by Marlon West (FB: marlon.west1 Twitter: @marlonw IG: stlmarlonwest Spotify: marlonwest)
Happy springtime from your friend and selector, Marlon!
Here’s a freewheeling playlist, and a seemingly random collection of tunes. Though what they all have in common is famous folks, sometimes uncredited, singing backup.
In some cases it is an established artist leading a hand, like Stevie Wonder contributing to Jermaine Jackson’s “Let’s Get Serious,” or a then-unknown protege like Lou Rawls singing behind his childhood pal Sam Cooke on “Bring It On Home To Me.”
In some tracks, you won’t be able to pick them out. Though in others you will never be able to hear the same again without recognizing them. Here is a breakdown of each song and who’s helping out in the background. Enjoy!
[spotifyplaybutton play=”https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1Wiw3WvesSmopQpyuoTybK?si=7f4c79d723884010″]
- “Bring It On Home to Me” by Sam Cooke with Lou Rawls
- “Let’s Get Serious” by Jermaine Jackson was produced by Stevie Wonder (who also provided vocals)
- “Part-Time Lover” by Stevie Wonder with Luther Vandross and Philip Bailey
- “Don’t Lose Your Head” by Queen with Joan Armatrading
- “Step by Step” by Whitney Houston with original writer and vocalist Annie Lennox
- “Every Time I Close My Eyes” by Babyface with Kenny G, Mariah Carey, and Shelia E.
- “Somebody’s Watching Me” by Rockwell with Michael Jackson and Jermaine Jackson
- “Pink + White” by Frank Ocean with Beyoncé
- “State of Shock” by the Jacksons, with Mick Jagger
- “Young Americans” by David Bowie with Luther Vandross
- “Why Should I Love You?” by Kate Bush with Prince singing and playing guitar
- “There Must Be More to Life Than This” by Queen with Michael Jackson
- “This Is What You Came For” by Calvin Harris and Rihanna with uncredited vocals by the song’s author, Taylor Swift
- “Partition” by Beyoncé with Justin Timberlake
- “Chain Reaction” by Diana Ross with Barry Gibb
There are certainly others, but I’ll stop here. Though if there are glaring omissions, lemme me know, and I’ll make additions.
See ya next month, and as always: stay safe, sane, and kind.
