Hidden Voices in Famous Tracks: Backing Singers Who Stepped into the Lead
The music world is filled with numerous unsung heroes, one of whom is the backing vocalist. Often hidden behind the lead singer, these talented artists contribute significantly to the creation of popular songs. From legendary names like Sheryl Crow to lesser-known figures such as Clare Torry, here are some background singers who have been credited with singing lead vocals on some tracks in popular music history.
The Journey from Backup to Lead
Many famous singers started their careers as backup vocalists, later becoming trailblazers in their own right. Sheryl Crow, for instance, was a backup vocalist with Michael Jackson and Don Henley before she found her own success.
Similarly, Luther Vandross, who became a renowned soul star, sang backup for David Bowie and others before achieving solo fame. John Legend also gained experience as a backup vocalist for Alicia Keys, all of which contributed to his later success.
Clare Torry: An Unexpected Contributor
Clare Torry, born on November 29, 1947, is another example of a hidden voice. She was known for her performances as a session singer on 1970s UK TV adverts and as a live backing vocalist, often improvising and performing wordless vocals.
One of her most notable contributions was to Pink Floyd's 1973 album The Dark Side of the Moon. The iconic song "The Great Gig in the Sky" featured her wordless vocal improvisations, which were considered essential to the track's unique sound.
"Sorry we've got no words, no melody line just a chord sequence, just see what you can do with it." - Alan Parsons
According to Alan Parsons, who supervised the recording, The Great Gig in the Sky was initially recorded in just a couple of hours with Torry providing improvisational vocals that helped create the haunting atmosphere of the track. She performed on two or three tracks from which the final version was assembled.
The Long Journey to Recognition
While Torry's contribution to "The Great Gig in the Sky" was significant, she was not initially credited for it. Her first payment was a standard flat fee of ￡30 for Sunday studio work. It was not until 2004, when Torry sued Pink Floyd and EMI for songwriting royalties, that her contribution became more widely recognized.
Torry argued that her contribution to The Great Gig in the Sky constituted co-authorship with keyboardist Richard Wright. This lawsuit marked a turning point in acknowledging the role of anonymous session singers in the music industry.
After a long legal battle, which culminated in a 2005 out-of-court settlement, all releases after 2005 carried an additional credit for Torry's contribution to the song. The terms of the settlement remained undisclosed, but the recognition marked a crucial step forward in the music industry's acknowledgment of session singers.
Acknowledging the Unsung Heroes
Stories like Clare Torry's demonstrate the importance of giving credit to those who contribute behind the scenes. The music industry is richer because of the talents of session singers and backup vocalists, and it's essential to highlight their contributions.
By recognizing and crediting these unsung heroes, we celebrate not just the lead singers, but the entire collaborative effort that goes into creating a successful musical track.
Conclusion
In the world of music, from legendary backup vocalists like Sheryl Crow to the unexpected contributions of Clare Torry, there are countless tales of hidden voices that have shaped the history of popular music. These stories remind us of the importance of acknowledging the contributions of everyone involved in the creation of our beloved songs.