# The 10 greatest backing singers of all time

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/the-10-greatest-backing-singers-of-all-time/
- Published: 2026-10-31T18:00:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-31T19:04:29+00:00
- Original publisher: Far Out
- Original article: https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/10-greatest-backing-singers-of-all-time/
- Topics: Entertainment, Music

## Key points

- Backing singers can be central to a song’s sound.
- Nancy Wilson’s harmonies enrich Heart’s biggest hits.
- The Sweet Inspirations sang for an array of stars.

## Summary

The article argues that backing singers are essential to many memorable recordings, yet often remain overlooked, uncredited or underpaid. It presents a selection of ten of the greatest, spanning rock, soul, pop, disco and alternative music, and includes both hired vocalists and musicians who sang behind a lead performer.

Among the examples discussed are Heart guitarist Nancy Wilson, whose harmonies with her sister Ann stand out on songs such as ‘Alone’, and Phil Collins, whose backing vocals with Genesis helped him become the band’s lead singer after Peter Gabriel left around 1975. The Sweet Inspirations, led by Cissy Houston, are also highlighted for backing artists including Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Van Morrison, Jimi Hendrix and Dusty Springfield.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.