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{{short description|Singer who provides vocal harmony with the lead vocalist or other backing vocalists}}
{{Short description|Singer who provides vocal harmony on a song}}
{{More citations needed|date=August 2018}}
{{More citations needed|date=August 2018}}
[[File:Ebony Bones backup performer.jpg|thumb|One of the Wives, the backing vocalists for English singer [[Ebony Bones]]]]
[[File:Ebony Bones backup performer.jpg|thumb|One of the Wives, the backing vocalists for English singer [[Ebony Bones]]]]
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'''Backing vocalists''' or '''backup singers''' are [[singer]]s who provide [[vocal harmony]] with the [[lead vocalist]] or other backing vocalists. In some cases, a backing vocalist may sing alone as a lead-in to the main vocalist's entry or to sing a [[counter-melody]]. Backing vocalists are used in a broad range of [[popular music]], [[traditional music]], and [[world music]] styles.


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A '''backing vocalist''' is a [[singer]] who provides [[vocal harmony]] with the [[lead vocalist]] or other backing vocalists. A backing vocalist may also sing alone as a lead-in to the main vocalist's entry or to sing a [[counter-melody]]. Backing vocalists are used in a broad range of [[popular music]], [[traditional music]], and [[world music]] styles.
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Solo artists may employ professional backing vocalists in studio recording sessions as well as during concerts. In many [[Rock music|rock]] and [[Heavy metal music|metal]] bands (e.g., the [[power trio]]), the musicians doing backing vocals also play instruments, such as guitar, electric bass, drums or keyboards. In [[Music of Latin America|Latin]] or [[Afro-Cuban]] groups, backing singers may play percussion instruments or shakers while singing. In some [[pop music|pop]] and [[Hip hop music|hip hop]] groups and in [[musical theater]], the backing singers may be required to perform elaborately choreographed dance routines while they sing through headset microphones.


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Solo artists may employ professional backing vocalists in studio recording sessions as well as during concerts. In many [[Rock music|rock]] and [[Heavy metal music|metal]] bands (e.g., the [[power trio]]), the musicians doing backing vocals also play instruments, such as guitar, electric bass or keyboards. In [[Music of Latin America|Latin]] or [[Afro-Cuban]] groups, backing singers may play percussion instruments or shakers while singing. In some [[pop music|pop]] and [[Hip hop music|hip-hop]] groups and in [[musical theater]], they may be required to perform dance routines while singing through headset microphones.
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The style of singing used by backing singers varies according to the type of song and the genre of music the band plays. In pop and [[country music|country]] songs, backing vocalists may perform vocal harmony parts to support the lead vocalist. In [[hardcore punk]] or [[rockabilly]], other band members who play instruments may sing or shout backing vocals during the chorus (refrain) section of the songs.


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Styles of background vocals vary according to the type of song and genre of music. In pop and [[country music|country]] songs, backing vocalists may sing harmony to support the lead vocalist. In [[hardcore punk]] or [[rockabilly]], other band members who play instruments may sing or shout backing vocals during the chorus (refrain) section of the songs.
==Terminology==
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Alternative terms for backing vocalists include ''backing singers'', ''backing vocals'', ''additional vocals'' or, particularly in the United States and Canada, ''backup singers'' or sometimes ''background singers'', or ''harmony vocalists''.


==Examples==
== Terminology ==
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While some bands use performers whose sole on-stage role is performing backing vocals, it is common for backing singers to have other roles. Two notable examples of band members who sang back-up are [[The Beach Boys]] and [[The Beatles]]. The Beach Boys were well known for their close vocal harmonies, occasionally with all five members singing at once such as "[[In My Room]]" and "[[Surfer Girl (song)|Surfer Girl]]".


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Alternative terms for backing vocalists include ''backing singer'', ''backing vocals'', ''additional vocals'' or, particularly in the United States and Canada, ''backup singer,'' ''background singer'', or ''harmony''. In [[a capella]] performances a backing vocalist can be said to be singing 'backapella'.<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://vulfpeck.bandcamp.com/track/back-pocket-2|title=Back Pocket}}</ref>
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The Beatles were also known for their close style of vocal harmonies{{opinion|date=September 2011}} – all Beatles members sang both lead and backing vocals at some point, especially [[John Lennon]] and [[Paul McCartney]], who frequently supported each other with harmonies, often with fellow Beatle [[George Harrison]] joining in. [[Ringo Starr]], while not as prominent in the role of backing singer as his three bandmates due to his distinctive voice, can be heard singing backing vocals in such tracks as "[[The Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill]]" and "[[Carry That Weight]]". Examples of three-part harmonies by Lennon, McCartney and Harrison include "[[Nowhere Man (song)|Nowhere Man]]", "[[Because (The Beatles song)|Because]]", "[[Day Tripper]]", and "[[This Boy]]".
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The members of [[Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young]] and [[Bee Gees]] all each wrote songs and sang back-up or lead vocals and played various instruments on their albums and various collaborations with each other.


== Examples ==
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==Lead singers who record backing vocals==
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In the recording studio, some lead singers record their own backing vocals by [[overdubbing]] with a [[multitrack recording]] system. A multitrack recording system enables the [[record producer]] to add many layers of recordings over top of each other. Using a multitrack system, a lead vocalist can record his or her own backing vocals, and then record the lead vocal part over top. Some lead vocalists prefer this approach because the sound of their own harmonies will blend well with their main vocal.


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While some bands use performers whose sole on-stage role is backing vocals, backing singers commonly have other roles. Two notable examples of band members who sang back-up are [[The Beach Boys]] and [[The Beatles]]. The Beach Boys were well known for their close vocal harmonies, occasionally with all five members singing at once such as "[[In My Room]]" and "[[Surfer Girl (song)|Surfer Girl]]".
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One famous example is [[Freddie Mercury]] of [[Queen (band)|Queen]] singing the first part of "[[Bohemian Rhapsody]]" himself by overdubbing.<ref>{{cite web|last1=McAlpine|first1=Fraser|title=10 Things You May Not Know About Queen's 'Bohemian Rhapsody'|url=http://www.bbcamerica.com/anglophenia/2015/10/10-things-you-may-not-know-about-queens-bohemian-rhapsody|publisher=[[BBC America]]|access-date=16 May 2017|date=10 October 2015}}</ref> [[Patrick Stump]] of [[Fall Out Boy]], [[Tom DeLonge]] of [[Angels and Airwaves]], [[Wednesday 13]] in his own band and [[Murderdolls]], [[Ian Gillan]] of [[Deep Purple]], [[Simon Le Bon]] of [[Duran Duran]], and [[Brad Delp]] of [[Boston (band)|Boston]], also recorded lead and backing vocals for their albums.


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The Beatles were also known for their close style of vocal harmonies{{opinion|date=September 2011}} – all of them sang both lead and backing vocals at some point, especially [[John Lennon]] and [[Paul McCartney]], who frequently supported each other with harmonies, often with fellow Beatle [[George Harrison]] joining in. [[Ringo Starr]], while not as prominent as a backup singer due to his distinctive voice, sings backing vocals in such tracks as "[[The Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill]]" and "[[Carry That Weight]]". Examples of three-part harmonies by Lennon, McCartney and Harrison include "[[Nowhere Man (song)|Nowhere Man]]", "[[Because (The Beatles song)|Because]]", "[[Day Tripper]]", and "[[This Boy]]".
With the exception of a few songs on each album, [[Michael Jackson]], [[Prince (musician)|Prince]], [[Dan Fogelberg]], [[Eddie Rabbitt]], [[David Bowie]] and [[Richard Marx]] sing all of the background vocals for their songs. [[Robert Smith (musician)|Robert Smith]] of [[the Cure]] and [[Kelly Clarkson]] (in most cases)<ref>{{Citation|title=Kelly Clarkson - Because of You (LIVE @ GRAMMY 2006)|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hc6N3ajmD38|language=en|access-date=2021-05-14}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=Presley Tennant & Kelly Clarkson - Because Of You (Vegas 5-24-2019)|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YV1I1RQ82T8|language=en|access-date=2021-05-14}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=Kelly Clarkson - Addicted (Take 40 Live Lounge)|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37QoQLHbyyo|language=en|access-date=2021-05-14}}</ref> not only sings their own backing vocals in the studio, but also doesn't perform with backing vocalists when playing live.
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The members of [[Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young]] and [[Bee Gees]] each wrote songs, sang backup or lead vocals, and played various instruments in their performances and recordings.


==Uncredited backing vocals==
== Lyrics ==
In the lyrics, the backing vocals are standardly written in parentheses to differentiate them from the main vocals, which are written without any markup. The backing vocals for a line may come in mid-line, or even after the main lyrics have already been sung. Vocalizing is fairly common so as to not detract from the meaning of the lyrics of the primary vocals. The sound of the backing vocals is often in a differing style (e.g., either more muted or pitched up) so as to complement rather than compete with the main parts.
Notable uncredited background vocals appear in the following songs:
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* [[John Lennon]] and [[Paul McCartney]] performed on [[the Rolling Stones]]' "[[We Love You]]".<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1CAvwZPKTkoC&q=stones+%22we+love+you%22+lennon&pg=PA129|title=The Beatles As Musicians: Revolver through the Anthology|page=129|first=Walter|last=Everett|date=31 March 1999|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=9780199880935|access-date=28 August 2018|via=Google Books}}</ref>
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*[[Patti Labelle]] on [[Kanye West]]'s "Roses" from the album ''[[Late Registration]]''. She said the liner notes were already printed when she lent her vocals to the track.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Frampton|first1=Scott|title=What's Playing in Patti LaBelle's Ear?|url=http://www.oprah.com/omagazine/patti-labelles-favorite-music|website=Oprah.com|publisher=Harpo Productions, Inc.|access-date=2017-12-30}}</ref>
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*[[Ronnie Spector]] on [[Eddie Money]]'s "[[Take Me Home Tonight (song)|Take Me Home Tonight]]", from [[the Ronettes]]' 1963 hit "[[Be My Baby]]".
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* "[[The Wallflower (Dance with Me, Henry)|Roll with Me, Henry]]" by [[Etta James]] includes [[Richard Berry (musician)|Richard Berry]], author of "[[Louie Louie]]", performing the role of "Henry".<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DykffzkFALoC&q=wallflower+%22Richard+Berry%22&pg=PA31|title=Rock Obituaries: Knocking On Heaven's Door|first=Nick|last=Talevski|date=7 April 2010|publisher=Omnibus Press|page=31|isbn=9780857121172|access-date=28 August 2018|via=Google Books}}</ref>
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* [[Sam Cooke]]'s "[[Bring It On Home to Me]]" has vocal responses by [[Lou Rawls]] matching Cooke word for word and note for note.<ref>Talevski, p.535</ref>
* [[Mick Jagger]] performs background vocals on [[Carly Simon]]'s recording of "[[You're So Vain]]", which led to the apparently erroneous theory that the song was about Jagger.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.carlysimon.com/vain/vain.html|title=Carly Simon.com|website=Carlysimon.com|access-date=27 July 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090209193126/http://www.carlysimon.com/vain/vain.html|archive-date=9 February 2009}}</ref>
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* [[Jonathan Richman]]'s "The Neighbors" features Jody Ross.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.warr.org/richman.html|title=Jonathan Richman and the Modern Lovers|website=Warr.org|access-date=27 July 2017}}</ref>
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* [[Andrew Gold]]'s<!--ACCORDING TO MULTIPLE RELIABLE SOURCES, FREDDIE MERCURY PERFORMED AS AN UNCREDITED BACKGROUND SINGER. DO NOT REMOVE HIS NAME ON THE GROUNDS THAT HE WAS NOT LISTED IN THE ALBUM CREDITS, AS THIS CONSTITUTES VANDALISM AND WILL BE REVERTED. IF YOU WISH TO CONTEST MERCURY'S INVOLVEMENT, FIND A CITE FROM A RELIABLE THIRD PARTY PUBLICATION WHICH ASSERTS THAT HE DID NOT APPEAR ON THE TRACK, THEN RAISE THE ISSUE ON THE TALK PAGE.--> "[[Never Let Her Slip Away]]" features harmony vocals from [[Freddie Mercury]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://top500.smoothradio.com/2015/chart/position/318/ |title=Top 500 |publisher=[[Smooth Radio (2010)|Smooth Radio]] |access-date=2 September 2016 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150410033547/http://top500.smoothradio.com/2015/chart/position/318/ |archive-date=10 April 2015 }}</ref><ref>Sweeting, Adam. [https://www.theguardian.com/music/2011/jun/06/andrew-gold-obituary Andrew Gold obituary]. ''[[The Guardian]]''. June 6, 2011. Retrieved September 15, 2011.</ref><ref>"Never Let Her Slip Away". ''[[Johnnie Walker (DJ)|Johnnie Walker's Sounds of the 70s]]''. [[BBC Radio 2]]. 5 Feb 2012.</ref><ref>O'Neal, Sean. [http://www.avclub.com/articles/rip-andrew-gold-songwriter-of-lonely-boy-and-the-g,57142/ R.I.P. Andrew Gold, songwriter of "Lonely Boy" and ''The Golden Girls'' theme]. ''[[The A.V. Club]]''. June 6, 2011. Retrieved August 14, 2013.</ref><ref>[http://www.contactmusic.com/news/singersongwriter-andrew-gold-dies_1224195 Singer/Songwriter Andrew Gold Dies]. [[Contactmusic.com|Contactmusic]]. June 6, 2011. Retrieved September 15, 2011.</ref><ref>[http://blogs.abc.net.au/wa/2011/06/andrew-gold-lonely-boy-.html Drive with Russell Woolf; Andrew Gold – Lonely Boy] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130310062618/http://blogs.abc.net.au/wa/2011/06/andrew-gold-lonely-boy-.html |date=2013-03-10 }}. [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]]. June 16, 2011. Retrieved August 14, 2013.</ref>
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* [[Rockwell (musician)|Rockwell]]'s "Somebody's Watching Me" featured backing vocals by [[Jermaine Jackson]] and [[Michael Jackson]].<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yb_ghov9uEMC&q=%22backing+singer%22+uncredited&pg=PA58|title=Michael Jackson the Solo Years|first1=Craig|last1=Halstead|first2=Chris|last2=Cadman|date=28 August 2018|publisher=Authors On Line Ltd|page=58|isbn=9780755200917|access-date=28 August 2018|via=Google Books}}</ref>
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* "[[Bad Blood (Neil Sedaka song)|Bad Blood]]" by [[Neil Sedaka]] features backing vocals by [[Elton John]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ovguide.com/bad-blood-9202a8c04000641f800000000473a1fd|title=Bad Blood Music Video|website=OVGuide|access-date=27 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170823073503/https://www.ovguide.com/bad-blood-9202a8c04000641f800000000473a1fd|archive-date=23 August 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
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* [[Usher (entertainer)|Usher]]'s "Superstar" feature vocals from [[Faith Evans]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Ramirez|first=Erika|title=Usher's 'Confessions' at 10: An Oral History with Lil Jon, Jermaine Dupri & More|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/5944807/usher-s-confessions-at-10-an-oral-history-with-lil-jon-jermaine-dupri-more?page=0%2C1|website=Billboard.com|access-date=March 22, 2014}}</ref>
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* [[Paul McCartney]] can be heard as one of the background revellers on [[Donovan]]'s 1966 "[[Mellow Yellow]]". (Contrary to popular belief, it is not McCartney whispering the "quite rightly" answering lines in the chorus, but rather Donovan himself).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://donovan-unofficial.com/music/albums/mellow_yellow.html |title=Mellow Yellow |publisher=Donovan Unofficial |access-date=26 July 2014}}</ref>
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* [[Mýa]] performs background vocals on "[[Get None]]", the debut single released by singer [[Tamar Braxton]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Revisiting the Overlooked Debut Album from Tamar Braxton, "Tamar" from 2000|url=http://youknowigotsoul.com/revisiting-the-overlooked-debut-album-from-tamar-braxton-tamar-in-2000|website=Youknowigotsoul.com|publisher=You Know I Got Soul|access-date=2015-12-13}}</ref>
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* [[Al B. Sure!]] contributed background vocals to [[Guy (band)|Guy]]'s song "You Can Call Me Crazy". According to producer [[Teddy Riley (producer)|Teddy Riley]], the song was originally planned for Sure!'s debut album ''[[In Effect Mode]]'' but the song never made the final cut.<ref>{{cite web|title=Class Of '88: GUY|url=http://allhiphop.com/2008/07/21/class-of-88-guy/|website=Allhiphop.com|access-date=2015-04-15}}</ref>
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* [[Mint Condition (band)|Mint Condition]] frontman [[Stokley Williams]] performs background vocals on "The Curse Of The Gifted", from [[Wale (rapper)|Wale]]'s 2013 album ''[[The Gifted (album)|The Gifted]]''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Phillips|first=Noel|title=EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: STOKLEY WILLIAMS SPEAKS ON PRODUCING WALE'S "THE GIFTED" LP|url=http://respect-mag.com/exclusive-interview-stokley-williams-speaks-on-producing-wales-the-gifted-lp/|website=Respect-mag.com|access-date=2015-05-06}}</ref>
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*[[Eric Roberson]] performs background vocals on [[Cam'ron]]'s song "Tomorrow" from his 2002 album, ''[[Come Home with Me]]''.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Whitener|first1=Connie|title=5 things you did not know about Eric Roberson|url=http://m.axs.com/5-things-you-did-not-know-about-eric-roberson-34084|website=Axs.com|publisher=AXS|access-date=2016-02-18}}</ref>
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* [[Anelia]] performs vocals on [[Andrea (Bulgarian singer)|Andrea]]'s 2014 song ''Най-добрата'' (Nay-dobrata).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://signal.bg/view_article.php?article_id=34040|title=ВИЖ "Най-добрата" на Андреа - Попфолк - Signal.bg|website=Signal.bg|access-date=27 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701040655/http://signal.bg/view_article.php?article_id=34040|archive-date=1 July 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>
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* [[Jamie Foxx]] performs vocals on [[Ariana Grande]]'s 2015 single "[[Focus (Ariana Grande song)|Focus]]".<ref>{{cite web|last1=Goodman|first1=Jessica|title=Ariana Grande reveals Jamie Foxx's vocals are featured on 'Focus'|url=http://www.ew.com/article/2015/10/31/ariana-grande-jamie-foxx-focus|website=Ew.com|publisher=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=2015-12-08}}</ref>
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* [[Ina Wroldsen]] performs vocals on [[Calvin Harris]]'s and [[Disciples (production team)|Disciples]]'s 2015 song "[[How Deep Is Your Love (Calvin Harris and Disciples song)|How Deep Is Your Love]]".<ref name="idolator1">{{cite web|last1=Daw|first1=Robbie|title=Calvin Harris & Disciples' "How Deep Is Your Love": Listen To The Full Song|url=http://www.idolator.com/7600615/calvin-harris-disciples-how-deep-is-your-love-listen-ina-wroldsen|website=[[Idolator (website)|Idolator]]|access-date=17 July 2015|date=15 July 2015}}</ref>
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* [[Iselin Solheim]] performs vocals on [[Alan Walker (music producer)|Alan Walker]]'s 2015 song "[[Faded (Alan Walker song)|Faded]]", and his 2016 song "[[Sing Me to Sleep]]".<ref name="popcrush.com">{{cite web|url=http://popcrush.com/best-songs-we-heard-this-week-jeremih-the-1975-alan-walker-more/|title=Best Songs We Heard This Week: Jeremih, The 1975, Alan Walker + More|website=Popcrush.com}}</ref>


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== Lead singers who record backing vocals ==
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==See also==
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*[[List of backing groups]]
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*[[Nebenstimme]]
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*[[Vocaloid|VOCALOID]]
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*''[[20 Feet from Stardom]]'' (2013 documentary film on backing singers)


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In the recording studio, some lead singers record their own backing vocals by [[overdubbing]] with a [[multitrack recording]] system, record their own backing vocals, then recording the lead part over them. Some lead vocalists prefer this approach because multiple parts recorded by the same singer blend well.
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==References==

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A famous example overdubbing is [[Freddie Mercury]]'s multipart intro to [[Queen (band)|Queen]]'s "[[Bohemian Rhapsody]]".<ref>{{cite web|last1=McAlpine|first1=Fraser|title=10 Things You May Not Know About Queen's 'Bohemian Rhapsody'|url=http://www.bbcamerica.com/anglophenia/2015/10/10-things-you-may-not-know-about-queens-bohemian-rhapsody|publisher=[[BBC America]]|access-date=16 May 2017|date=10 October 2015}}</ref> Other artists who have recorded multitrack lead and backing vocals include [[Patrick Stump]] of [[Fall Out Boy]], [[Tom DeLonge]] of [[Blink-182]] and [[Angels and Airwaves]], [[Wednesday 13]] in his own band and [[Murderdolls]], [[Ian Gillan]] of [[Deep Purple]], [[Brendon Urie]] of [[Panic! at the Disco]], [[Simon Le Bon]] of [[Duran Duran]], and [[Brad Delp]] of [[Boston (band)|Boston]].

With the exception of a few songs on each album, [[Michael Jackson]], [[Janet Jackson]], [[Prince (musician)|Prince]], [[Dan Fogelberg]], [[Eddie Rabbitt]], [[David Bowie]], [[Harry Nilsson]], and [[Richard Marx]] sing all of the background vocals for their songs. [[Robert Smith (musician)|Robert Smith]] of [[the Cure]] sings his own backing vocals in the studio, and doesn't use backing vocalists when performing live.

== Uncredited backing vocals ==

Prominent vocalists who provide backing vocals in other artists' recordings are often uncredited to avoid conflicts with their own recording agreements, and for other reasons. Examples include:

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* "[[The Wallflower (Dance with Me, Henry)|Roll with Me, Henry]]" by [[Etta James]], which includes [[Richard Berry (musician)|Richard Berry]], author of "[[Louie Louie]]", performing the role of Henry.<ref>{{cite book |last=Talevski |first=Nick |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DykffzkFALoC&q=wallflower+%22Richard+Berry%22&pg=PA31 |title=Rock Obituaries: Knocking On Heaven's Door |date=7 April 2010 |publisher=Omnibus Press |isbn=9780857121172 |page=31 |access-date=28 August 2018 |via=Google Books}}</ref>
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* [[Sam Cooke]]'s "[[Bring It On Home to Me]]", with vocal "echo" responses by [[Lou Rawls]].<ref>Talevski, p.535</ref>
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* [[John Lennon]] and [[Paul McCartney]] on [[the Rolling Stones]]' "[[We Love You]]".<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1CAvwZPKTkoC&q=stones+%22we+love+you%22+lennon&pg=PA129|title=The Beatles As Musicians: Revolver through the Anthology|page=129|first=Walter|last=Everett|date=31 March 1999|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=9780199880935|access-date=28 August 2018|via=Google Books}}</ref>
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* [[Ronnie Spector]] on [[Eddie Money]]'s "[[Take Me Home Tonight (song)|Take Me Home Tonight]]", from [[the Ronettes]]' 1963 hit "[[Be My Baby]]".
* [[Mick Jagger]] doing background vocals on [[Carly Simon]]'s recording of "[[You're So Vain]]", which led to the erroneous theory that the song was about Jagger.
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* [[Paul McCartney]] as one of the background revellers on [[Donovan]]'s 1966 "[[Mellow Yellow]]". (Contrary to popular belief, McCartney does not whisper "quite rightly" in the chorus, but Donovan himself).<ref>{{cite web |title=Mellow Yellow |url=http://donovan-unofficial.com/music/albums/mellow_yellow.html |access-date=26 July 2014 |publisher=Donovan Unofficial |archive-date=5 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305055557/http://donovan-unofficial.com/music/albums/mellow_yellow.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>
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* [[Andrew Gold]]'s<!-- ACCORDING TO MULTIPLE RELIABLE SOURCES, FREDDIE MERCURY PERFORMED AS AN UNCREDITED BACKGROUND SINGER. DO NOT REMOVE HIS NAME ON THE GROUNDS THAT HE WAS NOT LISTED IN THE ALBUM CREDITS, AS THIS CONSTITUTES VANDALISM AND WILL BE REVERTED. IF YOU WISH TO CONTEST MERCURY'S INVOLVEMENT, FIND A CITE FROM A RELIABLE THIRD PARTY PUBLICATION WHICH ASSERTS THAT HE DID NOT APPEAR ON THE TRACK, THEN RAISE THE ISSUE ON THE TALK PAGE. --> "[[Never Let Her Slip Away]]", with harmony vocals by [[Freddie Mercury]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Top 500 |url=http://top500.smoothradio.com/2015/chart/position/318/ |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150410033547/http://top500.smoothradio.com/2015/chart/position/318/ |archive-date=10 April 2015 |access-date=2 September 2016 |publisher=[[Smooth Radio (2010)|Smooth Radio]]}}</ref><ref>Sweeting, Adam. [https://www.theguardian.com/music/2011/jun/06/andrew-gold-obituary Andrew Gold obituary]. ''[[The Guardian]]''. June 6, 2011. Retrieved September 15, 2011.</ref><ref>"Never Let Her Slip Away". ''[[Johnnie Walker (DJ)|Johnnie Walker's Sounds of the 70s]]''. [[BBC Radio 2]]. 5 Feb 2012.</ref><ref>O'Neal, Sean. [http://www.avclub.com/articles/rip-andrew-gold-songwriter-of-lonely-boy-and-the-g,57142/ R.I.P. Andrew Gold, songwriter of "Lonely Boy" and ''The Golden Girls'' theme]. ''[[The A.V. Club]]''. June 6, 2011. Retrieved August 14, 2013.</ref><ref>[http://www.contactmusic.com/news/singersongwriter-andrew-gold-dies_1224195 Singer/Songwriter Andrew Gold Dies]. [[Contactmusic.com|Contactmusic]]. June 6, 2011. Retrieved September 15, 2011.</ref><ref>[http://blogs.abc.net.au/wa/2011/06/andrew-gold-lonely-boy-.html Drive with Russell Woolf; Andrew Gold – Lonely Boy] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130310062618/http://blogs.abc.net.au/wa/2011/06/andrew-gold-lonely-boy-.html|date=2013-03-10}}. [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]]. June 16, 2011. Retrieved August 14, 2013.</ref>
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* [[Jonathan Richman]]'s "The Neighbors", featuring Jody Ross.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.warr.org/richman.html|title=Jonathan Richman and the Modern Lovers|website=Warr.org|access-date=27 July 2017}}</ref>
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* [[Rockwell (musician)|Rockwell]]'s "Somebody's Watching Me", with backing vocals by [[Jermaine Jackson]] and [[Michael Jackson]].<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yb_ghov9uEMC&q=%22backing+singer%22+uncredited&pg=PA58|title=Michael Jackson the Solo Years|first1=Craig|last1=Halstead|first2=Chris|last2=Cadman|date=28 August 2018|publisher=Authors On Line Ltd|page=58|isbn=9780755200917|access-date=28 August 2018|via=Google Books}}</ref>
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* "[[Bad Blood (Neil Sedaka song)|Bad Blood]]" by [[Neil Sedaka]], with backing vocals by [[Elton John]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ovguide.com/bad-blood-9202a8c04000641f800000000473a1fd|title=Bad Blood Music Video|website=OVGuide|access-date=27 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170823073503/https://www.ovguide.com/bad-blood-9202a8c04000641f800000000473a1fd|archive-date=23 August 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
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* [[Patti LaBelle]] on [[Kanye West]]'s "Roses" from the album ''[[Late Registration]]''. She said the liner notes were already printed when she lent her vocals to the track.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Frampton |first1=Scott |title=What's Playing in Patti LaBelle's Ear? |url=http://www.oprah.com/omagazine/patti-labelles-favorite-music |access-date=2017-12-30 |website=Oprah.com |publisher=Harpo Productions, Inc.}}</ref>
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* [[Usher (entertainer)|Usher]]'s "Superstar", with vocals by [[Faith Evans]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Ramirez|first=Erika|title=Usher's 'Confessions' at 10: An Oral History with Lil Jon, Jermaine Dupri & More|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/5944807/usher-s-confessions-at-10-an-oral-history-with-lil-jon-jermaine-dupri-more?page=0%2C1|website=Billboard.com|access-date=March 22, 2014}}</ref>
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* [[Mýa]]'s background vocals on "Get None", the debut single by [[Tamar Braxton]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Revisiting the Overlooked Debut Album from Tamar Braxton, "Tamar" from 2000|url=http://youknowigotsoul.com/revisiting-the-overlooked-debut-album-from-tamar-braxton-tamar-in-2000|website=Youknowigotsoul.com|publisher=You Know I Got Soul|access-date=2015-12-13}}</ref>
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* [[Al B. Sure!]]'s background vocals in [[Guy (band)|Guy]]'s song "You Can Call Me Crazy". (According to producer [[Teddy Riley (producer)|Teddy Riley]], the song was originally planned for Sure!'s debut album ''[[In Effect Mode]]'' but didn't make the final cut.<ref>{{cite web|title=Class Of '88: GUY|url=http://allhiphop.com/2008/07/21/class-of-88-guy/|website=Allhiphop.com|date=21 July 2008 |access-date=2015-04-15}}</ref>)
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* [[Mint Condition (band)|Mint Condition]] frontman [[Stokley Williams]] doing background vocals on "The Curse Of The Gifted" from [[Wale (rapper)|Wale]]'s 2013 album ''[[The Gifted (album)|The Gifted]]''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Phillips|first=Noel|title=EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: STOKLEY WILLIAMS SPEAKS ON PRODUCING WALE'S "THE GIFTED" LP|url=http://respect-mag.com/exclusive-interview-stokley-williams-speaks-on-producing-wales-the-gifted-lp/|website=Respect-mag.com|date=16 July 2013 |access-date=2015-05-06}}</ref>
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* [[Eric Roberson]]'s background vocals on [[Cam'ron]]'s song "Tomorrow" from his 2002 album ''[[Come Home with Me]]''.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Whitener|first1=Connie|title=5 things you did not know about Eric Roberson|url=http://m.axs.com/5-things-you-did-not-know-about-eric-roberson-34084|website=Axs.com|publisher=AXS|access-date=2016-02-18}}</ref>
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* [[Anelia]]'s vocals on [[Andrea (Bulgarian singer)|Andrea]]'s 2014 song ''Най-добрата'' (Nay-dobrata).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://signal.bg/view_article.php?article_id=34040|title=ВИЖ "Най-добрата" на Андреа - Попфолк - Signal.bg|website=Signal.bg|access-date=27 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701040655/http://signal.bg/view_article.php?article_id=34040|archive-date=1 July 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>
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* [[Jamie Foxx]]'s vocals on [[Ariana Grande]]'s 2015 single "[[Focus (Ariana Grande song)|Focus]]".<ref>{{cite web|last1=Goodman|first1=Jessica|title=Ariana Grande reveals Jamie Foxx's vocals are featured on 'Focus'|url=http://www.ew.com/article/2015/10/31/ariana-grande-jamie-foxx-focus|website=Ew.com|publisher=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=2015-12-08}}</ref>
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* [[Ina Wroldsen]]'s vocals on [[Calvin Harris]]'s and [[Disciples (production team)|Disciples]]'s 2015 song "[[How Deep Is Your Love (Calvin Harris and Disciples song)|How Deep Is Your Love]]".<ref name="idolator1">{{cite web|last1=Daw|first1=Robbie|title=Calvin Harris & Disciples' "How Deep Is Your Love": Listen To The Full Song|url=http://www.idolator.com/7600615/calvin-harris-disciples-how-deep-is-your-love-listen-ina-wroldsen|website=[[Idolator (website)|Idolator]]|access-date=17 July 2015|date=15 July 2015}}</ref>
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* [[Iselin Solheim]]'s vocals on [[Alan Walker (music producer)|Alan Walker]]'s 2015 song "[[Faded (Alan Walker song)|Faded]]", and his 2016 song "[[Sing Me to Sleep]]".<ref name="popcrush.com">{{cite web|url=http://popcrush.com/best-songs-we-heard-this-week-jeremih-the-1975-alan-walker-more/|title=Best Songs We Heard This Week: Jeremih, The 1975, Alan Walker + More|website=Popcrush.com}}</ref>
* [[Beyoncé]]'s background vocals on [[Coldplay]]'s 2015 song "[[Hymn for the Weekend]]" from their album ''[[A Head Full of Dreams]]''.

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== See also ==

* [[Hype man]], a type of backing vocalist especially in hip hop music
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* [[List of backing groups]]
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* [[Nebenstimme]]
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* [[Vocaloid|VOCALOID]]
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* ''[[20 Feet from Stardom]]'' (2013 documentary film on backing singers)

⚫
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
{{Commons category|Backing vocalists}}
{{Commons category|Backing vocalists}}

* [http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00kgfc1 R.E.S.P.E.C.T - The Art of Backing Vocals] (BBC Radio 4 programme)
* [http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00kgfc1 R.E.S.P.E.C.T - The Art of Backing Vocals] (BBC Radio 4 programme)


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[[Category:Occupations in music]]
[[Category:Occupations in music]]
[[Category:Singing]]
[[Category:Singing]]
[[Category:Musical terminology]]
[[Category:Accompaniment]]
[[Category:Temporary employment]]

Latest revision as of 19:51, 11 June 2024

One of the Wives, the backing vocalists for English singer Ebony Bones

A backing vocalist is a singer who provides vocal harmony with the lead vocalist or other backing vocalists. A backing vocalist may also sing alone as a lead-in to the main vocalist's entry or to sing a counter-melody. Backing vocalists are used in a broad range of popular music, traditional music, and world music styles.

Solo artists may employ professional backing vocalists in studio recording sessions as well as during concerts. In many rock and metal bands (e.g., the power trio), the musicians doing backing vocals also play instruments, such as guitar, electric bass or keyboards. In Latin or Afro-Cuban groups, backing singers may play percussion instruments or shakers while singing. In some pop and hip-hop groups and in musical theater, they may be required to perform dance routines while singing through headset microphones.

Styles of background vocals vary according to the type of song and genre of music. In pop and country songs, backing vocalists may sing harmony to support the lead vocalist. In hardcore punk or rockabilly, other band members who play instruments may sing or shout backing vocals during the chorus (refrain) section of the songs.

Terminology[edit]

Alternative terms for backing vocalists include backing singer, backing vocals, additional vocals or, particularly in the United States and Canada, backup singer, background singer, or harmony. In a capella performances a backing vocalist can be said to be singing 'backapella'.[1]

Examples[edit]

While some bands use performers whose sole on-stage role is backing vocals, backing singers commonly have other roles. Two notable examples of band members who sang back-up are The Beach Boys and The Beatles. The Beach Boys were well known for their close vocal harmonies, occasionally with all five members singing at once such as "In My Room" and "Surfer Girl".

The Beatles were also known for their close style of vocal harmonies[opinion] – all of them sang both lead and backing vocals at some point, especially John Lennon and Paul McCartney, who frequently supported each other with harmonies, often with fellow Beatle George Harrison joining in. Ringo Starr, while not as prominent as a backup singer due to his distinctive voice, sings backing vocals in such tracks as "The Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill" and "Carry That Weight". Examples of three-part harmonies by Lennon, McCartney and Harrison include "Nowhere Man", "Because", "Day Tripper", and "This Boy". The members of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young and Bee Gees each wrote songs, sang backup or lead vocals, and played various instruments in their performances and recordings.

Lyrics[edit]

In the lyrics, the backing vocals are standardly written in parentheses to differentiate them from the main vocals, which are written without any markup. The backing vocals for a line may come in mid-line, or even after the main lyrics have already been sung. Vocalizing is fairly common so as to not detract from the meaning of the lyrics of the primary vocals. The sound of the backing vocals is often in a differing style (e.g., either more muted or pitched up) so as to complement rather than compete with the main parts.

Lead singers who record backing vocals[edit]

In the recording studio, some lead singers record their own backing vocals by overdubbing with a multitrack recording system, record their own backing vocals, then recording the lead part over them. Some lead vocalists prefer this approach because multiple parts recorded by the same singer blend well.

A famous example overdubbing is Freddie Mercury's multipart intro to Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody".[2] Other artists who have recorded multitrack lead and backing vocals include Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy, Tom DeLonge of Blink-182 and Angels and Airwaves, Wednesday 13 in his own band and Murderdolls, Ian Gillan of Deep Purple, Brendon Urie of Panic! at the Disco, Simon Le Bon of Duran Duran, and Brad Delp of Boston.

With the exception of a few songs on each album, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Prince, Dan Fogelberg, Eddie Rabbitt, David Bowie, Harry Nilsson, and Richard Marx sing all of the background vocals for their songs. Robert Smith of the Cure sings his own backing vocals in the studio, and doesn't use backing vocalists when performing live.

Uncredited backing vocals[edit]

Prominent vocalists who provide backing vocals in other artists' recordings are often uncredited to avoid conflicts with their own recording agreements, and for other reasons. Examples include:

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Back Pocket.
  2. ^ McAlpine, Fraser (10 October 2015). "10 Things You May Not Know About Queen's 'Bohemian Rhapsody'". BBC America. Retrieved 16 May 2017.
  3. ^ Talevski, Nick (7 April 2010). Rock Obituaries: Knocking On Heaven's Door. Omnibus Press. p. 31. ISBN 9780857121172. Retrieved 28 August 2018 – via Google Books.
  4. ^ Talevski, p.535
  5. ^ Everett, Walter (31 March 1999). The Beatles As Musicians: Revolver through the Anthology. Oxford University Press. p. 129. ISBN 9780199880935. Retrieved 28 August 2018 – via Google Books.
  6. ^ "Mellow Yellow". Donovan Unofficial. Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 26 July 2014.
  7. ^ "Top 500". Smooth Radio. Archived from the original on 10 April 2015. Retrieved 2 September 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  8. ^ Sweeting, Adam. Andrew Gold obituary. The Guardian. June 6, 2011. Retrieved September 15, 2011.
  9. ^ "Never Let Her Slip Away". Johnnie Walker's Sounds of the 70s. BBC Radio 2. 5 Feb 2012.
  10. ^ O'Neal, Sean. R.I.P. Andrew Gold, songwriter of "Lonely Boy" and The Golden Girls theme. The A.V. Club. June 6, 2011. Retrieved August 14, 2013.
  11. ^ Singer/Songwriter Andrew Gold Dies. Contactmusic. June 6, 2011. Retrieved September 15, 2011.
  12. ^ Drive with Russell Woolf; Andrew Gold – Lonely Boy Archived 2013-03-10 at the Wayback Machine. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. June 16, 2011. Retrieved August 14, 2013.
  13. ^ "Jonathan Richman and the Modern Lovers". Warr.org. Retrieved 27 July 2017.
  14. ^ Halstead, Craig; Cadman, Chris (28 August 2018). Michael Jackson the Solo Years. Authors On Line Ltd. p. 58. ISBN 9780755200917. Retrieved 28 August 2018 – via Google Books.
  15. ^ "Bad Blood Music Video". OVGuide. Archived from the original on 23 August 2017. Retrieved 27 July 2017.
  16. ^ Frampton, Scott. "What's Playing in Patti LaBelle's Ear?". Oprah.com. Harpo Productions, Inc. Retrieved 2017-12-30.
  17. ^ Ramirez, Erika. "Usher's 'Confessions' at 10: An Oral History with Lil Jon, Jermaine Dupri & More". Billboard.com. Retrieved March 22, 2014.
  18. ^ "Revisiting the Overlooked Debut Album from Tamar Braxton, "Tamar" from 2000". Youknowigotsoul.com. You Know I Got Soul. Retrieved 2015-12-13.
  19. ^ "Class Of '88: GUY". Allhiphop.com. 21 July 2008. Retrieved 2015-04-15.
  20. ^ Phillips, Noel (16 July 2013). "EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: STOKLEY WILLIAMS SPEAKS ON PRODUCING WALE'S "THE GIFTED" LP". Respect-mag.com. Retrieved 2015-05-06.
  21. ^ Whitener, Connie. "5 things you did not know about Eric Roberson". Axs.com. AXS. Retrieved 2016-02-18.
  22. ^ "ВИЖ "Най-добрата" на Андреа - Попфолк - Signal.bg". Signal.bg. Archived from the original on 1 July 2015. Retrieved 27 July 2017.
  23. ^ Goodman, Jessica. "Ariana Grande reveals Jamie Foxx's vocals are featured on 'Focus'". Ew.com. Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 2015-12-08.
  24. ^ Daw, Robbie (15 July 2015). "Calvin Harris & Disciples' "How Deep Is Your Love": Listen To The Full Song". Idolator. Retrieved 17 July 2015.
  25. ^ "Best Songs We Heard This Week: Jeremih, The 1975, Alan Walker + More". Popcrush.com.

External links[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Backing vocalists.
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