Thursday Three-fer: The Backup Singers

I finally got around to watching "20 Feet From Stardom" the other night.  That's the documentary about some legendary backup singers and their lives and dreams.  So great, the movie and the music.  And that movie inspired this week's Thursday Three-fer.  Here are three really good songs, and the backup performances make them great.

1.  Gimme Shelter - Rolling Stones
This song was featured prominently in the movie, and for good reason.  I love Mick, but Merry Clayton knocks this one out of the park.  What a great song.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kl6q_9qZOs

2.  Running on Empty - Jackson Browne
This one wasn't in the movie, but it's such a good one and such great backup vocals.  I was a big Jackson Browne fan and then he just kind of went away.  But I have a handful of songs from him that I'm so glad to know.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8I5vJnW-aW4


3.  Givin' It Up For Your Love - Delbert McClinton
Givin' it up for the male backup singers.  In the movie, nearly all the backup singers interviewed were women and that's what we think of when we imagine a backup singer.  But these dudes rock it! This song wouldn't be nearly as fun with just Delbert singing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxNnEEK6uG0