“Gimme Shelter” came on the radio as I was driving home tonight and, as I always do, I cranked up the volume. Not just because to me it’s one of the Rolling Stones’ best songs ever, but also – hell, primarily – for Merry Clayton’s superb backup vocals, especially that incredible high note she hits on the word “murder”. Damn, how many times have I heard that song? Hundreds? And still she gives me the shivers.
It’s a great song, and the Stones do a great job on it, but I firmly believe it wouldn’t be anywhere near so great without Merry Clayton. Which got me to wondering: What other songs would have been less memorable, or downright mediocre, if it hadn’t been for the backup singer(s)? Nominees, Dopers?
Huh. The only version of that song I’ve heard is the one recorded by Heart – and then only the last part of it, as I always seem to tune into it on the radio just as it’s ending – so frustrating! But not frustrating enough to make me track down whatever Heart album it’s on.
Anybody from Fairport Convention is going to improve whatever song they’re singing, though, so now I must hie me thither to get that version.
“The Battle of Evermore” by Led Zeppelin with backups vocals by Sandy Denny, though it’s virtually a duet.
“The Great Gig in the Sky” by Pink Floyd with Clare Torry. Her contribution was so great that, after a lawsuit, she will henceforth have co-writer credit.
“Hit the Road, Jack” by Ray Charles with the Raelettes.
I’ve always said that Merry Clayton wails on “Gimme Shelter” like Mick was still in bed with her.
For comparison, how about the beautiful job is the end of Roxy Music’s “Avalon” where Yanick Etienne provides a soaring, heart-stopping wail of ecstasy, almost by accident.
Hee hee! Hard to believe, isn’t it? But I came late to an appreciation of Led Zeppelin, having preferred other genres of music to rock back in their heyday. Guess I’d better break down and finally buy the album, huh?
About the Raelettes – Merry Clayton was a member of them, I discovered in Googling for info on her.
I remember reading that Merry was getting over the flu at the time of the recording.
But who knows.
Regardless, Gimme Shelter has been, ever since the first time I heard it at age 15, my very favorite Stones song.
For backup singer(s) I would have to go with Gladys Knight’s Pips. I love her voice, but the Pips really make those songs memorable. (Not to mention their onstage moves. )
I love those guys on Midnight Train to Georgia. “Goin’ back to find…”
I really like the other songs mentioned in this thread, as well.
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