The spelling of "background singer" corresponds to its pronunciation, which is ['bækgraʊnd ˈsɪŋər]. The first syllable is pronounced with the short 'a' sound, followed by a stressed 'o' sound. The second syllable contains the schwa sound, represented by the symbol 'ə'. The final syllable is pronounced with the 'ing' suffix, followed by the short 'er' sound. This term refers to a singer who performs vocals in the background of a song or music composition, supporting the lead singer or instrumentalists.
A background singer refers to a vocalist who provides harmonies, supporting vocals, and vocal arrangements to enhance the main vocals of a lead singer or vocal group. Also known as backing vocalists or backup singers, they typically perform a secondary role in a musical performance or recording.
Background singers contribute to the overall sound and texture of a song by singing harmonies or counter-melodies, adding depth and complexity to the main vocal line. They may also be involved in creating vocal arrangements, which involve deciding on the specific vocal parts to be sung and how they interact with the lead vocals. Additionally, these singers often provide ad-libs, improvisations, or vocal embellishments to add flair and artistic expression to the music.
Background singers can be found in various musical genres, including pop, rock, R&B, gospel, and country. They may perform live on stage alongside the lead singer, enhancing their performance and providing a fuller sound. In the studio, they often record their vocal parts separately or in groups, layering their voices to create a cohesive vocal blend.
In summary, a background singer is a vocalist who supports the lead singer or vocal group by providing harmonies, vocal arrangements, and additional vocal embellishments to enhance the overall sound and artistry of a musical performance or recording.
The word "background singer" is a combination of two terms: "background" and "singer".
The term "background" originates from the early 18th century, derived from the combination of "back" and "ground". "Back" refers to the part that is furthest away or behind, while "ground" refers to the surface or area on which something stands. The concept of the background revolves around something that provides support or serves as a less prominent element in relation to the main focus.
The term "singer" originates from the Old English word "sangare", which means "one who sings". The verb "singan", the root of "sangare", traces back to the Proto-Germanic word *sangijanan, suggesting that the concept of singing has existed for a significant period of time.