OT: Songs where the background singers shine and make the song

[RW90]

Not a background singer, but Van Halen playing guitar on Michael Jackson's Beat It.

And amusingly, Rick Derringer played the guitar solo on Weird Al's parody of the song Eat It.

Eddie supposedly recorded it for free to boot.

 

[mdk01]

Let me end this discussion. The Raylettes (Ray Charles) and Aretha's ladies. Please. No comparison.

Merry Clayton not even in the discussion? Please.

 

[rubaseball78]

The female voice backing up the Tokens
The Lion Sleeps Tonight.

Agree with this one.

 

[rubaseball78]

Merry Clayton on Gimme Shelter.

Also, female singer in Paradise by Dashboard Lights

 

[DJ Spanky]

Elvis's original backing band was pretty damn good: Moore, Black, Fontana, and Cramer. Plus the band that backed him from his comeback in the late 60's until he died, the TCB Band, was really good.

 

[zappaa]

Staple Singers, The Weight.
The Last Waltz concert.

 

[zappaa]

 

[BIGRUBIGDBIGredmachine]

It's more of a duet so not sure if it fits exactky, but Kate Pierson of The B-52's absolutely takes over Iggy Pop's Candy.

 

[1stand3rd]

Patti Smith with REM on E-Bow the Letter.

 

[Roy_Faulker]

Joe Cocker - By with a little help from my friends..

 

[bac2therac]

Dusty Springfield backing the Pet Shop Boys

 

[hankee18]

I heard a lot of Elvis growing up, Moms still a big fan

I think I enjoy the background vocals on Suspicious Minds more than Elvis"s lead. Great song

Suspicious Minds

 

[anon_yoo6z3typpaw2]

Drake - Hold On, We're Going Home... the older crowd on this thread may not be familiar, but one hell of a song

 

[BIGRUBIGDBIGredmachine]

60s. Merry Clayton "Gimme Shelter".

Merry Clayton also sings back-up on Sweet Home Alabama...

 

[WhichReligionIsRight]

 

[WhichReligionIsRight]

 

[WhichReligionIsRight]

 

[WhichReligionIsRight]

 

[WhichReligionIsRight]

 

[RutHut]

Also, The Wall has one of the most memorable background vocals with the English kids. No dark sarcasm in the classroom...

 

[BIGRUBIGDBIGredmachine]

Eric Clapton one of the back-up singers along with Phil Spector, keyboard player Bobby Whitlock (and two others identified by Harrison as “Cyril” and “Betty”) on George Harrison's My Sweet Lord. As many probably know, Clapton would go onto marry Harrison's ex-wife Patty Boyd, the inspiration for Layla.

 

[RutgersRaRa]

The structure of this song doesn't work nearly as well without the backing vocals.

 

[NewJerseyGuy]

Great Indigo Girls song— Michael Stipe takes it to the next level with his backups around 2:20 mark

 

[IanCurtis80]

Merry Clayton on Gimme Shelter.

Also, female singer in Paradise by Dashboard Lights

That's Ellen Foley; she sang on the Clash's Hitsville UK and is the subject of Should I Stay or Should I Go

 

[NickKnight 1]

Merry Clayton on Gimme Shelter.

Also, female singer in Paradise by Dashboard Lights

Also the female voices backing up Waylon Jennings in Amanda.

 

[angmo]

 

[angmo]

 

[Source]

Isn't It Time by The Babys (with John Waite)

 

[Doctor Worm]

I'll give a second nomination to Kate Pierson. This one for REM's "Shiny Happy People".



The video was masterfully reprised on Sesame Street, with Pierson's role played by a Muppet. Note the wardrobe attention to detail!

 

[Doctor Worm]

I guess the most obvious answer, if you go back far enough, is the anonymous bassman on Johnny Cymbal's "Mr. Bassman". He was the focal point of the song, and wasn't even credited!

 

[Doctor Worm]

Also "Witch Doctor" by David Seville. His backup band, the Chipmunks, soon captured top billing.

 

[BIGRUBIGDBIGredmachine]

I'll give a second nomination to Kate Pierson. This one for REM's "Shiny Happy People".

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The video was masterfully reprised on Sesame Street, with Pierson's role played by a Muppet. Note the wardrobe attention to detail!

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Kate Pierson was a freakin' showstopper in the '80's-90s. Superstar talent, beauty, presence...

 

[NewJerseyGuy]

 

[biker7766]

Not sure if anybody mentioned it yet, but a song that immediately pops into my head is “Long Black Veil” from the Listener Supported live album by Dave Matthews Band! Song is incredible in itself, but the “Lovely Ladies” really shine!

 

[RUhasarrived]

a few of the Beach Boys killed it with their harmonizing on Chicago's "Wishing You Were Here" and yes Terry Kath delivered an awesome lead as well

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I saw them do this in Central Park in '75.Overall,The Beach Boys didn't have it that night.

 

[NewJerseyGuy]

 

[jeffro5]

Female vocalist in Rocky Ground by Springsteen.

 

[RUInsanity]

Offspring......Come out and Play. "Keep em separated" sung by friend of frontman Dexter Holland (had to look it up).

 

[rurichdog]

 

[NickKnight 1]

Amanda by Waylan Jennnings. The female backups are Great.