[gloco]

Borrowing on a comment redshifter made regarding U2 and the Edge, i decided this would be an interesting thread. My vote goes to Michael Anthony from Van Halen.

What's your favorite backup singer in a band?

 

[williamgoody]

Pete Townshend.

 

[redshifter]

well, the edge often sounds like he has a better voice than bono. of course the edge's voice is almost identical to bono's, and he doesn't have to wear it out every night.

i always liked jerry cantrell's close harmony singing in alice in chains.

of course this is more of a duet, but john lennon's backing vocals for paul's songs were always wonderful, and usually had an interesting lyrical counterpoint to paul's lyrics.

 

[markl]

Isn't it Cissy Houston, Whitney's mom who was on a lot of the great 60's soul classics?

Mark

 

[zoboomofo]

Martin Gore adds some pretty surreal backing when David Gahan does lead for Depeche Mode.

 

[sapphiremodena]

Hawksley Workman in a few Sarah Slean songs and Sarah Slean in a couple Hawksley Workman songs.

I also agree with Pete Townshend.

Other than that I can't say I know of many backup singers.

 

[skippy]

i'll second the martin gore from depeche mode. in fact, i think he's a much better vocalist than dave gahan. at times i wish dave would just leave so martin could do all the vocals.

 

[redshifter]

remember, being the lead singer in a band is a lot more than just having a pretty voice. you are the face and attitude of the band, and are literally in the spotlight for every show. it is the hardest job in any band, one that i know i wouldn't want.

 

[neil]

I like Shakira's backup singer -- anything to cover up her voice.

But on a more serious tip -- Sarah McLachlan's backup singer, Camille Henderson.

 

[daycart1]

On recordings, I think that singers nowadays back themselves up. I remember back in the old days when Lisa Stansfield's first album came out I liked the sound of her voice and bought the CD. Hearing it on decent equipment I thought: "Her voice isn't so special after all...those two backup singers sound just as good."
I had to listen a second time to realize they were all her!
Of course performing live, the crummy backups detract from the overdubbed recorded experience!