The Top 12 musical backing bands

The Top 12 musical backing bands
The Top 12 musical backing bands

Many famous backing bands have played pivotal roles in the success of various artists and genres. Here are some notable examples

1. The Wailers

Associated Artist - Bob Marley

Notable Contributions - The Wailers were instrumental in bringing reggae music to a global audience. They provided the backing music for Bob Marley, one of the most influential musicians in the genre.

2. The E Street Band

Associated Artist - Bruce Springsteen

Notable Contributions - Known for their powerful live performances and a blend of rock and roll, the E Street Band has been Bruce Springsteen's backing band since the early 1970s. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014.

3. The Revolution

Associated Artist - Prince

Notable Contributions - The Revolution played a crucial role in Prince's success during the 1980s, particularly on albums like "Purple Rain," "Around the World in a Day," and "Parade."

4. The Funk Brothers

Associated Artist - Various Motown artists (e.g., The Supremes, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye)

Notable Contributions - As discussed earlier, The Funk Brothers were the house band for Motown Records and played on numerous hit records throughout the 1960s and 1970s.

5. The Wrecking Crew

Associated Artist - Various artists (e.g., The Beach Boys, Frank Sinatra, The Monkees)

Notable Contributions - This group of Los Angeles-based session musicians played on countless hit records during the 1960s and 1970s, contributing to the success of numerous artists and bands.

6. The Nashville A-Team

Associated Artist - Various country artists (e.g., Patsy Cline, Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison)

Notable Contributions - The Nashville A-Team was a group of session musicians who played on many classic country recordings from the 1950s through the 1970s.

7. The Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section (The Swampers)

Associated Artist - Various artists (e.g., Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, The Rolling Stones)

Notable Contributions - Based in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, this group of session musicians was known for their work on numerous soul, rock, and R&B recordings.

8. The Band

Associated Artist - Bob Dylan

Notable Contributions - Originally known as The Hawks when backing Ronnie Hawkins, The Band became famous for their collaboration with Bob Dylan in the 1960s. They later achieved success on their own with hits like "The Weight."

9. Booker T and the MGs

Associated Artist - Various Stax Records artists (e.g., Otis Redding, Sam & Dave)

Notable Contributions - As the house band for Stax Records, Booker T. & the M.G.'s played on many iconic soul recordings and also had their own hits like "Green Onions."

10. Crazy Horse

Associated Artist - Neil Young

Notable Contributions - Known for their raw, garage-band sound, Crazy Horse has been Neil Young's frequent backing band since the late 1960s, contributing to many of his most acclaimed albums.

11. The Jordanaires

Associated Artist - Elvis Presley

Notable Contributions - This vocal quartet provided background vocals for Elvis Presley from 1956 to 1972, contributing to many of his most famous recordings.

12. The Crickets

Associated Artist - Buddy Holly

Notable Contributions - Initially formed as Buddy Holly's backing band, The Crickets played on many of his hits, including "That'll Be the Day" and "Peggy Sue."

These backing bands have left a lasting legacy in the music industry, helping to shape the sounds of various genres and supporting some of the most iconic artists in music history.