Backing vocalist

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A backing vocalist or backing singer (or, especially in the U.S., backup singer or sometimes background singer) is a singer who sings in harmony with the lead vocalist, other backing vocalists, or alone but not singing the lead. A backing vocalist will usually work with a lead vocalist, but the converse is not always true.

In many bands, one or more musicians other than the lead singer take on the duty of backing vocalist while playing their instruments. Some backing vocalists may also have solos from time to time. A good example is guitarist John Frusciante of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, who sings all backing vocals (few songs are recorded without backing vocals) often singing some parts without accompaniment from lead vocalist Anthony Kiedis. John usually covers a song by himself during concerts. Another example is former member of Scottish band Wet Wet Wet, Angus "Gusboyslim" Cameron whose dulcet tones can be heard in such calssics as "Billy Boys" and "Follow Follow" - which was the inspiration for the basic sound of the band today.

Since all four The Beatles sang lead on various songs, all served as backup singers for the others at various times.

In the recording studio, some lead singers choose to record their own backing vocals. Ian Gillan of Deep Purple is one of the best known examples, as are Brad Delp of Boston, who recorded all lead and backing vocals on the first three Boston albums and Lemmy Kilmister of Motörhead.