Bassist that has/had best backing vocal capabilities

[afinalfantasy]

Toshiya is pretty good, don't know if you would call it "singing" per say though.

 

[raymondl3]

I'd have to say Glen Hughes when he was the backup to David Coverdale in Deep Purple in the mid 70's. He makes Coverdale sound like the backup.

Check out the vocal at 1:45 and 2:07. amazing


YouTube - Deep Purple - Burn

 

[woodsideh]

Timothy B. Schmit...

Great backing vocals and and great player.

 

[CTC564]

Great choice woodesideh

Overlooked too often

 

[sometypeofplay]

I've gotta say Randy Meisner the original bassist/high harmony singer in the Eagles. Played on all their (for me) classic albums. Did a fair amount of lead vocals too.

 

[itchy]

Michael Anthony always did great bgv's.

+ another 1

 

[neurotictim]

Maybe I'm too close to the subject, as I'm working on putting together a Green Day tribute, but Mike Dirnt's backing vocals were a big part of the band's sound, and to sing harmonies while playing the most complex instrument in the band, well...

That's my vote.

 

[5StringBlues]

 

[Mrdak]

Funny you should mention Squire. His was the very first name that came to mind - instantaneously at that. Glad to see that others in this thread also hold him in such high regard.

Beyond Squire, McCartney is an obvious choice. Also, Peter Cetera.

MM

+10000

 

[iabssplyr]

Dee Murray who played bass and sang behind Elton John, along with Nigel Olssen and Davey Johnston. Super harmonies as well as a fine bassist. He's definitely missed.

 

[davegt666]

Either Glenn Hughes when he was with deep purple or Juan Croucier from Ratt. Juan's high-pitched voice really added to Ratt's sound back in the day.

 

[colcifer]

I'll add Lesh to the list.

 

[MOTORHEADBANGER]

Besides those added to the list...

I'm kinda surprised no one has said it but, Jeff Pilson of Dokken. Great bass tone (SVT) but he really exceeds is in vocals. His range and skill in harmonies is superb and definitely better than Don's (and I like Don Dokken).

Also no one ever mentions Jaco's jazz singing on Weather Report's "Birdland". A true standard in jazz. That high pitched "cooing" makes me smile (and occasionally laugh) every time.

 

[Metalbasshippy]

John Entwistle had the best vocal range of anyone in the who he could do falsetto and go down to that pre-death metal growling of his.

 

[raymondl3]

What about Tony Levin? Good bass singer especially when he does the Barbershop music.

 

[Hoover]

Squire? check
Anthony? check
McCartney? check
Levin? check


My work's already done here, I got nothing to add!

 

[raymondl3]

How about Tom Petty's old bassist? He was pretty good.

 

[mottshoople]

Rick Danko. Great harmony vocals. Blended so well with Levon's leads.

 

[BagelBruin]

Rick Danko. Great harmony vocals. Blended so well with Levon's leads.

He sang a lot of lead too, but I agree!!!!

I am surprised no one mentioned Mike Mill of REM. His drone like background vocals aloud Stipe to sing however he wanted too.

 

[Freez]

John Entwistle had the best vocal range of anyone in the who he could do falsetto and go down to that pre-death metal growling of his.

This. And Macca.