“(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” – Aretha Franklin
Backing vocals: The Sweet Inspirations (Cissy Houston, Sylvia Shemwell, Dee Dee Warwick), Carolyn Franklin, Erma Franklin
Aretha’s voice could level mountains, but the real magic is in how she used her background singers. Rooted in gospel, her call-and-response interplay with her sisters and The Sweet Inspirations creates a sacred space of emotion and harmony that turns this song into an anthem of womanhood.
“Blue Moon” – The Marcels
Backing vocals: Fred Johnson, Cornelius Harp, Gene Bricker, Ron Munday, Richard Knauss
Taking a Rodgers & Hammerstein standard and spinning it into a doo-wop whirlwind, the Marcels flipped the script with brilliant harmony work. Their “bomp ba ba bomp” intro made the song sound brand new—and completely unforgettable.
“Bring It On Home to Me” – Sam Cooke
Backing vocals: Lou Rawls
That second line of “yeah” that follows every phrase? That’s Lou Rawls. His deeper, more complex harmony adds gospel gravity to the song, turning a simple call-and-response into something soul-shaking.
“Can You Feel the Love Tonight” – Elton John
Backing vocals: Gary Barlow, Rick Astley, Kiki Dee
Elton’s Oscar-winning Disney ballad has a secret choir. The subtle lift you feel during the choruses? That’s a vocal blend from Astley, Barlow, and Dee—pop royalty behind a lion-sized hit.
“Chain Reaction” – Diana Ross
Backing vocals: Barry Gibb
The Bee Gees’ Barry Gibb not only co-wrote and produced this Motown throwback, he delivered his signature falsetto to the backing vocals. He doesn’t steal the spotlight—he amplifies Diana’s glory.
“Don’t Worry Baby” – The Beach Boys
Backing vocals: Carl Wilson, Dennis Wilson, Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine
Brian Wilson dreamt it, then he built it. The harmonies on this track are pure emotional architecture—lush, heartbreaking, and utterly transporting. Every Beach Boy is essential here.
“Hearts on Fire” – Gram Parsons & Emmylou Harris
Backing vocals: Emmylou Harris
It’s technically a duet, but Harris was relegated to “backing vocals” after Parsons’ death. Still, her harmonies here are intimate, aching, and so close to Parsons’ lead you feel their relationship in every note.
“I Can’t Let Go” – The Hollies
Backing vocals: Graham Nash
Nash’s soaring high harmony gave this 1966 pop song its unique edge. McCartney once mistook his falsetto for a trumpet. That’s not just backing—that’s brilliance.
“I’m Not in Love” – 10cc
Backing vocals: Lol Crème, Kevin Godley, Graham Gouldman, Eric Stewart
This track is a galaxy of whispers and looped harmonies. Built entirely on stacked vocal takes, it’s a testament to how background vocals can become the whole sonic landscape.
“Just a Gigolo/I Ain’t Got Nobody” – Louis Prima & Keely Smith
Backing vocals: Keely Smith, Sam Butera & the Witnesses
A swing mashup full of call-and-response, big band energy, and cheeky interplay. Keely’s dry delivery anchors Prima’s chaos, with Butera’s horn section chiming in like a musical punchline.
“Money for Nothing” – Dire Straits
Backing vocals: Sting
Sting’s “I want my MTV” hook is a pop culture artifact. It’s haunting, ironic, and the cherry on top of this snarling satire of 1980s rock star excess.
“Nikita” – Elton John
Backing vocals: George Michael
Michael’s background harmonies bring warmth and melancholy to Elton’s Cold War love ballad. Their blend is so good it feels like a whispered secret between friends—who also happened to be legends.
“Night Time Is the Right Time” – Ray Charles
Backing vocals: The Raelettes (Mary Ann Fisher, Margie Hendrix)
Margie Hendrix doesn’t just back Ray—she battles him. The way their voices collide is electric, taking this bluesy burner to fever pitch.
“No, No, No (You Don’t Love Me)” – Dawn Penn
Backing vocals: Uncredited (including “the peoples” and “boo!”)
Sometimes all it takes is two shouted words—“the peoples!” and “boo!”—reverbed into oblivion. It’s mysterious, it’s minimal, and yet it turns the song into something unforgettable.
“Somebody’s Watching Me” – Rockwell
Backing vocals: Michael Jackson
MJ’s chorus vocals turned Rockwell’s track into a perennial Halloween hit. It’s a masterclass in how a well-placed harmony can overshadow the lead—and make people think it’s your song entirely.
“State of Independence” – Donna Summer
Backing vocals: Lionel Richie, Dionne Warwick, Michael Jackson, Brenda Russell, Christopher Cross, Dyan Cannon, James Ingram, Kenny Loggins, Stevie Wonder
A choir of stars—literally. Produced by Quincy Jones, this cosmic track sounds like gospel from another dimension thanks to an all-star chorus that includes Stevie, Dionne, and MJ.
“Teddy Bear” – Elvis Presley
Backing vocals: The Jordanaires
Elvis’ playful delivery was made irresistible with the smooth blend of the Jordanaires behind him. Gospel roots meet rockabilly charm in a way only The King could conjure.
“The Bitch Is Back” – Elton John
Backing vocals: Dusty Springfield
Dusty adds grit and growl to Elton’s glam. Her soulful backing gives the song its bite—and proves once again that she could steal the show without even taking lead.
“You’re So Vain” – Carly Simon
Backing vocals: Mick Jagger
That voice on the chorus? Oh, it’s him. Mick Jagger’s unmistakable snarl gives this track extra sting—and perhaps extra gossip. Uncredited, but unforgettable.
“You’ve Got the Love” – Rufus & Chaka Khan
Backing vocals: Ray Parker Jr.
Before Ghostbusters, Ray was crafting funk with precision. His backup vocals add texture and cool behind Chaka’s powerhouse lead—smooth like a velvet knife.
“You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling” – The Righteous Brothers
Backing vocals: Cher
A teenage Cher helped fill Phil Spector’s Wall of Sound with uncredited vocals. Her voice echoes behind the chorus like a ghost you didn’t know was there—but couldn’t live without.
“Young Americans” – David Bowie
Backing vocals: Luther Vandross
A pre-fame Vandross helped arrange and perform the backup vocals on Bowie’s plastic soul anthem. He gives the song its silky texture and quietly steals the spotlight in every “do do do.”