Great Moments in Backup Singing: Hall & Oates
October 31, 2007 by Extra P.
It may be a little bit unfair to characterize John Oates as a backup singer, but to my way of thinking, he was definitely the wing man in the Hall & Oates partnership. The fact that Darryl Hall gave him equal billing in the act is a testament to his appreciation for Oates’ steady musicianship.
But let’s be honest - Darryl was the face man. He had the better voice, and the frontman looks and charisma, and those qualities made him the leader. Oates happily put the Philly-soul oooohs and aaaaahs in there, and sometimes sang near-duets, as in “She’s Gone” and other classics. But mostly, he was a complementary voice.
I had requests for some sweet Hall & Oates tunes when I announced this post last week, including nolachick’s wish to hear the ultra-smooth “Sara Smiles”, but I wanted something that really showed what Oates brought to the table during the duo’s heyday. So, in honor of Halloween, here’s “Maneater”.
See - classic wingman there. Hall is a pretty boy, and he’s used to dealing with rough trade. He’s almost cocky. But Oates has his back, shouting “Watch Out!” and “She’s a man-EATER!” when Hall starts to drop his guard.
Oates, for your dedicated service as the Defensive Coordinator of the group, we salute you.
(sharp-eyed viewers will also notice smirking Saturday Night Live bandleader G.E. Smith adding his voice to the mix)
I’ll tell you the suggestions for next week, but I haven’t decided which to use yet. I’ve had suggestions for Heart, The Pixies, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, and a few others, and I think I’ve discovered a gem of an example from Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes.
Any others?
Aretha Franklin is always money. “Respect” gets all the play, but “Think” is crazy good.
Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes are fantastic–and like Hall&Oates, Teddy, Harold, and the boys are from Philly.
Other Philly soul groups with backup shenanigans:
Patti LaBelle
Delfonics/Stylistics - Both are technically groups, but like the Beach Boys, each song features a singer lead with fantastic, complementing backups.
David Bowie - Only the Young Americans album. “Young Americans” is an absolute clinic on backup singing.
Possibly the dual-billing goes as a songwriting credit and not necessarily a stage-presence one… i dunno
either way, it’s definitely Sara Smile
You can NEVER go wrong with Heart. Ann Wilson has one of the greatest voices in rock history, IMO.
TC - Man, you are going to be a great Philly tour guide.
TGC - I felt at the time that I should have checked the spelling on that name, but I blew it off. I guess that’s why us bloggers will never be as good as the mainstream media.
As far as Oates, I have to say, he even gives the guy a pretty good amount of camera time, despite the mustache and International Male wardrobe.
Bruce - Yes. And hopefully I can find a good youtube, because otherwise I’m going to have to learn to upload audio, and I hate learning stuff.
You’re Out of Touch!
Ah, the greatness of Hall & Oates, those bad asses from Philly. I think you need to peep “Yacht Rock” if you haven’t already. It’s the funniest thing you’ll ever watch.
Not to nit-pick, but isn’t it Daryl Hall & John Oates?
Nevertheless, good choice. And TC, here’s another vote for the clinic of background singing on Bowie’s Young Americans. I think the late Luther Vandross was one of Bowie’s background singers on that album.
Hmmm… is it unusual to develop a learning disability at age 38? I can’t believe you are the first one to mention that I switched the names.
Another day, another fuck-up.
You should totally do Micheal McDonald! His soulful smooth voice is the background vocals of legendary propotions!
Don’t make me Yah mo burn this blog down.
no complaint’s here my friend. still a fine, fine choice!
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