Uncredited background singer

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Uncredited background vocals are not uncommon in popular music, even when the unnamed performer adds significantly to the performance. It is uncommon for background singers to be credited. Usually credit is withheld so as to highlight the performance of the lead artist and sometimes the extra singer simply happened to be in the studio. Unknown background singers may also come to prominence later.

Significant uncredited background vocals appear in the following songs:

• "Roll with me Henry" by Etta James includes Richard Berry, author of "Louie Louie", performing the role of "Henry".
• Sam Cooke's "Bring It on Home to Me" has vocal responses by Lou Rawls matching Cooke word for word and note for note.
• Mick Jagger's unmistakable voice adds a piquance to Carly Simon's recording of "You're So Vain", which led to the apparently erroneous theory that the song was about Jagger.
• Howlin' Wolf sings uncredited on Koko Taylor's version of "Wang Dang Doodle".
• Dean Friedman's UK hit "Lucky Stars" features the uncredited Denise Marsa.
• Jonathan Richman's "The Neighbors" features Jody Ross.

Also appearing:

• Paul McCartney whispers "Quite rightly!" every time Donovan proclaims "They call me mellow yellow" in the song of the same name.