(No Small Story today. A Small Insight instead!)
National Backup Singer Day is not a thing.1 It should be. Why not today?
Because, honestly, it’s the Backup Singers that make a lot of the truly great songs come alive! Plus, the basic truth is this:
Every single one of us is a Backup Singer.
At least if we are having any meaningful impact, influence, or inspiration on the lives of those around us.
In fact, Marketing 101 would tell every single business, brand, and leader this:
You/Your Company are not the Hero. You are not the Main Act.
Who is the Hero? The Main Act? That’s the client/crowd/community that you serve.
As for you? You are…
The guide.
The coach.
The mentor.
The consultant.
The Backup Singer.
Whether we spend most of our hours as a
parent or principal,
pastor or paralegal,
police officer or pediatrician,
…our job is to come alongside the song they are singing, and do our part to help draw forth the full depth, beauty, and originality of that song. Our go-to questions, then, are…
How can we help make your song better?
How can my vocals give support, encouragement, and strength to the tune you carry?
How can I serve you?
Do that - and guess what? Their voice and our voice sing something far stronger than if it were just two solo acts.
And since it’s now National Backup Singer Day, why not take a moment to consider just what kind of Backup Singer (think: Servant Leader) we are? Clarity on our vocal-type will help us appreciate more clearly how we can most benefit those we serve.
Backup Singer Type #1 - The Bass Boss
Ever listened to the Pips sing backup to Gladys Knight in Midnight Train to Georgia? Gladys Knight has a voice that soars with unparalleled strength. The Pips? Their job is to land the sweet, bass-y vocals that anchor the song while Gladys makes it fly.
Some Backup Singers (Servant Leaders) best serve by keeping a steady beat for the team.
They keep schedules together; they keep plans projected.
They juggle calendars, commitments, and fundamental infrastructure on behalf of the client or the community.
They ensure the fundamental bass notes keep hitting just so, which allows their “Gladys” to focus on letting her vocals soar-and-inspire (And lest we think the Bass Bosses are always behind-the-scenes, watch those Pips. You can definitely bring inspiring style to this work).
Some Backup Singers are The Pips for Gladys Knight. They are Bass Bosses.
Backup Singer Type #2 - The Level-Up Luminary
Classic, inspired, guitar rock, complete with an almost dream-like sound? Try Tom Petty’s 1985 Don’t Come Around Here No More. Epic. It could stand solidly without a backup singer. But, you know what takes that song from quite good to lose-your-mind transcendent?
Marilyn Martin.
She’s the Backup Singer, and her part provides a beautiful, almost haunting lift throughout. Then, at the 4:04 mark she hits an an aching, soaring note that - paired with the guitar build of that moment - is just otherworldly.
Some Backup Singers (Servant Leaders) best serve by coming alongside truly top-notch professionals, students, or communities, and their job is to take what is already polished and draw forth the uniquely luminous potential.
They see the healthy balance sheet and obvious success an organization has had, but rather than remain awestruck they ask: Where’s the opportunity to live more clearly into this mission?
They note where the stage speaker is stunningly good, but that speaker’s heart is a half-step removed from the speech content. So they ask: How can we bridge the distance between the words on your lips and the core of your heart?
They see the community, school, or business firing on all cylinders but nevertheless raise the question: Can we harness our strengths to take the lead on environmental well-being? Affordable housing? Can we risk a soaring sound that will make the whole song go next-level?
Some Backup Singers are Marilyn Martin for Tom Petty. They are Level-Up Luminaries.
Backup Singer Type #3 - The Superstar Servant
Understated, mellow, and with a chorus that darn-near anybody can sing when it comes on radio? Shower the People by James Taylor hits that note squarely. Until, of course, you arrive to the final third of the live versions of the song where Arnold McCuller takes center stage and brings a level of depth-and-soul that just stuns.
Because here’s the truth: as melodious, genuine, and kind as Jame Taylor’s voice is, McCuller has the better voice. McCuller can go higher, further, and deeper than Taylor’s voice - and that’s especially clear when McCuller solos at the 3:17 mark of the song (and it’s the reason McCuller has soloed on a number of Taylor’s classics over the years).
Some Backup Singers (Servant Leaders) are natural headliners. Out-front personas. In fact, they may well find themselves this very day as…
the Leader of the band,
the President of the university,
the CEO,
the Mayor,
the otherwise notable figure at the front.
But, they understand that even in that position (especially in that position) they are on the cusp of total mutiny if they forget that their fundamental aim is to serve the people. Indeed, the secret sauce of the very best headliners, showstoppers, and spotlight stars is this: (counterintuitively) they know that it’s not about them.
And so they show up as the new university president, and use their voice not to overwhelm, direct, and dictate but to elevate, inspire, and encourage the genuine best of the current melody (and over time, that melody may well transform!).
They come alongside a coaching client, but they don’t pour out their flashy wisdom, credentialed insights, and genius ideas. They figure out how to use just enough of their inspiring ways to draw out the full voice of the client before them.
They run the company from the bottom. They are ever-aware of who the real names and faces are among the ‘lowest’ positions. And when they do sometimes solo with their rare talent, it comes later in the song after having spent time letting the other voices speak, share, and offer. In fact, what they find is that the basic components of their solo are largely composed from the best parts of the company’s current melody.
Some Backup Singers are Arnold McCuller for James Taylor. They are Superstar Servants.
So, as we celebrate the First Annual Backup Singers Day…
Which Backup Singers do you most appreciate?
Are there a certain songs or moments of a song that comes to mind?
And, most importantly, does a certain Backup Singer sound-or-lyric give you insight into the kind of servant leadership you provide? Is it possible you’re a Bass Boss, Level-Up Luminary, or Superstar Servant? Or are you someone (or something) else?
Truly, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Put them in the comments below, and let’s see what kind of choir begins to form :)
Thanks!
What is a thing is the documentary about backup singers - 20 Feet from Stardom (2013). Totally worth a watch.
Emmy Lou Harris with anyone and Joan Baez with Dylan. Nancy Reagan, Eleanor Roosevelt, Michelle Obama. Sometimes the soloists are the back up singers. Handels Messiah.
Very thoughtful piece and thank you for the links. Never saw the James Taylor piece or heard Petty on that song.
These stories are often songs for which I am inspired to sing back up
For sure I thought you were going to mention your back up singers from the cruise and how thrilled they were to be a part of the action. Love this piece!!!