As music lovers, we all know that a great song is not just about the lead singer. Sometimes, it's the backing vocals that truly elevate a track and make it unforgettable. It is unfortunate that we end up just knowing the singer and forget about who are responsible for making the song great.
From gospel-inspired harmonies to soulful ad-libs, these unsung heroes of the music industry deserve recognition for their incredible contributions to some of our favorite songs. In this blog post, we'll be highlighting three of the best backing vocal performances in songs - guaranteed to give you goosebumps!
Merry Clayton in Gimme Shelter by The Rolling Stones - Clayton's raw and soulful vocals perfectly complement Mick Jagger's lead, creating an intense and haunting atmosphere throughout the entire track. But it's her solo towards the end of the song - where she screams "rape, murder! It’s just a shot away!" - that truly steals the show. Interestingly enough, Clayton was actually called in as a last-minute replacement for another singer who couldn't make it to the studio that day. However, her incredible talent shines through on every note of this timeless classic. It's no wonder why "Gimme Shelter" has remained one of The Rolling Stones' most beloved songs over 50 years later.
Clare Torry in Great Gig in the Sky by Pink Floyd - One of the greatest backing vocal performances in music history is Clare Torry’s contribution to Pink Floyd's “Great Gig in the Sky”. The song, featured on their 1973 album "The Dark Side Of The Moon", showcases Torry's immense range and emotional depth as a vocalist. Her improvised performance during the song’s instrumental break is particularly impressive, with Torry channeling raw emotion into her delivery. What makes Torry’s performance so remarkable is not only her technical ability but also her intuitive understanding of the song's themes. “Great Gig in the Sky” deals with death and mortality, and Torry infuses every line with a sense of urgency and vulnerability that captures those themes perfectly.
Harry Nilsson on You're Sixteen by Ringo Starr - From Merry Clayton's powerful performance on "Gimme Shelter" by The Rolling Stones to Clare Torry's mesmerizing vocals on "Great Gig in the Sky" by Pink Floyd, each artist has brought their unique style and energy to enhance some of music's most iconic songs. Harry Nilsson's contribution to Ringo Starr's hit song "You're Sixteen" adds a playful touch with his high-pitched harmonies that perfectly complement Starr's lead vocals. This classic rock tune wouldn't be complete without Nilsson adding his signature sound.
