Your best backing vocalists

Faster than moi...

After giving to Guigo what belongs to Guigo, here is my list:

• Chris Squire: Superb backing vocalist, blends perfectly wiyth Jon.
• Phil Collins: People know I'm not a Collins fan but he covered the low ranges (where Peter had so much troubles) and maked longer the sentences when Peter cut them woith his famous semi-yodeling.
• All STYX: Not the peak of Prog but when Dennis, Tommy or JY took the lead (All could sing), the rest of te band siupported them with brilliance.
• Bev Bevan, Kelly Groucutt and everybody in ELO: Idem STYX
• May, Taylor and even Deacon: Nobody could take the lead fromm Freddy, without him there was no Queen, but the three guys made an outstanding role supporting him.
• Robby Steinhardt: Even when Steve's voice was at his peak, Robby gave a gentle sound to combine with the aggressive singing of the frontman, listen "Miracles Out of Nowhere" What an outstanding job!!!! Robby managed to cover with extreme precision every hole left by Steve. Now, when Steve voicewent to hell, Robby became almost the lead singer.
• Mick Box, Gary Thain, Lee Kerslake and Ken Hensley: Wonderful complement for a dramatic vocalist as David Byron, while the frontman attackked the audience, the backup team provided the atmospheres and mystery.
• Rob Reed (Magenta): Nobody can deny Christina's voice is outstanding but if it wasn't for the low backing of Rob, could be too sweet in some moments. Chris Fry and Martin Rossen complement them very properly.(Listen "Childern of the Sun" from Revolutions)
• John Lodge: The perfect complement for Hayward.
• John Tout: Idem as Magenta but changing the names for Annie Haslam and John Tout. Again Michaelñ Dunford, Terrence Sullivan and John Camp work well also.

Iván

Edited by Ivan_Melgar_M - April 14 2007 at 19:10

I'd like to add the Shulman brothers & Kerry Minnear. Along with Gary Green, these guys had quite a vocal ensemble.

Just remembered that some classic Genesis backing vocals  were done by Mike Rutherford.

As has been mentioned, Robby Steinhardt did a great job with Kansas.  Also, though they aren't prog, I'll mention Alice in Chains.  Jerry Cantrell did an amazing job in conjunction with Layne Staley.

I have to concur about Squire.  He blends perfectly well with Anderson.  Heck, Howe, as much as I may not care for his voice by itself, blends well with Squire and Anderson.  (I'd liken Steve's voice to cumin.  It tastes great blended into something, but have you ever tried using cumin in place of salt?)

On the subject of Yes, I'd also say Peter Banks was actually a very good backing singer, and he really gives the harmonies a very different character than later Yes with Howe--not better or worse (equal in my opinion), but different. 

I'd also say with the Moody Blues that Lodge backs Hayward superbly.  Personally, Hayward is a better lead for my taste at least.

-Topographic

Sasquamo wrote: Hmmmm...  best backing vocals?John Coltrane chanting "a love supreme" on Part 1:  Acknowledgement

John Wesley for PT

Robert Wyatt joining Kevin Ayers for the chorus in WHATEVERSHEBRINGSWESING's sublime title track!

Ivan_Melgar_M wrote: After giving to Guigo what belongs to Guigo, here is my list:   The role of a backing vocalistt is very hard, they need to sing well but they must never overshadow the frontman, they must blend perfectly in order to support the leader where he/she is weak and that needs training   Chris Squire: Superb backing vocalist, blends perfectly wiyth Jon. Phil Collins: People know I'm not a Collins fan but he covered the low ranges (where Peter had so much troubles) and maked longer the sentences when Peter cut them woith his famous semi-yodeling.

I agree however I prefer Phil singing leads most peter's genesis songs any day. I love Second out.!!!!