Know It
While backup singers often go unrecognized, their contributions are vital to the success of many iconic songs and performances. Can you imagine “Gimmie Shelter” without Merry Clayton wailing in the background? The talents of singers like Darlene Love, Merry Clayton, Lisa Fischer, Cissy Houston, and Clydie King have shaped the music we know and love. While they may not have achieved great success as solo acts, their ability to harmonize, support, and enhance the lead vocalist’s performance is a testament to their immense skill and dedication to the music industry. Let us not forget these 5 influential backup singers who have enriched our favorite songs and added an extra layer of magic to the world of music.