In the world of music, an artist having a big break in
the road to becoming popular is very difficult. It would take years of making
demo tapes, playing gigs and even singing backup.
But did you know that a lot of
the most famous singers today used to sing backup? Yes, they did. It’s no
secret. Below are some of those artists who used to be backup singer.
·
Gwen
Stefani – before going solo, she is known to be the lead singer of the band
called No Doubt. But actually, Stefani started out as a backup singer of the
band, and then when their original lead, John Spence, committed suicide she
moved as the lead’s replacement.
·
Mariah
Carey – before gracing us with her high-octave vocals, Mariah started out
as a backup singer for 80’s artist Brenda K. Starr. Then Starr submitted
Carey’s demo tape to Colombia Records in which started her career.
·
John
Legend – this American singer-songwriter began singing as backup for Jay-Z,
Kanye West, Alicia Keys’ 2003 hit “You Don’t Know My Name” and played piano for
Lauryn Hill’s “Everything is Everything”.
·
Elton
John – before all the hit albums and Grammy awards, Elton John started as
backup vocals for the English music trio called The Scaffold and he played
piano for The Hollies.
·
Whitney
Houston – the late diva started out as backup for Michael Zager Band,
Jermaine Jackson, and even Chaka Khan’s hit "I’m Every Woman" which
Houston later used for The Bodyguard soundtrack.
·
Phil
Collins – the British rock star began as backup vocals for his band
Genesis, and then in 1975 when the lead, Peter Gabriel left, Collins became the
group’s lead vocals.
·
Luther
Vandross – he started backup vocals for David Bowie, Donna Summer, Bette
Midler, Barbra Streisand and more. Vandross’ career took off when he was
featured as one of the main singers in a studio project act called Change
during the 1980’s.
These are just some of the great
singers, who proved that no matter how small you started, with pure talent and
determination, success can be just around the corner.