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MUSIC MONDAY: “Bring It On Home” – A Famous Background Vocalists Playlist (LISTEN)
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!
- “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.
INTRODUCING: BAYLANDER STEEL BEACH 2023
Harlem Bespoke: The very popular Baylander Steel Beach lounge on the former naval ship at the West Harlem Piers on far West 125th Street wrapped up a second successful season last November when the weather got cold but now things will be warming up since Spring 2023 has finally arrived. So when will everyone be on deck this season?It is still a little too cold so far and the official website has now confirmed that everything is up and running already. This new uptown business opened during the pandemic but thrived thanks to overwhelming local support and more fun days are sure to come at the this historic Harlem site. More on the Baylander Steel Beach can be found in our past post: LINK
VOLUNTEER: TRASH PROJECT AT ST. NICHOLAS PARK
Harlem Bespoke: Another clean up day with Friends of St. Nicholas Park and local volunteers to help out for a monthly cleanup. Mark those calendars and pitch in to help beautify one of uptown’s beloved parks.
HARLEM BESPOKE SUBSCRIPTION EMAIL UPDATE
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