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Which singing group backed up Elvis Presley?

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THE JORDANAIRES - entertainment illustration
THE JORDANAIRES — entertainment

The vocal group widely recognized for backing up Elvis Presley was The Jordanaires. This quartet lent their distinctive harmonies to many of Presley's most iconic recordings, helping to define his sound during a crucial period of his career. Their collaboration began shortly after Elvis signed with RCA in 1956, fulfilling a wish he'd expressed after seeing them perform in Memphis in 1955.

The Jordanaires, originally a gospel group formed in 1948, brought a smooth, sophisticated vocal style that perfectly complemented Elvis's raw energy and rock and roll delivery. Their background vocals can be heard on a vast number of his records, including hits like "Don't Be Cruel," "Heartbreak Hotel," and "It's Now or Never." Beyond the studio, they also toured with him and appeared in many of his films throughout the late 1950s and 1960s.

Their contribution was so significant that Elvis reportedly insisted on having The Jordanaires credited on his record labels, a rare recognition for backing musicians at the time. Although they parted ways when Elvis began his Las Vegas residencies in 1969, their fifteen-year professional relationship and enduring friendship left an indelible mark on music history. The Jordanaires continued to have a prolific career, backing numerous other famous artists and being inducted into multiple Halls of Fame, cementing their legacy as one of the most influential vocal groups in popular music.