Remember back up singers?
I noticed them when Rob Thomas was doing the Rockefeller Plaza Christmas Tree lighting.. Usually 3 or so chicks standing side stage elbow pumping out the whoop whoop on the chorus of the song. Coordinately dressed, they always look so happy. Like musical bridesmaids. I never paid much attention to them they did nothing for me really. What became of Tony Orlando’s Dawn anyway?
You’ll see them a lot with the mega stars back up singers and dancers.
“So like what do you do?’
“I’m a back up singer for Madonna”
Uh ok then….
Harmonies are so important to the texture of music. In listening to the Decemberists this morning the background voice almost caresses lead singer Colin Meloys, tone. It’s beautiful and almost womb like, and it’s a female too boot. Backup vocals are usually other band members these days.. Joe Blow on bass and back up vox. The bands I most listen to don’t have the manpower for a row of dancers either. Panic At the Disco DID tour with an entourage in their “Fever You Cant Sweat Out Days’, but all in all its usually 5 guys and some wires.
But I think we should take a moment to thank those doo whoppers in the back. Without them, there would be no catchy hooks. Really what type of props do they get but a camera pan their way occasionally or a head nod from the performer, well that and the free cute outfits. I like that generally they’re elevated, like a choir of angels or something. So take a second today to ponder them. Behold the back up singer, the unsung heroes of live music.