Best harmony singers

Subject: Best harmony singers
From: Once Famous
Date: 20 Dec 04 - 04:12 PM

Singing harmony is something I am proud I do well. At the bi-weekly bluegrass jams (some country and some folk is also played) I have developed harmony parts for songs by a number of singers, who seek me out to do these songs when their turns come up.

Who do you think were and are the best of the harmony singers?

Or who influenced you?

For me, a couple of great examples of great harmony singers are/were:

Herb Pedersen, who voice has done harmony with Chris Hillman on many recordings.

Nick Reynolds, Kingston Trio guitarist who knew the art of the "blend."

Don Rich, who's phrasing was like buck Owens twin brother.

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: Midchuck
Date: 20 Dec 04 - 04:52 PM

FinestKind

The Seldom Scene, in their prime (before Duffey died)

Early Ian and Sylvia

And the original Kingston Trio, as you say, for those of us who can remember them

Peter.

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: Midchuck
Date: 20 Dec 04 - 04:53 PM

Whoops, I forgot.

Jody Stecher and Kate Brislin.

Emmylou Harris singing harmony for just about anyone.

P.

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: MudGuard
Date: 20 Dec 04 - 04:58 PM

Hissyfit (Linda Kelly & Hazel Richings)

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: PoppaGator
Date: 20 Dec 04 - 05:38 PM

They're not strictly "folk," more like "roots rock," but I have to give my vote to the subdudes.

They once opened for Crosby Still and Nash (and maybe Young, too -- I'm not sure), and David Crosby complained out loud that they were impossible to follow. They *are* better singers, and better harmonizers, than CSN, which is pretty darn good.

I also have to give a mention to the delightfully wacky Roches, Maggie, Terre and Suzzy (or any two of them when we can't have all three).

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: DonMeixner
Date: 20 Dec 04 - 06:19 PM

Don and Phil Everly

The (Original) Sons of The Pioneers

The Blue Sky Boys

Simon and Garfunkle (Garfunkel)

John Roberts and Tony Barrand

Norman Snabbernackle and his Choir

To name several

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: GUEST,Harmony singer devotee
Date: 20 Dec 04 - 06:19 PM

For me the only harmony singers that I would walk over broken glass to see and hear are Coope Boyes and Simpson. Their precision diction and excellence are unbeatable - I was even able to introduce a member of the choral society that I sing with in my other life to them without having to worry about their reactions. A barbershop singer that I know was knocked out by their technique and "over-ring" (not sure if that is the correct term - in other words production of an apparent fourth harmony for a three part harmony group). Can't get to see them often enough!

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 20 Dec 04 - 06:25 PM

"Steeleye Span" come to mind first and the two songs they do that immediately spring to mind are "The Rosebud in June" and "Gaudete" which are sung acapella.
Have sung both songs with others in harmony and both go down well in any company.
Martin, I too am good at working out harmonies both in Folk music and at Church.
Best wishes, Mike.

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: YorkshireYankee
Date: 20 Dec 04 - 06:44 PM

Tim and Molly O'Brien – bluegrass, newgrass, gospel; as bro & sis, they have that special "family voice/sound" going for them.

Coope, Boyes & Simpson – British male trio, trad & new songs, wonderful tight harmonies

Graham & Eileen Pratt – mostly trad British songs (half of Regal Slip) – fantastic blend!

The Watersons & the Copper Family – no comment needed, methinks

Sweet Honey in the Rock – six African American women with powerful voices, doing spirituals, hymns, gospel, jazz, blues...

Manhattan Transfer – slick, oh-so-sophisticated harmonies

The Everley Bros – interesting harmonies; great blend

Rockapella (are they still around?)

The Four Bobs – wonderfully tight harmonies, and extremely original arrangements of songs you wouldn't really expect a capella renditions of, like Purple Rain, Psycho Killer and Innagoddadavida(sp?)

Agree with Midchick about Finest Kind and with PoppaGator about the Roches

There's SO many more, of course – but these are the ones who come to mind straight away...

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: frogprince
Date: 20 Dec 04 - 06:44 PM

The trio of Anne Hills, Cindy Magnuson, and Patricia Herdman.
Sweet Honey In The Rock.

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: Padre
Date: 20 Dec 04 - 06:51 PM

John Duffy of the Country Gentlemen

Carter and Ralph Stanley

The Louvin Brothers

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: Compton
Date: 20 Dec 04 - 07:03 PM

I'll give a vote to Coope,Boyes and Simpson. they are the dogs!...The Copper Family are/were pretty hot too!...and whilst thinking on, "Sound your Instuments of Joy"/ Malpass Wassail- Watersons, still raises hair on the back of the neck. The Young Tradition........

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: PoppaGator
Date: 20 Dec 04 - 07:04 PM

Many of the best harmonizing groups are siblings/families. There's something at work there that goes deeper than musical talent and skill -- there's something genetic deep down in their bodies and minds that just goes together.

How could I have forgotten to mention the Everly Brothers? Then there's the Wilson brothers and cousins (Beach Boys), the aforementioned Roche sisters and many many more.

Martin's original post, however, seemed to be more about the ability to improvise harmony as an *individual* skill. Some have it, some don't, and I believe that it's a skill that must be practiced regularly to remain strong. If you know how to harmonize, it matters little whether the singer(s) with whom you are harmonizing are your relatives -- there's just a little extra intangible quality there if they are.

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: GUEST,Auggie
Date: 20 Dec 04 - 10:26 PM

Many good one's listed so far but there are some notable omissions.
Two guys named John and Paul used to harmonize pretty good.
If you're a bluegrass fan like MG, the very country Ricky Skaggs is pretty hard to top.

My all time favorites,however, are inimitable The Mills Brothers.

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: M.Ted
Date: 20 Dec 04 - 10:33 PM

The Peerless Quartet, The Four Freshmen, Karl and Harty, The Dinning Sisters,The Four Aces--to fill in a few missed--

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: Metchosin
Date: 20 Dec 04 - 10:51 PM

PoppaGator, I heartily agree regarding sibling/families and will add Kate and Anna McGarrigle and the Andrews Sisters.

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: Metchosin
Date: 20 Dec 04 - 11:10 PM

Also The Good Brothers, the harmony in Fox on the Run was magic.

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: GUEST,Harmoni
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 12:40 AM

The Everley Brothers, Simon and Garfunkle, Chad Mitchell Trio, The Beach Boys and probably several more that will come to mind once I post this.

This isn't really folk, but I loved Wilson Philips--their harmonies were so tight!

I love to harmonize and started off at a very young age with my dad and my sister. For years they were the only 2 people I could sing with because everytime I'd try to harmonize with someone else, that person would inadvertantly leave the melody and copy me. Then I joined a folk/world music a capella choir and I finally found my home. Here was a group of people who I could harmonize with to my heart's content! I also do some arranging for that choir; creating/writing harmonies is my true passion. To me, there is nothing that compares to the sound of 3,4,5,6,or 7-part harmony.

Does anyone else here gets goosebumps whenever you hear that perfect blend of harmonies?

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: Peace
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 12:52 AM

My favourite all-time song by some sweet harmonizers:

Jim Ed Brown, and his sisters Maxine and Bonnie. They areThe Family Brown and the song is "The Three Bells." I jus' don't get any better.

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: Peace
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 12:56 AM

I could get better at my typing and facts. Let me say that again:

My favourite all-time song by some sweet harmonizers:

Jim Ed Brown, and his sisters Maxine and Bonnie. They are The Browns and the song is "The Three Bells." It jus' don't get any better.

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: Peace
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 12:56 AM

Just checked for screwups.There are non.

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 04:17 AM

The Beverly Sisters, the Karlin Twins (male), the Kay Sisters ... plenty on this side of the pond. (And there's me teamed with nearly anybody else!)

Steve

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 04:18 AM

Sorry -- think that should be the Kalin Twins ...

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 04:42 AM

Watersons + Coope Boyes & Simpson together in Blue Murder
Witches of Elswick
One witch, Fay Hield, together with Damien Barber
Tenores di Bitti
Lauren McCormick & Emily Portman
Robin & Barry Dransfield

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: muppitz
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 06:56 AM

Would agree wholeheartedly with anyone citing Coope, Boyes & Simpson!
Lester Simpson was my singing teacher for a while when I was in college, but I don't think he remembers me!

Th' Antiques Roadshow are a band I always look forward to hearing.
I grew up listening to the Watersons, who were excellent in their day, as were the McCalmans, very instinctive singing!

However, the harmony band who I would gladly walk across hot coals and by stretched on a rack for are the Wilson Family.
They are the Rolls Royce of Harmony singers (In My humble opinion of course! I have no intentions of forcing anyone to change their own views!)

muppitz x

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: GUEST,Vic at work
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 08:00 AM

Wilson Family, marvellous singers six siblings and as someone said above there is something special about families singing together.
Antiques are good value for money.
What about Norma and Lal, again that family thing.
Best I've ever heard - We sang in the folk club at Bedworth Festival, 'Brave Wolfe' and the whole room sang and some wonderful hamonies. One of those occasions when you had to be there!

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: Grab
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 08:07 AM

For me, definitely Artisan. Not just for their wonderful harmonies either, although for my money they're much better than Cooper Boyes and Simpson. It's also for Brian Bedford's writing, because he's easily one of the best British songwriters today - he writes the kind of "instant classic" songs that Ralph McTell and Steve Knightley used to. Oh, and they're absolutely wonderful to see on stage too, bcos they've just got that chemistry that makes you warm to them.

Someone's got to mention the Flying Pickets as well though - they did some amazing stuff, really using their voices as instruments. And on the novelty front, there's always that 80s one-hit-wonder of "Don't worry be happy" from Bobby McFerrin which isn't technically great but is an excellent fun track.

Graham.

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: jaze
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 08:08 AM

I go with Emmylou Harris. She has sung and done harmony for a variety of singers and is always excellent.

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 08:22 AM

Andy Kershaw played the Watersons doing Brave Wolfe from Early Days last Sunday (19 December) on BBC R3. You can get it on the replayer for the rest of the week.

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: Vixen
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 08:30 AM

Harmoni mentioned the "goosebump effect"...yeah. That's what good harmony does...In my opinion, great music is identified by its affect on the autonomic nervous system.

I agree with all of the choices mentioned that I've heard, and I now have a list of new voices to listen to.

One "blood harmony" that deserves a mention are the Thompson twins, Chris and Meredith (no not that rock trio from the 80s!). They produce goosebumps...If you get a chance, check out "wood and stone"

V

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: Peace
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 08:31 AM

Dixie Chicks.

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: rumanci
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 08:35 AM

English Tapestry were the best .........once upon a time

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: GUEST,James
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 08:38 AM

Kate and Anna McGarrigle, The Everly Brothers. Emmy Lou Harris, with anyone

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: ConcertinaChap
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 08:46 AM

Surprised no-one has mentioned Sharon Mountain Harmony. Lucy Simpson was the source for several well-known songs like Time Has Made a Change in Me, and the quality of ensemble singing is staggering.

Chris

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: Paco Rabanne
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 08:49 AM

The McGarrigyle sisters.

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: Essex Girl
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 09:17 AM

Dave Webber & Annie Fentiman (OK The remains of English Tapestry), Cockersdale and Magpie Lane, must be added to the list.

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: Vixen
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 09:27 AM

Sharon Mountain reminds me...

New Golden Ring--another goosebump ensemble not yet mentioned...

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: breezy
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 09:41 AM

George Papavgeris is very good at singing harmony as are Cloudstreet from Brisbane Oz way.

C B S and may I mention The Voice Squad

Herga Kitty Vernon aint bad either

Are we not spoiled or what

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: Once Famous
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 10:52 AM

Enjoying the many responses.

Thanks.

Subject: Best harmony singers
From: GUEST,Jack
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 11:37 AM

Local D/FW duet called the Harmonic Balancers, they sing down in Stephenville, Texas as well as Johnnie Highs Country Music Revue(I think)I am not sure where else they sing, but those girls could harmonize like nothing I have seen before, and they sometimes trade off lead/harmony. Just AWESOME!

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: Metchosin
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 11:43 AM

The Blind Boys of Alabama don't suck either.

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: GUEST,Chris
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 08:27 PM

I love harmony. One of the things I'm most thankful for is that I have the knack. It's not a matter of working it out: it's just there. Many of you know what I mean.

Fortunate indeed, since I'd never get a gig with my lead voice...

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: GUEST,Melani
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 09:15 PM

Just a couple of weeks ago, I was blown away once again by Dick Holdstock and Allan MacLeod, especially Dick's high harmonies. 30-odd years together and still totally fantastic!

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: GUEST,Champagne Carol's SS
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 09:59 PM

Fayssoux Starling..she graces some of Emmylou Harris' most lovely cuts.

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 10:06 PM

Another vote for Ralph & Carter. Emmylou is magical singing lead or harmony. Surprised that The Band hasn't been mentioned, especially Helm and Danko.

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: jimmyt
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 10:44 PM

as per pure harmony and lush chord progressions with sweet voicings, although many of the groups already mentioned are way up there, the Four Freshman being my favorites, if you get a chance listen to the groups, BEachfront Property, an absolute lush group, as well as the 60s studio only group SIngers Unlimited. I just bought the box set of their music and after forty years it is still unmatched.

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: GUEST,Sam Hudson
Date: 22 Dec 04 - 08:09 AM

Several mentions of Emmylou remind me of her with Mary Black and Dolores Keane singing 'Sonny's Dream' - quite beautiful. I'd also register a vote for Grace Notes.

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: GLoux
Date: 22 Dec 04 - 08:19 AM

Here are a couple of my favorites that haven't been mentioned yet:

Ginny Hawker and Kay Justice

Alton and Rabon Delmore

-Greg

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: belfast
Date: 22 Dec 04 - 08:35 AM

The Voice Squad. No longer extant unfortunately.

Martin Carthy singing with himself on "The Song of the Lower Classes" is one of the greatest harmony groups I have ever heard.

Some early recordings of the McPeake Family.

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: Fliss
Date: 22 Dec 04 - 09:01 AM

Im very fond of the close harmony of Cuckoo Oak. I know festival goers in the UK will have heard them at some point over the past 25+ years. Pat, Dawn, Mike and Pete have songs from lots of eras and backgrounds.

I was at the Ludlow session last friday with Dawn and Pat and his 2 sisters. The harmonies were ace.

cheers
fliss

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: PoppaGator
Date: 22 Dec 04 - 01:20 PM

It *is* surprising that it took so long for someone to mention Levon Helms and Rick Danko of The Band. I think they make a case for how well UN-related, very different, voices can harmonize.

Reverting back to the subject of harmonizing siblings, how could I have failed to mention my homeboys, the Neville Brothers?

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: Once Famous
Date: 22 Dec 04 - 02:14 PM

Aha! Now I understand the PoppaGator thing!

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: Bobert
Date: 22 Dec 04 - 06:23 PM

Surprised that no one has mentioned the Gatlin Brothers, who harmonize with the best of 'um.

And of course, Emmy Lou could harmonize with a chainsaw if she had to. She's done some stuff with Buddy Miller which is real fine but, then again, I like Buddy'd stuff.

Simon and Garfunkle arguably seem to set the bar when it come to pop folk.

The Everly Brothers...

The Byrds...

The Pozo Sego Singers, with Don Williams, hit it purdy good, too.

The Seldome Scene was real tight prior to the death of J. Duffy...

The Righteous Brothers...

Doctor Hook and the Medicine Show. Wow, these guys could sing together... "Carry me, Carri"... Like I said... Wow...

Well, that's my short list.

Bobert

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: Margret RoadKnight
Date: 22 Dec 04 - 08:17 PM

Kathy & Carol
- (their '60s album recently reissued on CD - yay!)
- Bulgarian women's choirs & groups, and duets featuring that drone.
- Joe & Eddie

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: Gorgeous Gary
Date: 22 Dec 04 - 08:46 PM

I'm with Graham on Artisan, and for all the same reasons. They're one of my favorite groups and are on my drop-everything-else list when they come through town.

-- Gary

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: MuddleC
Date: 22 Dec 04 - 09:02 PM

-mere words cannot describe the unmitigated beauty of listening to Maddy Prior, her daughter Rose Kemp, and Abbie Lathe singing 'I need you to turn to' live!!

catch it on the CD 'Bib & Tuck'

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: Peace
Date: 22 Dec 04 - 10:25 PM

One of the best harmonizers I ever met in this life is a gal named Liz Tanzey. I sang a few times with her in Montreal, and she never failed to blow muh mind with her vocals. She had a natural, instinctive 'feel' for just the right timbre, vocal clarity and projection. What a gal. She could rock and roll or provide just the thing on tender ballads like Wild Mountain Time (Thyme/Tyme). She had the ability to provide a backup that was considerate of the 'lead' singers with whom she worked, and the tremendous ability to split the mike and make the song bigger and better than it could ever be with just one voice. She could drift in and out of unison-singing to third or fifth part harmony with the ease of a duck swimming under water. I do not know what has becaome of Liz. I hope the Universe has been good to her. If anyone reading this knows her or sees her singing somewhere, please give her my love and tell her I have never forgot those times we shared the stage and the mike. What a singer. Here's to ya, Liz.

Bruce Murdoch

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: GUEST,chinmusic
Date: 22 Dec 04 - 10:35 PM

Besides being great lead singers, I love the harmony voices of Eve Goldberg and Amanda Walther. Though they are not a duo, their rich harmonies always take a song to another plateau.

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: Mike Regenstreif
Date: 22 Dec 04 - 11:02 PM

Hi Bruce,

I remember hearing Liz sing with you.

Liz ended up in Toronto. I've seen her credit as a backup singer from time to time. I think she made a commercial pop album of her own at one point.

Mike Regenstreif

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: Peace
Date: 22 Dec 04 - 11:18 PM

Thank you, Mike.

I wish you the best this holiday season. I won't wish you a merry Christmas, but I hope your New Year is fantastic. You have been a great friend to me, Mike. If I ever get the newer stuff recorded, I promise you you will have it at least a few weeks before anyone else.

Keep well, buddy.

Bruce Murdoch

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: GUEST,Gadaffi
Date: 23 Dec 04 - 04:12 AM

Swan Arcade
The Watersons
Young Tradition

The Coppers
The Millen Family

South Yorkshire/Peak District pub carollers, esp. those at Worrall, Ingbirchworth and Dungworth.

Coope, Boyes and Simpson
The Songwainers

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: MARINER
Date: 23 Dec 04 - 07:38 AM

The Louvin Brothers, The Everlys and without any doubt The Voice Squad.

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: Peace
Date: 23 Dec 04 - 07:48 AM

The Double Six of Paris.

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: GUEST,Guest: Fly
Date: 23 Dec 04 - 03:38 PM

On the British scene:-
Look back to Beggars Velvet who had a full range of sounds and tone
CBS undoubtedly for their intricacies
Grace Notes are always good
There is a relatively new group named Four& Aft that are worth a listen - deep and powerful.

Plus the whole club at the Bacca Pipes Folk Club

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 23 Dec 04 - 03:43 PM

I'm with jimmyt on the Four Freshman. For gospel, The Fairfield Four have been outstanding for over 60 years and The Swan Silvertones and the Dixie Hummingbirds were mighty fine, too. And then, not to forget
the Soul Stirrers.

Jerry

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: GUEST,eoin o'buadhaigh
Date: 23 Dec 04 - 03:51 PM

Has to be The Voice Squad or Kate and Anna McGarrigle.
Wouldn't it be heaven if you could get the two groups together.
That would be a good thread... Mix and match... form your own group!
      cheers eoin.

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: PoppaGator
Date: 23 Dec 04 - 04:23 PM

Is there a notable gospel quartet that should NOT be mentioned here? I should add the esteemed name of the wonderful Zion Harmonizers, still going strong after so many years.

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: GUEST,CHampagne Carol's Secret Santa
Date: 23 Dec 04 - 05:28 PM

Shawn Colvin was really nice on ' A heart Needs a Home' with Loudon Wainright the III on the BEAT THE RETREAT Tribute Album.

Another great Emmylou partner...Cheryl White.

Vince Gill is so much more appealing as a Harmoniser than as a lead singer..he accompanies Roseanne Cash on yet another Tribute CD...KINDRED SPIRITS, singing 'I still Miss Someone'

Gilliam Welch with ANYBODY.

I'd laud the Gatlins but I detest their politics. (Right Wing)



Quite apart from who is the BEST...

how come nobody ever needs a Harmony singer where >I< live, huh? All my life I was relagated to singing harmony and hated it, but now that I want to, nobody needs me. Boo hoo. Pity me the poor Harmony singer!

Since Champagne Carol is abed with a bad back, I suppose it's safe to reveal I am in California. I should take out an ad: Underappreciated Harmony Singer seeks lead singer to accompany or somesuch.

Soryy, just all this waxing rhapsodic about OTHER harmony singers has made me feel unloved, not that I can compare of course.

Champagne Carol's Secret Santa

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: Bobert
Date: 23 Dec 04 - 06:04 PM

Forgot a couple gals that I don't think anyone had mentioned: the Indigo Girls...

Bobert

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: GUEST,Dale
Date: 23 Dec 04 - 06:11 PM

Kathy Chiavola. Barnes and Noble lists her on 38 albums, including ones by Garth Brooks, Steve Earle, Maura O'Connell , Kathy Mattea, Daniel O'Donnell, Victor Wooten, Emmylou Harris, Tony Rice, Martina McBride, Mark O'Connor, Claire Lynch, Hazel Dickens, Kenny Rogers, The Country Gazette, Dry Branch Fire Squad, Rhonda Vincent, David Holt, Wayne Newton, Charles Sawtelle, The Rarely Herd, Mark Newton, Joe Carr, David Beaudry, Kazuhiro Inaba, and who knows who all else that aren't in the list. Appears to me that THAT is a harmony singer!

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: GUEST,Piglet
Date: 23 Dec 04 - 06:15 PM

MuddleC - I heartily agree. Although I havent heard the ladies singing live, I recently borrowed 'Bib & Tuck' from my local library and just love the whole CD. Driving the family mad with playing the disc now!

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: GUEST,Dale
Date: 23 Dec 04 - 06:28 PM

Continuing on with some of the others and trying not to mention those already listed:

The Rankin Family (family groups always get extra points)

Mac and Bob (McFarland and Gardner)~~ When The Roses Bloom Again Still gives me a thrill when I hear it

Ricky Skaggs and Tony Rice ~~ not brothers, but sound like it.

Well, Skaggs and most anybody

Buck White & The Down Home Folks (The Whites, if you prefer)

The Poe Sisters (Ruth & Nelle)

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: pdq
Date: 23 Dec 04 - 07:26 PM

I believe that Sharon and Cheryl White were sometimes listed as 'Sharon Hicks' and 'Cheryl Warren', their former married names.

Sharon is now married to Ricky Skaggs but seems to prefer 'Sharon White' as a professional name. The White Family, which includes father Buck, has been standout in traditional Country Music for at least 30 years. They have refused to join the transformation of Country into Rock and Pop-Rock as so many others have done.

'The Whites' CD "A lifetime in the Making" is as fine an effort in acoustic Country Music as anything ever done.

Sharon and Cheryl do the harmony on Steve Goodman's song "When My Rowboat Comes In".

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: Ferrara
Date: 23 Dec 04 - 11:01 PM

Soup Kitchen, a trio from West Virginia (formerly known as the Missing Person Soup Kitchen Gospel Quartet), they are Bill and Rebecca Kimmons and Will Fanning.

Not as well known as they oughta be IMHO. Their group harmonies and interaction are great, definitely the kind of unexpected and "right" harmonies that give me goosebumps; and they are very good improvisers, especially Becky who blows me away when she is improvising harmonies in an after-hours sing.

Am enjoying this thread, there's this great happy feeling of, "Oh, yes!   Them too! And that group, too!" What fun.

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: Ferrara
Date: 26 Dec 04 - 10:41 PM

Refresh on account o' we had a little unscheduled vacation over the holiday. Thanks again for getting us back up, Max.

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Dec 04 - 04:47 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: John C.
Date: 27 Dec 04 - 09:58 AM

If I may introduce a note of curmudgeonly scepticism (Merry Xmas, Mr Scrooge!) - I hate harmonies! This hideous, self-indulgent droning far too often spoils my enjoyment of a perfectly good song. And certainly on the British folk scene the popularity of many harmony groups, from the Watersons onwards, have contributed, in my opinion, to that most horrible of phenomena the dirge-like chorus/refrain (picture dozens of bearded blokes, tankards on their belts and clogs on their feet, eyes closed and fingers in their ears and all singing through their noses, in a variety of keys, the umptyninth interminable chorus of 'Fathom the Bowl' or 'The Wild Rover' - deadly!!!).
I can't speak for our friends across the Pond but I believe that the English Folk song tradition (and Scottish and Irish as well) is a melodic and narrative one and harmonies have a tendency to smooth out the (often very beautiful) tunes and get in the way of the story. Ban harmonies - that's what I say!

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: Once Famous
Date: 27 Dec 04 - 10:28 AM

Maybe there's too much warble and braying in British folk music to make harmonies effective.

It takes a tin ear to not appreciate good harmony, no matter what little country you come from.

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: GUEST,bflat
Date: 27 Dec 04 - 12:21 PM

The unique qualities of voice that develop in siblings make for the best harmony so I'll go with the Everlys, the McGarrigles and the Lennon and the McGuire Sisters.

Ellen

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: jimmyt
Date: 27 Dec 04 - 01:01 PM

You know, I think John C brings up a good point, although I personally don't agree. From what I have gleaned, English (Scottish, Celtic, Irish ) music seems to be more in the spirit of the Single voice, story telling set to music vein probably descended from Minstrals, bards, troubedours, etc with its origins in the mists of time. A lot of American folk music also falls into this category also. But to say you don't like harmony singing is sort of like saying only a solo instrument, not a string quartet, accompanied music, Symphony, etc.   Seems like there is more tyhan one art form we are discussing here.

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: John C.
Date: 27 Dec 04 - 03:19 PM

Oh dear, and I was trying very hard not to be nationalistic - I really don't know enough about American trad. song to know if harmony singing is appropriate or not.
Yes, I do come from a little country (England) and, no, I don't think it's better than any other country (although, as an Englishman, I believe I've got much to be thankful for). What I do know, though, is that my ancestors, although they were often poor and often had very little, left behind a beautiful legacy of traditional songs and I want to hear those songs presented in the most appropriate way possible. This has nothing to do with having a tin ear - I hope!
It has always seemed to me that everyone who encounters the old songs immediately wants to convert them into something else - often before they have even begun to grasp their essence. Thus the Edwardian collectors wanted to turn them into classical music whilst the 60s rock generation wanted to turn them into rock songs; to sing them in harmony is, to me, merely part of the same phenomenon.

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 27 Dec 04 - 03:31 PM

John C: I love harmony singing and always have. But, there are many folk songs that I feel carry more power when sung solo. Some, when they are unaccompanied, for that matter. To me, it depends as much on the song, as anything. If the song is about a personal experience, it can sound odd with a group of people all singing "I."
Which "I" are we referring to? Narrative songs and ballads often sound better to me as a solo singer. Mostly, it's songs with a good chorus that feel "right" for harmonizing.

On the other hand, would you really like to hear sea chanteys sung solo? "Haul away me laddies," could then be sung "Haul away me" I know some folk singers who resent anyone singing along on the chorus, which I've never understood. That's why they're called "choruses."
Theres a certain romance in the lone folk singer catching a freight with his cheap guitar strapped across his back that doesn't seem to allow for a quartet of harmony singers catching the same train.

All that said, I LOVE harmony singing... singing it, and listening to it.

Jerry

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: Metchosin
Date: 27 Dec 04 - 04:42 PM

Well Jerry, maybe John C doesn't think of it as a "chorus", but as a "refrain", as in please, refrain from singing this part. LOL

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 27 Dec 04 - 05:03 PM

LOL,. Metchosin! Now, there are some singers who are so bad, I'd encourage the audience to sing so loud that they drown them out...

Jerry

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: catspaw49
Date: 27 Dec 04 - 06:47 PM

We had an almost identical thread a few years ago and looking back, it got almost identical results........General agreement on the strength of blood harmonies with a nod to the Everlys at possibly the top. Emmylou with lots of votes saying she can sing with anyone. Don Rich literally defined the beginning and the end of Buck Owens' career........Lot of the same stuff on both threads with a lot of different folks.

I don't think I saw Robin and Linda Williams in this thread so I'll add them on here. And Vix....good call on the Golden Ring.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: Ferrara
Date: 27 Dec 04 - 11:29 PM

John C, there are lots of different regional approaches to harmony, as well as to allowing people to sing along on choruses. For Appalachian ballads the traditional style is solo singing, even on refrains and choruses. American "old time" music has harmonies though. And it's definitely trad, it just comes from a different tradition, mostly a matter of what region.

Gospel in the U.S. usually has harmonies, but there are exceptions such as Primitive Baptist and Shaker singing.

Norman Kennedy is fine with people singing on refrains and choruses but does NOT want them to sing harmonies. For one thing, he's not used to it and it throws them off. However Lou Killen says that in his local tradition people sang on the choruses and he seems quite happy to have plenty of improvised harmony as well.

Having said all that, I'm really very much in sympathy with what you seem to be saying, which is to say that whenever possible I would prefer to hear songs sung the way the old folks sang 'em.

And "tarting up" a song, as Derek Seed put it, is not usually what I like to hear. Still it can make for some great music and of course there's another factor, no one can say that the harmonies of the Everley Brothers are not an "authentic" style for their songs, can they?

There's room for everything although I too would like to see there being more room for respect for the traditional ways of singing the songs I like best.... A lot of those styles are getting harder and harder to find and hear.

Rita F

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: andymac
Date: 28 Dec 04 - 01:59 AM

Seems to me there are two threads to this thread now.
Firstly,
Harmony singers:
Coope Boyes and Simpson
Sweet Honey in the Rock,
Davey Steele and Drinkers Drouth (Not at all dirge-like.)
Jolly Jack, (who recorded two albums, full of hrarmonies- late 70s early 80s),
Palaver, 4 top Scots solo female singers singing together,
John Holland and Tony Barratt
The Johnson Girls

and secondly,
Whether or not harmonies are appropriate:
John C makes a good point takes it to extremes...

In my opinion, some songs are "made" for harmonies, eg Sea Shanties
however, other songs lose a lot of their emotional impact when harmonies are employed...Can you imagine (without waking, screaming, in the middle of the night) hearing harmonies to "Chylde Owlett", or "Sheath and Knife"? Many tradional songs are narrative ballads and as such are often far better with a solo voice; often but not exclusively, unaccompanied.

I for one, wouldn't want to hear the big ballads sung with sickly, sacharine, sanitised harmonies, nor would I want to have all harmonies banned.



Andy

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: John C.
Date: 28 Dec 04 - 05:18 AM

I really appreciate the thoughtful and informative responses to my (admittedly) rather provocative comments - they are probably more measured and restrained than I deserve! Thanks guys - you've just re-inforced my faith in this wonderful community that we belong to. A happy and prosperous New Year to all of you.

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: BB
Date: 28 Dec 04 - 06:44 AM

Parts of England did/do traditionally sing in harmony - I learnt my style of harmony singing from traditional singing in Cornwall many years ago, and it still goes on there. Came out of the chapel singing I believe.

I think part of the problem with harmonies detracting from the songs themselves is that many of the harmonies used are not sympathetic to the melodies but seem to be used because they sound clever. Where harmonies are found in the tradition, they tend to be kept quite simple, and their use seems to emphasise rather than detract from the melodies. Even in the carol traditions, the lines may be staggered, and end up sounding quite complex, but the harmonies themselves are very basic.

John C. may be correct in saying that harmony singing can 'smooth out' melodies - 'Pleasant and Delightful' for instance has a tune that differs greatly between, say, the East Anglian one, where there is no tradition of harmony singing AFAIK, and the West Country one which does - but I don't think either is better or worse, just different, and long may those regional differences remain.

As for those archetypal (sp?) chorus singers - they're just bad singers - don't blame the style. I have many times heard wonderful chorus singing - with harmonies - that rattles along at a fair old rate, entirely following the way the lead singer wants it to go. When I have come across what John describes above, it has tended to be sheer self-indulgence, late at night after large amounts of booze - and you're right, it's dreadful!

Barbara

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From:
Date: 29 Dec 04 - 02:26 PM

Hey Jack! Who are you? It's me Susanne Boston! I am the hair color changing half of Harmonic Balancers! Send me and email ok? Susanne

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From:
Date: 29 Dec 04 - 02:41 PM

TO: Guest Jack,

Thanks so much for your mentioning the Balancers. What a thrill it was to see our duo mentioned on such a cool site! God bless & Keep ya, we'll be in Stephenville in February and again in April or May. Come see us & introduce yourself!

DeAnna White, Harmony
Harmonic Balancers

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: Leadfingers
Date: 29 Dec 04 - 03:17 PM

Good Harmony singing is always worth listening to but when the chorus/audience try to take over the way a song is being sung (slowing the Chorus down happens FAR too often in UK) it adds NOTHING to the sound . Those who were fortunate enough to hear the chorus singing in The Cellar Bar at Bracknell will know exactly what I mean !!
Of the current crop can I add a trio of ladies ? Craig Morgan Robson
take a bit of beating IMHO .

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: LadyJean
Date: 30 Dec 04 - 01:08 AM

Clam Chowder were amateurs but gifted amateurs, doing harmony from several traditions.
Maddie Pryor and June Tabor harmonized on two collections. "Silver Whistle" is something pretty special.
Now, I danced in the 1980 Pittsburgh Folk Festival, which also featured a Ukrainian Choir, that was pretty wonderful. My mother was very impressed. My father, who had been in Ukraine during the war was not. "Hmmmph," he said. "Any group of Ukrainians could do that."

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: GUEST,mechanic
Date: 30 Dec 04 - 08:24 AM

if somebody could help me with a title or artist,i would be most   greatful - the only lines i know are - when we meet on that great judgement morning i'll face nobody's record but mine - when we meet on that great judgement morning i'll face nobody's record but my own i heard it on the radio and sung by a group in harmony (accapella i think) not sure if it's gospel,blues or what - thanks for any clues

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: Leadfingers
Date: 30 Dec 04 - 08:40 AM

GUEST.mechanic I would suggest you start a new thread using Lyr Req as a prefix ! A lot of people will not even look at this thread who may be able to help you .

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: GUEST,honestfrankie
Date: 30 Dec 04 - 11:39 AM

I like all the groups mentioned in this thread so far but some great harmonies are found outside the rootsy/folky domain. A black accapella group called "Take 6" has some outstanding harmonies. Also some of the older groups like the Dixie Humminbirds or the Jordinaires that backed Elvis.

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers in response to Mechanic!
From:
Date: 01 Jan 05 - 02:06 PM

Guest Mechanic! Here is what you were looking for! Hope this helps! Susu

I'LL FACE NOBODYS RECORD
(done by the Forbes Family, Molly O'Day, and Limited Edition)

When I stand on that great judgement morning
Hear the records of home that are there
Everything is recorded in Heaven
But this consolation we'll share

Chorus:
I'll face nobody's record but my own
I'll face nobody's record but mine
When I stand on that great judgement morning
I'll face nobody's record but mine

There'll be people by the millions all faceless
That great judge up there on His throne
Will not be judged by it's features
But by that great record alone.

Chorus:

What people say will not be mentioned
For God knows the intent of our hearts
You may look good in the sight of the people
But still hear Him say depart.

Chorus:

Every time that I suffered for Jesus
Every sacrifice made in His light
Every time that I've done good for evil
I'll face when I've ended this life.

Chorus:

If you're right just be patient my brother
Don't misjudge by the people down here
Where we stand on that great judgement morning
Every secret will then be made clear

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: Dreaded Thumbpick
Date: 01 Jan 05 - 02:26 PM

All three of the members of Finest Kind (Ian Robb, Ann Downey, and Shelley Posen) do beautiful work. And I admit to having sentimental favorites in Bill Destler and Tom McHenry.

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: GUEST,Pete Peterson
Date: 01 Jan 05 - 11:31 PM

Just saw this thread. Can't believe that nobody has yet mentioned (unless I missed it) the Original Carter Family. Gloux's post recommended Kay (Justice) and Ginny (Hawker) with which I agree, but you oughta hear the people they learned it from!

Also the old brother duets (Louvins, Delmores, Blue Sky Boys, Monroe Bros) and their non-sibling precursors (Karl and Harty, Mac and Bob)

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: Ferrara
Date: 01 Jan 05 - 11:53 PM

Yes to Carter Family, Louvin brothers et al!

And yes, yes to Bill Destler and Tom McHenry, add Wally McNow who was the third member of their group -- was it called Rock Creek? The dreaded Memory Failure is assailing me.

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: GUEST,Peter Grey
Date: 05 Jan 05 - 04:56 AM

English tapestry are very good. In 1972 they were guests at the KenilworthFolk Club held at the Virgin and Castle. and sang threre sessions which I recorded, even a version of the inkspots whispering grass before it had been recorded for the charts by "lofty".
What has happened to then now?? are they still singing??

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: John Hardly
Date: 16 Jan 05 - 12:45 PM

Nashville Bluegrass Band
Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver
IIIrd Tyme Out
Pied Piers
The Meltones (Mel Torme's vocal band)
James Taylor and Linda Ronstadt combined together and as backup vocals on everything from Heart of Gold (Neil Young) to Ike&Tina Turner remakes -- they blended as well as those "blood harmonies".

So many gospel quartets, too numerous to mention - harmony is their stock in trade.

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: GUEST,Koala Lou
Date: 16 Jan 05 - 03:04 PM

The list, so far, has been great on exemplars but I have two additions. In the English tradition I'd suggest Pageant and in the bluegrass tradition I'd suggest the Sensitive New Age Cowpersons. Both are/were Australian.

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: Cluin
Date: 17 Jan 05 - 05:40 AM

Who sang harmony with Ray Price on "Crazy Arms"?

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: alanabit
Date: 17 Jan 05 - 07:18 AM

I think part of the art is changing your voice so that it fits the people you are singing with. I have been listening to Crosby, Stills and Nash recently and I notice how you can hardly tell which part David Crosby is singing most of the time. Graham Nash also changes the timbre of his voice from when he is singing lead.
It is well off the folk music track, but I was also very impressed by the Temptations and Bob Marley and the Wailers as harmony singers. The Temptations jazz and gospel based sound was a bit too smooth for some tastes (including mine at times), but they could sing jazz chords with stunning accuracy. The near telepathic interplay of Bob Marley's band is what strikes most listeners, but his harmonies are worth noting too. The early version of "Stir It Up" combines excellent harmony with uncanny dynamics. That is good harmony singing in my book too.

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: John Hardly
Date: 17 Jan 05 - 01:45 PM

You know something interesting, Alanabit? I love CSN. I think that Deja Vu is arguably the best pop album ever produced -- certainly a top ten contender. I think the moment at which the song "Carry On" breaks into that full harmony, "Ca-a-a-a-rry on, love is coming, love is coming...." bit, is one of the most striking moments of harmony singing EVER.

But when I hear "Wasted On The Way" Oh my god.... IT's horrid!! I think (I've tried to listen to it over and over to analyze it -- at no small cost to my aural health, mind you) and I think it's Nash who is off. It is the most off-pitch recording since April and Nino Tempo recorded "Deep Purple". ug.

I recently got the three DVD CSN in concert set. It seems to reconfirm that Nash is the off voice -- and that it happened as the rule, not the exception, in concert.

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: Once Famous
Date: 17 Jan 05 - 06:42 PM

Cluin, could the harmony on Crazy Arms by Ray Price have been just an over-dub?

I do know that Marty Robbins used Tompall and the Glaser Brothers for a lot of his stuff.

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: GUEST,auggie (cookieless)
Date: 17 Jan 05 - 07:04 PM

John Hardy
I hate to think of all the money I've spent over the years seeing CSN (and sometimesY) in concert. Most nights they were good, some nights they sucked, but when they were dead on, you are absolutely right, they were just bleeping awesome. The nights they weren't so good, it was always Steve Stills who was off. Tho he's my least favorite of the 3, I don't think I ever heard Nash miss a note.

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: Cluin
Date: 17 Jan 05 - 07:05 PM

Possibly, Martin, but I was watching "Lost Highway" last night and there was a bit of Ray singing Crazy Arms and another guy, taller and with dark hair, stepped in to sing harmony on the chorus. He looked a bit familiar so I just wondered if he had a career outside of RP's band.

Great series, that "Lost Highway", by the way...

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: Once Famous
Date: 17 Jan 05 - 07:27 PM

Cluin

Check out this link for an old Cherokke Cowboys picture.

http://www.buddyemmons.com/cherokee1.htm

Was it one of these guys? Check out the yound Johnny Paycheck who I believe played bass.

The Lost Highway series is a complete treasure. The film clips are priceless. I have a book that the series is based on that has some great photos.

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: bobcat
Date: 17 Jan 05 - 07:31 PM

Enlish Tapestry were superb.I saw them many times in Kent and Yorkshire in the 1970s and early 80s. They are not currently singing but are alive and well in Cambridgeshire.I would be very keen to have a copy of the tapes you made. The only recording of them is one track on a trailer LP- and with Ralph McTell singing Kew Gardens (which he wrote especially for them ) on his Streets of London LP now CD. In 1980 they came at my husband's invitation to sing at the middle school where he taught.I can hear them in my mind as I write!!!

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: bobcat
Date: 18 Jan 05 - 04:21 PM

Guest, Peter Grey..hope you read my message about English Tapestry and respond

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: alanabit
Date: 19 Jan 05 - 02:44 PM

Just read your post John. I like "Carry On" a lot too. "Deja Vu" was one of my first albums. I heard "Wasted on the Way" (some twenty odd years old now, I believe) for the first time this week. It was on a DVD of a concert in 1982 and it sounds pretty good to me. I don't doubt there is more than one live recording of the song. Nash's songwriting is a bit twee for my tastes at times. "Magical Child" is the sort of naff twaddle we all write when we go through that phase when we believe the audience wants to hear all about our feelings. Unfortunately for Nash, he looked even sillier, because he had to follow a masterful piece of open tuned Delta blues style guitar, with a wickedly ironical lyric by Steve Stills("Treetop Flyer"). Sorry about the thread drift Martin. I only saw CSN&Y once, at Wembely in 1974. They were up for it though and I enjoyed it a lot. Joni Mitchell joining in some of the harmonies didn't make it any worse either!

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: Cluin
Date: 20 Jan 05 - 02:35 AM

Hard to tell from that picture, Martin, but I think it was Pete Wade. He stepped in for the chorus and was strumming a J-200 beside Ray and his Martin in the film clip I saw. They were about the same height anyway. Thanks for the pic link.

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: GUEST,John Hardly
Date: 20 Jan 05 - 06:51 AM

auggie,
I'll give another listen. Maybe I'm assuming too much -- that Stills' singing melody had the "easier" task for staying on pitch. Perhaps it is he and that's why I had trouble pinpointing who was off.

Cluin,
Nash's writing is a real mixed bag. He's written some greats, others with a pretty high "cringe factor" for me.

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: GUEST,bradfordian
Date: 20 Jan 05 - 08:12 AM

A local UK male quartet NOTTS ALLIANCE for me produced goosebumbs at times. Seems they've just lost one of their number. Great shame but they have some lovely Cds

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: thespionage
Date: 20 Jan 05 - 03:55 PM

The Weavers
Simon & Garfunkel (And they still have it!)
The Modern Folk Quartet
PP&M
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: Hawker
Date: 21 Jan 05 - 10:57 AM

Also what about Thorn & Roses? Fantastic harmonies. Jinks Stack were great too.
Cheers, Lucy

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: Dreaded Thumbpick
Date: 21 Jan 05 - 11:19 AM

The folks in Beggar's Velvet did a pretty good job as well.

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: Auggie
Date: 21 Jan 05 - 03:14 PM

Even an occasionally slightly off Steven Stills is a joy for me to listen to, especially when he goes into the acoustic sets. It's a marvelously expressive voice, and few white boys can play the blues better.It's too bad he's not recorded more songs from that vein.

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Jan 05 - 11:01 AM

No-one has mentioned The MacAlmans. They should be very high on the list. I saw them at the Lomond Folk Festival and they were superb. The support act Tagg art and Wright, were very good and should also be included.

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: phinque
Date: 24 Jan 05 - 03:01 PM

Robin and Linda Williams and their fine group

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: GUEST,puck
Date: 24 Jan 05 - 03:13 PM

Dave Webber and Annie Fentiman.......absolutely excellent

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: Once Famous
Date: 24 Jan 05 - 03:30 PM

Have you ever heard the Trio albums by Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton, and Linda Ronstadt?

Can there be any sweeter harmony?

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: GUEST,NCForestDweller
Date: 13 Feb 05 - 03:22 PM

EmmyLou, of course. Don Williams and EmmyLou sound great together. The Everyly Brothers, TomPall and the Glasers, and I can't believe the Statlers isn't mentioned yet.
Dar Williams and Lucy Kablonsky sound great together, but anything with Dar sounds good I think
There's a song done for a charity benefit of some type that has Celine Dion, Shania Twain, Gloria Estefan and Carole King doing "You've Got a Friend" that sounds great. Hard to bring all those unique and powerful voices together but there is definitely harmony there.
and of course, My all time favorite 'harmony' group..The Bee Gees

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: sharyn
Date: 14 Feb 05 - 01:34 AM

Check out an obscure San Francisco group called Out of the Rain. PM radriano for details. Many of us learned and cribbed harmonies and songs from them.

Also, Gillian Welch and that guy she sings with, Richard and Linda Thompson, a Scottish duo that it is too late at night for me to remember their names -- Christine Kydd -- Janet Russell and Christine Kydd, The Nields.

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Feb 05 - 07:31 AM

Taggart and Wright

Hear them here www.sky-web.net/taggartandwright/

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: GUEST,winnie
Date: 14 Feb 05 - 01:43 PM

I didn't see the Persuasions mentioned above- great acapella 4 part harmonies. I especially love their older material- they've been around since the 60's (at least!)

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: GUEST,Ed Cunningham
Date: 14 Feb 05 - 02:08 PM

My Favorites are:


The Blue Sky Boys (The Bolick Brothers)
The Louvin Brothers
The Demore Brothers
The Anglin Brothers
Bill and Charlie Monroe
Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver
The Fairfield Four

It's hard to beat the sibling harmony.

Subject: RE: Best harmony singers
From: YorkshireYankee
Date: 20 Feb 05 - 08:57 PM

Agree with those who mentioned Kay Justice & Ginny Hawker – their harmonies give me shivers, they're so good! (Tried to find a link for the two of 'em, but the best I can do is this page of a website for Ginny Hawker and Tracy Schwarz (if you scroll down, you'll get to their CD "Bristol, A Tribute to the Carter Family")

Also forgot to mention John Roberts & Tony Barrand, English ex-pat (I think they live in New England) harmony singers whose voices combine brilliantly.