List(en) up: The best background vocals ever!

Michael K Mon, May 19, 2008 at 06:22 PM EST

Anything James Taylor sings background on. You may not like him as an artist in his own right, but his voice melds beautifully with almost anyone else's (including country artists).

Another favorite is JD Souther (singing one of the most beautiful backgrounds on the haunting Linda Ronstadt version of "Prisoner in Disguise").

muz Sun, May 4, 2008 at 11:01 PM EST

Oleta Adams on Tears for Fears: Woman in Chains
Kate Bush on Big Country: The Seer

Rich Wed, Apr 16, 2008 at 11:58 AM EST

Michael McDonald on EVERYTHING. :^)

Oh yeah, and...
>- Stevie Nicks giving that spine-tingling urgency to Tom Petty's "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around"

Seeing how this was the LEAD SINGLE on Stevie's OWN ALBUM, I don't think she qualifies as "backup singer"....

Anonymouse Wed, Apr 16, 2008 at 11:15 AM EST

By the way, a lot of people seem to be mistaking duets for background vocals. Background vocals are just that, in the background. Duets are like the Snow Patrol and Martha Wainwright reference. Just an FYI.

Anonymouse Wed, Apr 16, 2008 at 10:58 AM EST

I agree with almost ALL of the comments so far. Songs that may have skipped people's notice in the 80's and 90's:
Michael Stipe backing Syd Straw on "Future Looking Like the 40s"
Kim Deal on Ultra Vivid Scene's "How Does It Make You Feel (Right Now)"
And mamma mia, I can't believe no one mentioned anything about Queen's vocal harmonizing skills!! Prime example: Queen's "Bohemiam Rhapsody"

Sister Woman Wed, Apr 16, 2008 at 10:43 AM EST

Kind of obscure - but good songs!
Tammy Wynette on KLF's "Justified & Ancient"
Olivia Newton-John on John Denver's "Fly Away"

Suzanne Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 07:36 PM EST

Uh,

"whoever sang the Be my little baby?"

That's Ms. Ronnie Spector

Jeesh

MsDaisy Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 06:30 PM EST

"Stop Dragging My Heart Around" was a duet with Tom Petty. In no way did Stevie Nicks sing back-up.

How about Chaka Khan on Steve Winwood's "Higher Love"?

ja_girl Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 04:26 PM EST

One of the best R&B backing jobs is Faith Evans on Mary J Blige's "Never Can Live Without You". Faith really earned my admiration with that one.

Yankee Bayonet backup is Laura Veirs Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 04:24 PM EST

on the album. When they tour, it's been several different women including Shara Worden of My Brightest Diamond.

to Alan Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 03:57 PM EST

You frakkin' read my mind! The very first thing this post made me think of is The Sons of the Desert with LeeAnne. The first time I heard the version with all-female backup broke my ears.

Alan Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 03:08 PM EST

Sons of the Desert singing background (counterpoint actually) on Lee Ann Womack's I Hope You Dance.

And whoever sings the "Be My Little Baby" part on Eddie Money's Take Me Home Tongiht.

T. Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 02:41 PM EST

Tori Amos on " I wanna get back with you" by Tom Jones, turns around whole song, best thing on a very weird project

Ryan Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 02:18 PM EST

The Bangles on Cyndi Lauper's "Change of Heart".
Michael Stipe on Kristin Hersh's "Your Ghost".
Maria McKee on Counting Crow's "Sullivan Street".

Nic Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 01:48 PM EST

OK Go have some of the best backup vocals ever, for example...on the song 'A Million Ways' Damien sings "Oh darling, you're a million ways to be cruel" and the backup chimes in with "one zero zero zero zero zero zero cruel." Awesome! I also love Julian Casablanca's (from the the Strokes) contribution to 'Sick Sick Sick' by Queens of the Stone Age.

flightjkt Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 01:14 PM EST

Off the top of me head -

- "Bring It On Home To Me" with Lou Rawls harmonizing (and urging Sam Cooke on)

- Stevie Nicks giving that spine-tingling urgency to Tom Petty's "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around"

- More props to Merry Claton on "Gimme Shelter"

Don't forget about Michael Anthony being the key ingredient for those high-pitched back-up vocals to every great Van Halen tune...

kats Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 01:12 PM EST

David Crosby and Graham Nash on James Taylor's "Mexico".

Suzanne Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 12:56 PM EST

Chrissie Hynde -- U2s Pride in the name of love

Merry Clayton -- Rolling Stones, Gimme Shelter

Suzanne Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 12:55 PM EST

Chrissie Hynde -- U2s Pride in the name of love

Merry Clayton -- Rolling Stones, Gimme Shelter

Ballzack Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 12:27 PM EST

Great discussion! I will pick prominently featured backups:
John Lennon on "Hey Jude"
Paul McCartney on "I Dig a Pony"
Babyface on "Take a Bow"
Stevie Nicks on "Gold"
Barry Gibb on "Woman in Love"
Linda Ronstadt on "Old Man"
Mick Jagger on "You're So Vain"
Sting on "Money for Nothing"
Kate Bush on "Games Without Frontiers"
Dusty Springfield on "What Have I Done to Deserve This?"
Alanis on "Don't Drink the Water"

Robb Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 12:13 PM EST

• Michael Stipe on 10,000 Maniacs' "A Campfire Song."
• Kristen Hall (who founded, and then left, Sugarland) has a rather unknown solo album from the 90s. Has an amazing song called "Too Long Running" with backing vocals by Cindy Wilson of the B-52s.
• Jane Wiedlin's backing vocals/lead vocals on the bridge (the 'hush my darling' part) of the Go-Go's "Our Lips Are Sealed."

Ryan Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 12:05 PM EST

Babyface on "Take a Bow" by Madonna

rommel Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 11:58 AM EST

James Taylor on Steve Winwood's "Back in the High Life". Also got to agree with the earlier Aimee Mann comment.

Karen Ehlers Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 11:44 AM EST

Larry Gatlin doing the high harmony on Kris Kristofferson's version of Gatlin's song "Why Me".

Janie Fricke kicked ass as background singer for most everybody in the 80s.

Ditto for Axl Rose on Don Henley's "I Will Not Go Quietly"

Rosemary Butler on some of Clapton's solo work.

Shaun Murphy's work on Seger's CDs.

JoeC Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 11:06 AM EST

1) Michael McDonald on Steely Dan's Bad Sneakers
2) Rick James on Teena Marie's Sucker for Love
3) The Beach Boys on Elton John's Don't Let the Sun go Down on Me.
4) Michael Jackson on Somebody's Watching Me by Rock-something
5) The singer from Tone! Tone!Tone! who backs up Alicia Keys on 'Diary'

Interesting topic!

Martha Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 10:48 AM EST

Funny, like many here I immediately thought of Emmylou Harris! I have to agree with Mrs. Taylor that Kate Bush backing Peter Gabriel on "Don't Give Up" is amazing. And then Prince does a nice job backing Kate Bush on "Why Should I Love U."

Shelby205 Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 09:53 AM EST

Emmylou Harris on Dixie Chicks' Godspeed and a Dave Matthews cover of Long Black Veil I have. She's amazing.
Don Henley on Walkaway Joe is pretty great.
And Michael Stipe has done some great stuff backing the Indigo Girls

mikey Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 09:41 AM EST

Didn't see it listed, so I'll add John Lennon on David Bowie's "Fame."

Pushy Galore Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 09:20 AM EST

A couple of '80s classics.
Whoever sings back up on Alive & Kicking by Simple Minds is amazing.
The backup singers on any Eurythmics cd, but especially Would I Lie to You and Missionary Man. Best Ever!!

Kari Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 09:12 AM EST

Michael Jackson on Berry Gordy son's "Somebody's watching me". Michael MADE that song. I don't think anyone knows what the lyrics to the song are... just the chorus.

Nancy Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 09:01 AM EST

Daryl Hall from Hall & Oates singing background on Eric Clapton's hit "No Alibis".

Special mention to Christina Aguilera. I think she does her own background vocals - it's like she's an entire choir unto herself.

JaY Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 08:46 AM EST

Not a best, but Aimee Mann on Rush's Time Stand Still is worth mentioning.....

SF girl Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 08:37 AM EST

trent reznor on tori amos' "past the mission".

alanis morissette on dave matthew's "spoon".

Mary Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 08:10 AM EST

I can't believe I forgot to mention Don Henley in "Walkaway Joe". Also, as I type this, I'm listening to "Shameless" by Garth Brooks, and Trisha is great in the background. Heck, anything Trisha Yearwood is fine by me.

Eric Friedmann Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 08:05 AM EST

Michael MacDonald on Steely Dan's "I Got the News".

Sting on Dire Straits' "Money for Nothing".

Believe it or not, Linda McCartney on Paul McCartney's "Silly Love Songs".

Lorraine Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 07:58 AM EST

I love Jack White's blink-and-you'll-miss-it vocal cameo in Beck's "Go It Alone." He's drowned out for most of the song, but near the end, you can hear him loud n' clear. Those two just sound so amazingly weird together.

JillS Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 07:44 AM EST

The Jordanaires on Elvis' "Teddy Bear". 1956!

orville Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 07:23 AM EST

People have been mentioning Linda Ronstadt on various people's songs, but how about Nicolette Sheridan on a lot of Linda's songs? I'd also list whoever was doing backup on "Gimme Shelter" by the Stones. And James Taylor on Steve Winwood's "Back in the High Life".

EP Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 07:02 AM EST

John Mayer on Alison Peacock's "Bliss."

cw Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 12:42 AM EST

anything, really, anything with Emmylou Harris.

Alan Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 11:44 PM EST

Camille Henderson, Sarah McLachlan's longtime back-up vocalist, has always delivered stunning performances on songs such as Path of Thorns and Possession. Also, for the band Low, whenever Mimi Parker sings back-up for her husband Alan Sparhawk when he sings lead, it's simply chilling.

Muppetboy Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 11:12 PM EST

I second JKZelk on Kate Pierson on Shiny Happy People. Come to think of it, Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson should be in the background vocals hall of fame, considering how many songs would stink if it were just Fred Schneider singing.

Dave Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 10:59 PM EST

M. Ward backing Zooey Deschannel on "You Really Got A Hold on Me" from the She and Him album. His rasp is the perfect counterpoint to her coo.

Jakeem Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 10:48 PM EST

Three of the Beach Boys -- Al Jardine, Carl Wilson, and Dennis Wilson -- backing up Chicago for "Wishing You Were Here." Written by Peter Cetera, the song is very much in the tradition of the mellow Beach Boys style.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BCdELHOUpw&feature=related

Jakeem Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 10:48 PM EST

Three of the Beach Boys -- Al Jardine, Carl Wilson, and Dennis Wilson -- backing up Chicago for "Wishing You Were Here." Written by Peter Cetera, the song is very much in the tradition of the mellow Beach Boys style.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BCdELHOUpw&feature=related

Jessica Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 10:46 PM EST

I'm not normally a fan of either band, but Natalie Maines on Yellowcard's How I Go. Ryan Key and she blend perfectly.

Erik Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 10:31 PM EST

How people forget Linda Ronstadt's abilities as a backing vocalist. Consider these:

"Heart Of Gold"--Neil Young
"American Dream"--The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
"Excitable Boy"--Warren Zevon

...and dozens and dozens of others.

And then there's her long-standing friendship with Emmylou Harris. Between the two of them, they have enough backing vocal credits to put everyone else in the business to shame.

fishfoo Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 10:25 PM EST

Thank you for acknowledging what an amazing background singer Trisha is - brilliant. She has such a distinct vocal yet never overpowers the lead - just blends and enhances so much. Well, except for her AMAZING power punch on Garth's "Shameless". WOWZA! Trisha also has an uncanny ability to know who will sound good backing HER up. Like with Keith Urban or Ronnie Dunn or Vince Gill. Or maybe she just sounds amazing with everyone. ;)

Agreed about Emmylou and Patty. Brilliant and quality stuff.

Vince Gill and Jon Randall also have my vote. Similar vocal quality that just adds so much to records.

Cool topic. Backgrounds have the ability to make an 'okay' track become extraordinary.

bootsycolumbia Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 10:18 PM EST

The background singers on George Michael's Freedom 90 always did it for me.

diana Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 10:06 PM EST

I saw him (Josh Turner) in concert a couple weeks ago...pretty good.

Tom Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 09:43 PM EST

The Sweet Inspirations on the great Aretha Franklin tracks. The Bee Gees on Samantha Song's "Emotion", Diana Ross' "Chain Reaction", Dionne Warwick's "Heartbreaker".

Ryan Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 09:43 PM EST

Sheryl Crow on Counting Crows "American Girls"

Anything Emmylou Harris has done for Bright Eyes or Gram Parsons

Babyface on "Take a Bow" by Madonna

Ryan Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 09:42 PM EST

Sheryl Crow on Counting Crows "American Girls"

Anything Emmylou Harris has done for Bright Eyes or Gram Parsons

Babyface on "Take a Bow" by Madonna

Mary Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 09:27 PM EST

Patty Loveless in "Please Remember Me", "When I Call Your Name" and "Go Rest High on That Mountain". Trisha Yearwood in "When a Woman Loves a Man" and the new Josh Turner song. Don Henley in Patty Smyth's "Sometimes Love Ain't Enough". Vince Gill or Alison Krauss doing anything. Miranda Lambert in "Home". Dolly Parton in "Where I Get Where I'm Going". Yeah, I'm a country bumpkin.

Jim Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 09:16 PM EST

I've come late to this discussion. So I'm going old school for groups that back themselves. Someone already mentioned the Mommas and Pappas on California Dreaming. So how about the Carpenters on just about any of their early hits.

Adam Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 09:01 PM EST

Emmylou Harris is the queen of backing vocals. Hands down. I'm glad that so many other people remembered her.

graeme Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 08:58 PM EST

Amy Grant backing Dave Barnes on "I Have and I Always Will"

Vince Gill backing Amy Grant on "House Of Love"

Tim McGraw backing Faith Hill on "Like We Never Loved At All"

Lenny Kravitz backing Sheryl Crow on "You're An Original"

Ryan Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 08:25 PM EST

Got to agree with Sting on "Money for Nothing" by the Dire Straits.

emily Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 08:18 PM EST

SINEAD O'CONNOR backing JAH WOBBLE on "Visions of You". Amazing.

Heather Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 08:16 PM EST

I enjoy the background vocals in "Supermassive Black Hole". It's really fun to head "Glaicers melting in the dead of night" behind Bellamy's falsetto.

StaleCake Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 08:02 PM EST

ELLEN FOLEY deserves a backup vocal Lifetime Achievement Award for her work on the whole BAT OUT OF HELL album. The album would not have been a hit without her, she was that important to it.

StaleCake Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 07:59 PM EST

Ronnie Spector doing background on Eddie Money's "Take Me Home Tonight". She simultaneously evoked and transcended one of the all-time great pop songs, her own "Be My Baby".

Snarf Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 07:29 PM EST

Jon Anderson (Yes) doing backup on Gowan's "Moonlight Desires"

Em Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 07:15 PM EST

Lisa Hannigan backing Damien Rice gives me CHILLS!

Crystal Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 07:05 PM EST

Anything from the glory days where Patty Loveless sang backup on like, every Vince Gill song. Prime example: "When I Call Your Name"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZgLDUDn3Fc

Also, whoever sings backup on The Decemberists "Yankee Bayonet" on Crane Wife. Love that song.

Kathy Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 07:05 PM EST

I had an Emmylou mention also, only mine is her background vocal to Warren Zevon's Please Stay.

jon Latessa Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 06:27 PM EST

emmylou harris on bright eyes "i'm wide awake, it's morning" cd is simply hypnotic.

Emmylou Fan Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 05:51 PM EST

Ditto on the Emmylou mention. Pretty much everything on the first two Gram Parsons albums is made by her magical harmonies.

Brad in Ohio Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 05:47 PM EST

Mary Clayton on the Stones' 'Gimme Shelter' ('its just a kiss away') and the background vocals on the Mamas & the Papas' 'California Dreamin'....'all the leaves are brown (all the leaves are brown)...'

Antoinette Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 05:45 PM EST

My three favorite background vocal moments were taken, but I just had to add my vote to:

Bryan Adams singing backup on Glass Tigers, "Don't Forget Me When I'm Gone".

and

Michael Jackson backing up Rockwell on "Somebody's Watching Me".

I'm now a mother of two and I point this info out every time these songs pop up on the Ipod. Now my 14 year old just rolls her eyes and says "I know, I know". ha ha

P.S. And my 12 year old son loves Sting in the background of "Money For Nothing".

Mimi Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 05:42 PM EST

mariah carey on babyface's "everytime I close my eyes"

Julia Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 05:24 PM EST

Babyface on Madonna's Take a Bow.

Dave Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 05:19 PM EST

Michael McDonald on several Steely Dan songs, incl. "Peg" and "Time Out of Mind." And Alison Kraus on that John Michael Montgomery song "The Little Girl."

Los Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 05:15 PM EST

If I had to choose any song by Alice in Chains, it would be "I Stay Away," but really any song by that group is a good example of background vocals 101- whether you dig em or not, there's no denying those amazing vocal harmonies. R.E.M. ("Orange Crush", "It's The End Of The World, etc..") and Weezer ("El Scorcho," "Undone (The Sweater Song)," "Dope Nose") were always pretty good with backups too.

Homerox Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 05:11 PM EST

That Sting fellow sure gets around, eh? He also does a great background part on Phil Collins' "Long Long Way to Go". Gotta love Brian Wilson's backing vocals on Neil Diamond's "Delirious Love", too.

Time to start tracking some of these songs down!

Mayor McCheese Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 05:05 PM EST

Bryan Adams singing with Glass Tiger on "Dont Forget Me When Im Gone"

Heeheehee!!

mgm Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 04:42 PM EST

Well, I am going to go with Mariah Carey backing up Babyface on "Everytime I Close My Eyes", and then Babyface backing up Madonna on "Take a Bow"

doopey Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 04:42 PM EST

Vince Gill on "No Place That Far" by Sara Evans. Vince Gill always sounds amazing when he harmonizes with someone else.

Lynny Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 04:41 PM EST

I think the Pips got this- no contest. It's like its own little song in the background.

Jen Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 04:33 PM EST

I think Gillian Welch backing Mark Knopfler on "Prairie Wedding" is excellent.

KateDFW Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 04:30 PM EST

I am partial to Ellen Foley's back up vocals to Meatloaf's "Paradise By the Dashboard Light".

rutkmi Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 04:25 PM EST

I agree -- as soon as I heard Trisha's "duet" with Keith i thought it was a hit in the making. But wouldn't you bring the mix on Keith's voice up just a tad?

AND JEEZ LOUISE, COULD YOU FIND A MORE UNFLATTERING PIX OF TRISHA TO ILLUSTRATE THIS (POSITIVE) BLOG POST???

HERE'S A PIX I TOOK OF TRISHA LAST MONTH IN CONCERT - YOU ARE FREE TO USE IT TO REPLACE YOURS (PLEASE CHANGE IT?):
http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh2/rutkmi/KU%20Pix/P1080920.jpg

JAM Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 04:21 PM EST

Real: Michael Stipe backing up the Indigo Girls on "Kid Fear"

Best Unreal: They wanted Steven Tyler to back up Faith Hill on "Cry" but they couldn't get it scheduled. Whenever I hear it, I think about how much better it would be if he could have done it.

Derreck Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 04:16 PM EST

another choice would be Sting in Sheryl Crow's song "Always on Your Side." he made a great song even better.

Derreck Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 04:14 PM EST

hmmm...Lisa Hannigan background vocals with with Damien Rice always adds a beautiful harmony.

the same for Marketa Irglova backing Glen Hansard. her vocals are always so haunting (fyi, they are the duo from "Once", which nabbed a best song Oscar this year)

and i don't know if this counts, but i love Posh's vocals in "Headlines (Friendship Never Ends). As her main verses ends, she begins to sing lines in the background during the chorus and it is so hypnotic.

Broadway Baby Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 04:13 PM EST

Ladysmith Black Mambazo on Paul Simon's Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes and I can't say who sings but I love the background vocals on Elvis Costello's Everyday I Write the Book.

Emily Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 04:03 PM EST

I'll second Michael McDonald. Particularly on Loggins' "Now or Never.

JKZelk Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 03:57 PM EST

Kate Pierson on REM's Shiny Happy People and Julianna Hatfield did great back up vocals on more than one song on the Lemonhead's It's a Shame About Ray.

LT Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 03:53 PM EST

Michael McDonald on anything, but particularly on Christopher Cross's "Ride Like the Wind" and Kenny Loggins's "This Is It". Yacht Rock is full of great guest vocals.

Katie Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 03:48 PM EST

Completely agree with Tino, Emmylou Harris & Ryan Adams is an amazing combination. My favorite of theirs would have to be "Come Pick Me Up." Just gorgeous.

Ms Daisy Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 03:48 PM EST

Ditto for Don Henley backing up Trisha Yearwood on "Walkaway Joe". Also, Stevie Nicks singing backup on any Fleetwood Mac song.

Tino Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 03:36 PM EST

This should be the Emmy Lou Harris category. She's always the best accompanying vocal. My example: My Sweet Carolina - lyrics and lead vocal by Ryan Adams.

Brian Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 03:32 PM EST

I definitely vote for the Pips in Midnight Train to Georgia...so fun to sing along with. WOO-WOO!

Pam Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 03:31 PM EST

Martha Wainwright on Snow Patrol's "Set the Fire to the Third Bar" - haunting!

Angela Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 03:26 PM EST

Jon Anderson from Yes backing up Gowan* on "Moonlight Desires".

*Now the leader of Styx. Yes, I'm Canadian.

Kathryn Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 03:25 PM EST

Sting backing up Mark Knopfler on "Money for Nothing". He is just so very...Sting.

Homerox Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 03:23 PM EST

A couple spring to mind...Neil Young's ghostly harmony on Emmylou Harris' "Wrecking Ball", and Axl Rose on Don Henley's "I Will Not Go Quietly"...oh, and one more just sprang to mind: Elvis Costello doing backing vocals on the Eurythmics' "Adrian". Great topic!

Winona Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 03:18 PM EST

If we're doing famous people backing up other famous people, I'll put my vote in for Emily Saliers' vocal contribution to Sister Hazel's "Champagne High". General entry: the awesome "oohs" in the verses of Paul McCartney's "Take it Away".

Paul Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 03:12 PM EST

Allison Krause on Phish's "If Could" really stands out for me.

Michael H. Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 03:09 PM EST

OK... and here are two more for the list... from Mick Jagger... if memory serves correctly, Mick sang on Doris Troy's "Just One Look"... right?

But even more famously he sings backup on Carly Simon's "You're So Vain"... considering that Mick is one of the possible subjects of the song, it's kind of ironic, isn't it? Did he think the song was about him?

Marionette Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 03:09 PM EST

Tim and Gareth backing up David Brent's "Freelove Freeway" on the British Office.
"She's deaaaaad"
"She's not DEAD"

Michael H. Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 03:04 PM EST

Since Rick Astley has become cool again, I'll add "It Would Take A Strong Strong Man" to this list... I could swear I hear Boy George in the backing vocals... although I've never been able to confirm this!

Heather Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 03:04 PM EST

Oh! Michael Berg reminded me of this one. "Go Rest High On That Mountain" by Vince Gill with Ricky Scaggs and Patty Loveless on backing vocals.

CCYu Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 03:03 PM EST

Michael McDonald on Toto's "I'll Be Over You"

Kathleen Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 03:02 PM EST

Trent Reznor backing Tori Amos on "Past the Mission," and Maynard James Keenan helping her out on a live version of "Muhammed My Friend." Nice. Very nice.

Marci Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 03:01 PM EST

Natalie Merchant backing Billy Bragg on "Way over yonder in the minor key."

Kelly Hogan backing Neko Case on anything.

Heather Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 03:01 PM EST

Old school - definitely "Midnight Train To Georgia". Tell me you didn't want to be a Pip. New school - Trisha Yearwood's "Walkaway Joe" or "Hearts in Armor" because Don Henley's voice is the absolute perfect match for hers. And "Deep River Woman" by Lionel Richie with Alabama as backing vocals is a dream.

shonuff Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 03:00 PM EST

michael jackson on rockwell's somebody's watching me...classic

b0bbyr0we Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 02:59 PM EST

Alicia Keys songs make me want to be a backup singer, starting from her very first song, "Fallin'" They accent just particular words with such oomph, i.e. "Sometimes i LOVE YOU." Plus the faaa-aaa-aaa-aaalls at the end (if that makes any sense). Sick.

Jay Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 02:49 PM EST

Glenn Tilbrook and Chris Difford on Aimee Mann's "That's Just What You Are"

Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 02:48 PM EST

I don't know her name, but the woman who backs up Damien Rice on "Volcano" and "The Blower's Daughter" is amazing.

Michael Berg Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 02:47 PM EST

Two Trisha's here - one she's lead, one backup again.

Don Henley on Trisha's 'Walkaway Joe'

Trisha on Vince Gills 'Trying to Get Over You'

She really, really deserves so much more love than she gets...thanks for championing her...

arahsae Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 02:44 PM EST

John McCrea (Cake) on Ben Folds' "Fred Jones Part II"

GG Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 02:43 PM EST

Shannon Hoon for GNR's "Don't Cry"

Mrs. Taylor Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 02:43 PM EST

Michael Stipe guesting on Billy Bragg's "You Woke Up My Neighborhood" Ben Watt backin up Tracey Thorn on ANYTHING; their voices blend together so well sometimes you can't tell who is whom. The best is probably Kate Bush backing Peter Gabriel on "Don't Give Up." (or is that more of a duet?) Heaven.