5 Classic Rock Songs That Feature Backing Vocals From Famous Singers

In the world of rock music, there are many examples of singers helping out fellow rock bands. Providing backing vocals can help boost the harmonies of the track while also attaching another big name to the album credits. Fans love this kind of crossover between their favorite groups. Oftentimes, fans don’t realize who’s singing the backing vocals on big hits. Once you learn who it is, you can never unhear it. Here are five examples of classic rock songs that feature backing vocals from famous singers.

“I’m Alright” by Kenny Loggins Features Eddie Money

This iconic Kenny Loggins song was the theme song for the comedy film Caddyshack. Released in 1980, the song is just as big as the movie, and both were relatively successful. The song peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1980. Eddie Money and Kenny Loggins were label-mates, both signed with Columbia Records. Money already had a few hits of his own under his belt when he provided backing vocals on “I’m Alright.” He’s heard very clearly on the bridge section of the track, singing lead vocals on a few lines. Money saw further success in the 1980s with a string of hits. Kenny Loggins began a successful streak with movie soundtracks, following up with “Footloose” for the 1984 film of the same name. In 1986, Loggins provided “Danger Zone” to the Top Gun: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack.

“This Time” by Bryan Adams Features Lou Gramm

While in the studio for the Cuts Like a Knife album, rock singer-songwriter Bryan Adams reached out for help. Previously, Adams toured as the opening act for the rock group Foreigner. He was a fan of the group’s lead singer, Lou Gramm. On the last day booked in the studio, Adams’ backing vocalists were ill. Desperately, Adams asked Gramm to provide backing vocals to the new album. Lou Gramm then sang on seven of the ten tracks on the album. He did this as a favor, refusing payment for the help. Gramm sang backing vocals on the album’s hit “This Time.” The song reached No. 24 on the Billboard Hot 100 and received significant radio airplay in 1983. Gramm also contributed additional vocals to the album’s title track, “Cuts Like a Knife,” which peaked at No. 15 on the Hot 100.

“Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi Features Mike Reno

As recently as 2022, Mike Reno of Loverboy revealed he provided backing vocals on Bon Jovi’s signature hit. By 1986, Loverboy had hits with songs such as “Working For The Weekend” and “Turn Me Loose.” Lovin’ Every Minute of It was recorded at Little Mountain Sound Studios in Vancouver, Canada, in 1985. While again recording in Vancouver for their next album, songwriter Desmond Child invited Mike Reno to the studio for Bon Jovi’s sessions. Slippery When Wet was being recorded in the same studio in Vancouver. Reno was invited to assist with backing vocals on the album’s hit, “Livin’ on a Prayer.” His contributions went uncredited and were revealed years later by Reno himself. The song was a No. 1 hit in 1986. It was the group’s second No. 1 in a row following the album’s first single, “You Give Love a Bad Name.”

“Peg” by Steely Dan Features Michael McDonald

Michael McDonald of The Doobie Brothers was a frequent collaborator with Steely Dan. Previously, McDonald toured as a member of Steely Dan. He also provided backing vocals for multiple Steely Dan tracks. Specifically, McDonald can be heard prominently on Steely Dan’s 1977 hit “Peg.” He layered his vocals eight different times, stacking 4-part harmonies. McDonald’s contribution built the iconic chorus of the album’s lead single. “Peg” reached No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. It became the highest-charting single from the highly acclaimed album, Aja.

“Same Ol’ Situation (S.O.S.)” by Mötley Crüe Features Jack Blades

Mötley Crüe’s 1989 album Dr. Feelgood hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200. The successful album featured contributions from many singers. Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler can be heard on “Sticky Sweet, along with Bryan Adams. Cheap Trick’s Robin Zander and Rick Nielsen sang backing vocals on “She Goes Down.” For the album’s fifth single, “Same Ol’ Situation (S.O.S),” Jack Blades of Night Ranger provided backing vocals. Night Ranger had a string of hits in the 1980s, and the band befriended Mötley Crüe. The album was being recorded at Little Mountain Sound Studios in Vancouver, Canada, when Jack Blades was invited to the studio. Blades was on the verge of creating the supergroup Damn Yankees, with Tommy Shaw of Styx and Ted Nugent. Though “Same Ol’ Situation (S.O.S.)” didn’t chart as well as the album’s previous singles, it became a fan favorite and a staple of the band’s live performances.