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Merry Clayton: The Voice That Shook “Gimme Shelter”
There’s thunder in Merry Clayton’s voice—raw, unfiltered emotion that can give you goosebumps in seconds. When The Rolling Stones recorded “Gimme Shelter” in 1969, it was Clayton’s explosive vocals on the chorus that transformed the song from a good rock track into a timeless anthem. She belted the words “Rape, murder! It’s just a shot away!” so fiercely that her voice famously cracked, a moment that Mick Jagger described as nearly blowing the song away. That single take, recorded in the middle of the night while she was pregnant and wearing curlers, became iconic and unforgettable. Yet, despite her voice echoing through generations, most listeners never learned her name. Clayton’s emotional intensity and vocal power have been called upon by legends from Ray Charles to Carole King, but her face rarely appeared on album covers. Her story is a stark reminder that sometimes the soul of a song lives in the shadows, just out of the spotlight.
Lisa Fischer: The Secret Star Behind the Legends
Lisa Fischer’s voice melts through genres like butter on warm toast—rock, R&B, soul, you name it. For decades, she toured with titans such as The Rolling Stones, Tina Turner, and Luther Vandross, lending her astonishing range and heart-stopping high notes to some of history’s biggest stages. Fischer won a Grammy herself, but it’s her seamless ability to blend and lift the stars around her that makes her truly special. Onstage, she’s been called the band’s “secret weapon,” and her vocals on tracks like “Gimme Shelter” (live) are so powerful that fans sometimes mistake her for the lead. Despite her accomplishments, the spotlight rarely lingers on her. Yet, ask any musician who knows the business, and they’ll tell you: Lisa Fischer is the singer’s singer, the one who makes every song soar.
Darlene Love: The Hidden Queen of the ‘60s Sound
Darlene Love’s voice is the golden thread running through the fabric of 1960s pop. She was the powerhouse behind Phil Spector’s wall of sound, often singing uncredited on tracks like “He’s a Rebel” and “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home).” As a member of The Blossoms, Love shaped the era’s girl group sound, her vocals always lifting the melody higher. For years, she toiled in the background, her name left off the records while others took the credit. Only later did the world realize just how many hits bore her mark. Love was finally inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but for decades, she was music’s most famous “unknown” singer. Her story is a testament to how easily brilliance can hide in plain sight.
Claudia Lennear: Muse, Mystery, and Magic
Claudia Lennear’s career is a whirlwind of starry encounters and whispered legends. She sang backup for Ike & Tina Turner and Joe Cocker, her sultry tone and magnetic presence adding fire to every stage. But her influence goes deeper—she’s rumored to have inspired The Rolling Stones’ “Brown Sugar” and David Bowie’s “Lady Grinning Soul.” Lennear was more than a singer; she was a muse, a force, and a secret ingredient in some of rock’s most enduring moments. Offstage, her life was just as colorful, mingling with artists who saw in her both talent and mystery. Yet, despite her pivotal role in shaping the sound of the 1970s, Lennear’s name remains a hidden treasure, waiting for music lovers to discover.
Táta Vega: The Soul Behind the Soundtracks
Táta Vega’s voice is like a warm embrace—fierce, soulful, and impossible to forget once you’ve heard it. She delivered the heart-wrenching vocals on “Miss Celie’s Blues (Sister)” for The Color Purple soundtrack, a performance so moving that it brought audiences to tears. Vega was also a session singer for Stevie Wonder and Elton John, her voice adding layers of emotion to countless Motown and pop recordings. Despite her immense talent and decades of contributions, Vega’s name rarely appears in the headlines. Her story is one of quiet resilience and steadfast artistry, proving that soul is sometimes found in the background, not the spotlight.
Clydie King: The Chameleon of Classic Rock
Clydie King’s voice is everywhere—Bob Dylan, Steely Dan, The Rolling Stones, Ray Charles, Lynyrd Skynyrd. Her gift was her versatility: she could slide from gospel to rock to pop without missing a beat. King was trusted by the biggest names in music, called upon whenever a song needed that extra spark. Bob Dylan himself once said he’d “walk a mile to hear her sing.” Yet, King’s presence was always just out of frame, her contributions essential but unheralded. She was the quiet force behind so many hits, her harmonies and stylings a thread connecting decades of popular music.
Merryweather Sisters (Venetta Fields & Sherlie Matthews): Harmonies That Made History
Venetta Fields and Sherlie Matthews, known as the Merryweather Sisters, were the backbone of countless classic rock albums in the 1970s. Their harmonies on Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here” are legendary, adding a haunting, emotional depth to the record. But their talents didn’t stop there—they worked with everyone from Elton John to Barbra Streisand, their voices shaping the sound of a generation. Despite being essential to so many iconic songs, the sisters mostly stayed in the background, rarely recognized by the public. Their story is a powerful reminder that sometimes the most important voices are the ones you never see.
Luther Vandross: Before the Spotlight
Before Luther Vandross became a solo superstar, he was the velvet voice behind other stars’ greatest moments. He sang backup for David Bowie on “Young Americans,” helping give the song its smooth, soulful edge. Vandross also supported Bette Midler and Roberta Flack, his talent lifting every track he touched. Even in the background, his voice was unmistakable—warm, rich, and effortlessly elegant. Vandross’s journey from backup singer to chart-topping legend is proof that greatness sometimes starts far from center stage. His early work still resonates, a secret history behind some of the biggest hits of the 1970s and ‘80s.
The Waters Family: Sibling Magic on “Thriller”
If you’ve ever sung along to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” you’ve heard The Waters Family. This sibling group—Oren, Maxine, Julia, and Luther—created the layered choral textures that made the world’s best-selling album sound so epic and cinematic. Their harmonies were also featured on tracks by Lionel Richie and Neil Diamond, weaving a sense of unity and warmth through every song. Even though their voices are instantly recognizable to millions, their names are not. The Waters Family’s story is one of teamwork, family bonds, and the quiet satisfaction of knowing you helped make musical history, even if the world doesn’t know your name.
Merry Clayton (Again!): The Reigning Queen of Collaboration
Merry Clayton’s voice just can’t be contained in a single story. Her repeated collaborations with The Rolling Stones, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Carole King, and many more are legendary. She didn’t just sing backup; she transformed songs, adding drama and soul every time she stepped up to the microphone. Whether it was a chart-topping hit or a hidden album gem, Clayton’s voice made everything bigger, bolder, more unforgettable. She’s been called upon again and again because artists know what she brings—a spark that can turn even an ordinary track into something magical. Yet her name remains a secret handshake among music insiders, a legend hiding in plain sight.
Jim Gilstrap: The Voice That Opened Stevie Wonder’s Heart
Jim Gilstrap’s smooth, honeyed vocals open Stevie Wonder’s “You Are the Sunshine of My Life,” setting the tone for one of the most beloved songs in pop history. That single line—so warm, so gentle—invites listeners into a world of joy and tenderness. Gilstrap’s career as a backup singer spans decades and genres, from Motown to jazz to film soundtracks. He’s worked with Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson, and even sang on the theme song for the TV show “Good Times.” Even though millions have heard his voice, few could pick him out of a crowd. Gilstrap’s story is a bittersweet blend of ubiquity and anonymity.
Maxine Waters Willard: The Unsung Heroine of Studio Choirs
Maxine Waters Willard is the voice you didn’t know you knew. She’s been everywhere—from Whitney Houston’s soaring ballads to Adele’s chart-toppers and Barbra Streisand’s show-stopping moments. As a pillar of studio choirs, her harmonies are woven into the fabric of modern pop and soul music. Waters Willard’s adaptability and professionalism made her a go-to choice for producers who needed that extra touch of magic. Yet, like so many backup singers, she rarely appears in liner notes or award speeches. Her story is one of devotion to craft, a quiet legacy built one note at a time.
Brenda Russell: The Powerhouse Behind R&B Hits
Brenda Russell’s voice is both a gentle caress and a force of nature. She’s best known for her solo hit “Get Here,” but her background vocals for Donna Summer, Rufus, and many others are just as significant. Russell’s ability to add warmth, depth, and emotion to any track made her indispensable in studio sessions. Her influence on R&B music is undeniable, and her songs have been covered by artists across generations. Yet, despite her immense impact, Russell often worked in the shadows, her contributions heard but not seen.
Lynn Mabry: The Funkenstein Factor
Lynn Mabry brought her unmistakable voice and charisma to the world of funk as a member of The Brides of Funkenstein. She also provided backing vocals for Talking Heads and Parliament-Funkadelic, helping to shape the sound and energy of a musical revolution. Mabry’s stage presence was electric, her harmonies adding layers of groove and excitement to every performance. Her influence extends far beyond the funk genre, touching rock, pop, and even new wave. Mabry’s story is one of fearless creativity and the joy of collaboration, her legacy hidden in the beats that keep people dancing.
Judith Hill: The Spotlight That Almost Was
Judith Hill’s voice is a revelation—powerful, soulful, and fiercely expressive. She came into the spotlight as a finalist on “The Voice” and as a featured singer on Michael Jackson’s “This Is It” tour. Hill also worked closely with Prince, whose mentorship helped her hone her unique style. Her journey was captured in the Oscar-winning documentary “20 Feet from Stardom,” where her struggle for recognition resonated with audiences worldwide. Hill’s performances nearly steal the show every time, but her name is still not as well-known as her talent deserves. Her story speaks to the uphill battle many backup singers face in seeking the spotlight.
Susaye Greene: Motown’s Secret Weapon
Susaye Greene was the final member to join The Supremes, bringing her crystalline voice to the legendary Motown group in its later years. She also worked as a session singer for Stevie Wonder, contributing to the sound that defined a generation. Greene’s ability to harmonize and adapt made her invaluable in the studio, where precision and passion are everything. Though her contributions were crucial, she was often overshadowed by the stars she supported. Greene’s story is a quiet testament to the artistry and discipline that backup singers bring to every project.
Patrice Rushen: The Jazz and R&B Maestro
Before her solo hit “Forget Me Nots” made her a household name, Patrice Rushen was a behind-the-scenes powerhouse, playing and singing on countless jazz and R&B records. Her musicianship and sensitivity elevated every track she touched, making her a favorite among top producers. Rushen’s early work laid the groundwork for her later success, proving that backup singing can be both a launching pad and an art form in itself. Her journey from the background to the spotlight is inspiring, showing that sometimes the best stories start where nobody’s looking.
Charlotte Crossley: Gospel Fire in Pop Ballads
Charlotte Crossley brought her gospel roots and powerhouse vocals to pop music, most famously on “The Rose” with Bette Midler. She also made her mark on countless gospel sessions, infusing every note with soul and sincerity. Crossley’s gift was her ability to convey deep emotion, making even the simplest song feel profound. Her talents have been sought after by artists across genres, yet her name is rarely known outside industry circles. Crossley’s story is a celebration of the spirit and strength that backup singers bring to the music we love.
Blanche McAllister: The Powerhouse on Tour
Blanche McAllister’s church-trained voice and commanding presence made her a staple on tours with Luther Vandross and Whitney Houston. Her ability to deliver show-stopping performances night after night earned her the respect of some of the industry’s biggest stars. McAllister’s roots run deep, her style blending gospel fervor with pop polish. Yet, like so many backup singers, her name is often missing from the marquee. Her career is a testament to the dedication and stamina required to make every live show unforgettable.
Lisa Keith: The Hidden Star of Janet Jackson’s Sound
Lisa Keith’s vocals are the secret sauce behind Janet Jackson’s “Control” and “Rhythm Nation” albums, providing the bright, infectious harmonies that helped define a new era of pop music. She also sang lead on Herb Alpert’s “Making Love in the Rain,” her voice instantly recognizable to anyone who’s heard the track. Keith’s ability to blend seamlessly with different artists made her a favorite in the studio, yet her name is rarely in the spotlight. Her story is one of quiet consistency and the satisfaction of knowing you’ve shaped the sound of a generation.
Besides founding Festivaltopia, Luca is the co founder of trib, an art and fashion collectiv you find on several regional events and online. Also he is part of the management board at HORiZONTE, a group travel provider in Germany.
