Spotlight on the Background

Morgan Neville’s 2013 Academy Award-winning documentary 20 Feet from Stardom nicely captured the rewards and challenges of being a backing singer for successful rock and pop acts. Though well-paid for both studio and live work, backing vocalists are generally consigned to the rear of the stage, often even behind much of the band. And when they attempt to make the transition to leading their own group, the odds are 50/50 or less that they’ll have a successful career as a leading man or woman. For every Lisa Fischer or Catherine Russell, there are many more who remain in the background and make peace with that fate. It is, after all, a nice gig.

spoke to two accomplished backing singers with deep connections to jazz