Best Of Rock: 10 Killer Backing Vocals

By Ralph Greco, Jr.

A list of backing and harmony vocals could go on for plenty of fantastic Beach Boys moments, the pitch-perfect two-part harmonies of Simon & Garfunkel, and Merry Clayton’s infamous turn in the middle of the Rolling Stones’ somber opus Gimme Shelter. ” What follows is nine songs and an album with some very distinct backing vocals.

1) “Twist And Shout” – The Beatles with Paul McCartney and George Harrison

John Lennon’s rendition of the Beatles’ version of this early rock ‘n’ roll classic is considered by many to be one of rock’s greatest songs of all time (and a one-take), and still so thanks to Paul McCartney and George Harrison, who ensure its continued rise done much better. Ah’s” during song breaks.

2) “Best of Both Worlds” – Van Halen with Michael Anthony

Not that Van Halen’s bassist and backing vocalist Michael Anthony hasn’t provided fantastic backing and harmonies for this band throughout their history (his amazing voice was given due credit by David Lee Roth in his book). Crazy from the heat), but on “Best Of Both Worlds” he finally finds a singer to match his vocal abilities. He brings the “best” to this tune, supporting Sammy Hagar’s lead vocal in the chorus with his higher harmony.

3) “Proud Mary” – Ike & Tina Turner starring Ike Turner

The 1971 version, in which Ike and Tina Turner had a hit, differs markedly from Creedence Clearwater Revival. As hard as it may be to do Ike Turner justice, his low-pitched “rollin'” in the background at the beginning of the song gives this version cult status.

4) “You’re So Vain” – Carly Simon with Mick Jagger

For years, debate raged about who Carly Simon actually sang about on “You’re So Vain.” It was rumored that the lover she was talking about could be Mick Jagger because the Rolling Stones singer sings on the chorus. Jagger’s backing vocals are never mentioned here, but they become more important as the song progresses, whether the song is about him or not.

5) “Suspicious Minds” – Elvis Presley with Mary Greene, Ginger Holladay, Mary Holladay & Donna Jean Thatcher Godchaux-MacKay

Throughout its career, The King has employed some fantastic backing singers. The Jordanaires, singers Gordon Stoker, Neal Matthews, Hoyt Hawkins and Ray Walker immediately come to mind. But on Elvis’ 1969 hit, he was joined by Mary Greene, Ginger Holladay, Mary Holladay and Donna Jean Thatcher (who later joined the Grateful Dead). Elvis’ whistles endured to the end of his career, but the man had the wisdom to surround himself with other equally great singers.

6) “Subdivisions” – Rush with Neil Peart or Mark Dailey or ?

Here is a voice that repeats the title of the melody as flatly and monotonously as possible. For years it was difficult to determine whether the voice was that of a musician, part of the band, or even a singing voice at all. Speculation has it that it was either the band’s drummer, Neal Peart, or Mark Dailey, an evening news anchor on “The Voice,” a show aired on Toronto’s City TV. Dailey reportedly denied having anything to do with it, while the mysterious voice is uncredited signals, the 1982 Rush album featuring the song. Further investigation yielded no official clues as to who sang the role. As far as we know, it could have been a computer.

7) “Thunderstruck” – AC/DC with Malcolm Young

Given his brother’s schoolboy antics, fiery SG solos, and two frontmen who are hard to ignore, it’s easy to overlook Malcolm Young’s contributions to AC/DC, but they’re monstrous. Described by many connoisseurs as the driving force and leader of the Australian hard rock band and who unfortunately died of complications from dementia in 2017, the “Ah…ah…ah…ah’s” at the beginning of “Thunderstruck” are just one example of the many vocal contributions bequeathed to us by this songwriter, rhythm guitarist and hard rock ‘n’ roll icon.

8th) “Dead Or Alive” – ​​Bon Jovi starring Ritchie Sambora

It’s often credited as the song that launched MTV’s “Unplugged” series after Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora delivered a stunningly cool version on their acoustic guitars at the 1989 MTV Video Music Awards. Co-written by Sambora and Bon Jovi, “Dead or Alive” features the guitarist on the high single word “Wanted” and other high-harmonic moments that take the melody to a whole other level.

9) The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway – Genesis with Phil Collins

There is so much Phil Collins backing, harmony and vocal squeal on Genesis’ 1974 double album that it’s hard to tell which are the best (just listen to his soaring vocals on ” In The Cage”. Yes, there was a time when the man could play the drums better than most and sadly we’ll never see him the same again. There was also a time when his voice perfectly countered that of Peter Gabriel before the latter left Genesis after touring behind the album.

10) “Fame” — David Bowie with John Lennon

Sorry if this falls into the obvious category, and like the first example, it’s a Beatle. But John Lennon’s backing vocals and high chorus parts on this Bowie hit are just too perfect to ignore.