The Background Singers that Turned Into Stars Themselves

Every great musician started out as an unfamiliar name, working towards stardom. Often times a singer’s start was that of a background singer, or lending uncredited vocals to a hit song, or appearing in a band behind a star. Here are some famous singers who started out behind someone else’s voice…

The late Glenn Frey of the Eagles and Bob Seger were friends, both native Detroiters. Glenn lent his voice behind many of Bob’s early songs. Believe it or not, legendary Elton John came across the pond in the late 60s and can be heard on songs from The Isley Brothers to Patti LaBelle.

Sheryl Crow began her musical career, not as a performer, but on stage for many years as one of the voices behind the legendary Michael Jackson. Before ‘Sonny and Cher’ Cher provided background vocals to the Ronettes’ hit “Be My Baby” and the Righteous Brothers’ “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’.”

Luther Vandross, Darlene Love, Dusty Springfield, Glenn Frey, Mariah Carey, and most of the Beach Boys can also be heard as background singers, years before their big break.

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