Backing Vocalists

[runningshoes]

Seeing such great backing vocalists at the concert last night made me wonder who your favourites are.

Tell us about some great backing vocalists.

 

[TheWhalerfan]

Number one for me would obviously be Nancy Wilson. Sure she sang lead a few times but mostly she is a backing vocalist. The same range and tone as Ann but missing the power, she does her part perfectly and is essential to creating those awesome Heart harmonies.

What would Van Halen songs be without Michael Anthony? His voice added so much to the classic VH sound..I am sure he is missed by fans.

The guys in Queen not named Freddie. No need to explain this one.

 

[Lynch]

Thinking of single songs, some of my favorite backing vocals would be these two (first that come to mind anyway):

Pink Floyd - The Great Gig In the Sky





Rolling Stones - Gimme Shelter

Merry Clayton's vocals still give me goosebumps.

 

[TheWhalerfan]

^ agree 100%

 

[Lynch]

As for other band members in bands (that aren't the lead singer)....

Michael Anthony and Eddie in Van Halen. Michael much more so, but they both had a hand in the vocal sound of the band.

Ritchie Sambora in Bon Jovi. That band would not have sounded the same without his backing vocals, in my honest opinion.

 

[METALPRIEST]

As for other band members in bands (that aren't the lead singer)....

Michael Anthony and Eddie in Van Halen. Michael much more so, but they both had a hand in the vocal sound of the band.

Ritchie Sambora in Bon Jovi. That band would not have sounded the same without his backing vocals, in my honest opinion.

He was the HIGH harmony hitter for sure!! He was a major part of the Van Halen albums, and not just on the David Lee Roth stuff. The vocal stylings of the band stayed true in the Van Hagar years due to Mike.

Check him out here on Get Up.

 

[Lynch]

^^^ indeed. That's a good DVD actually for hearing (and seeing) all sorts of his vocals.

And no matter how many times I see it, I will NEVER get used to seeing Eddie playing that headless guitar. I think that thing was called a "Frankenberger" wasn't it?

 

[METALPRIEST]

Something like that. Not my favorite guitaer of his.... but agreed on the DVD! A must own. Anthony's vocals are very isolated and naked on this.

 

[Rock Candy]

Aside from those mentioned...

Chris Squire and Steve Howe
Lee Kerslake (Did Box sing too? Heep had universally good harmonies, anyway)
Neil Carter
Mark Mangold and Craig Brooks
Barry St. John (he seems to appear everywhere!)
Micky Moody & Bernie Marsden (Mel Galley, too)
Jeff Pilson
Neal Schon, Jon Cain/Gregg Rolie (Kinda) & Ross Valory
Steve Lukather, David Paich & Steve Porcaro

 

[Lynch]

Jeff Pilson

This was one I was thinking about mentioning, but figured only 2 or 3 people would have any clue who I was talking about.