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Backup band

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Bob Dylan and the Band performing in Chicago in 1974

A backup band or backing band is a musical ensemble that typically accompanies a single artist who is the featured performer.[1] The situation may be a live performance or in a recording session, and the group may or may not have its own name, such as "The Heartbreakers" (the band of Tom Petty), or "Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys" in the 1930s.[2] Often, backup bands contain sidemen who are skilled but not known to the public; these musicians may be replaced or substituted at any time without noticeable impact on the performance.[3]

A number of cohesive stand-alone groups of musicians have emerged from the shadow of the starring celebrity (whom they are backing) to achieve a stature of their own. An example is the Eagles in 1971, emerging from being the backing band for Linda Ronstadt.[4] Another example is The Band, a group who backed Bob Dylan on his world tour in 1966, his first tour with electric instruments.[5]

A backing band may also be a cadre of elite studio musicians who serve as a house band for major studios. The same musicians may perform on records by a number of different artists. Examples are Stax Records' band, Booker T. & the M.G.'s; Detroit's The Funk Brothers; and Nashville's A-Team.[1]

Examples

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Notable backing bands (with lead artist) include:

References

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  1. ^ a b Balke, Jeff (February 20, 2012). "Support Staff: 10 Of Pop History's Greatest Backing Bands". houstonpress.com. Houston Press. Retrieved March 14, 2021.
  2. ^ Michael Campbell; James Brody (2008). Rock and roll: an introduction. Cengage Learning. p. 191. ISBN 978-0-534-64295-2. Retrieved 14 December 2010.
  3. ^ Melvin, Gary. "A Guide to Being a Successful Sideman". Los Angeles, California: Musician Wages.com. Archived from the original on May 8, 2012. Retrieved December 16, 2009.
  4. ^ Graff, Gary (January 18, 2006). "How Glenn Frey & Don Henley Became the Eagles, As Told by Linda Ronstadt". billboard.com. Billboard. Retrieved March 14, 2021.
  5. ^ Smith, Troy L. (October 2, 2017). "20 greatest backing bands of all time". cleveland.com. Cleveland Plain Dealer. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
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