How this backing singer brought harmony to the kings of soul?

[@TeclaSAPcomUlissesCarvalho]

I want more Paulette McWilliams! Who's with me?

[@notagoodcatch]

Me, she has so much to say, and give a incite of what it was like working with these artists

[@lolzlarkin3059]

Background singers definately don't get enough time in the foreground.

[@thomasmoores8239]

Paulette is the guest that keeps bringing the stories. Her career is amazing. Another fine show, guys. Thanks.

[@StuartQuinn]

And the way her vocal blended when singing along with Marvin. Not just pitch perfect tuning, but the vibrato, the timbre - a real pro!

[@maryscott9627]

Thank you Paulette for sharing your stories on two of the most loved singers that I have been blessed to hear. You are an excellent singer and God blessed you and the other background singers to be apart of Marvin and Luther's Iife.❤😊🙏🏽

[@jeffersonrfellows]

The insight to what Marvin Gaye was like and how generous he was is such incredible piece of legend to share.

[@evertonthomas3883]

Great interview Paulette Mc williams.nuff luv.

[@H2R504]

A little knowledge here… Paulette McWilliams was the original vocalist of the group known as Rufus. She can be heard on their debut album. When she decided to go solo….she suggested a friend of hers as a replacement. I don’t have to tell you that is…👄 but the rest is history.

[@nathanconner3292]

Wow!!! That’s a interesting story I never heard about Rufus.

[@stillwill2215]

wow thats deep.

[@colinhodgesgroovymusic1545]

Dam!! That's a knowledge nugget!

[@janicebeverley922]

@@stillwill2215

[@jojodancer0072]

Would the answer be Chaka Khan?

[@films5555]

Luther was a big fan of Cissy Houston & her group Sweet Inspirations. She taught him about great background singing. Vandross spent years studying Cissy’s genius background work on those classic Aretha songs.

[@shagw4286]

Cissy is an unsung studio and background singing legend!

[@minimulliman]

As Paulette brought up Aja, it would be rude not to do an episode on that album in the future. You always give your engineers credit at the start, maybe this is how you can get them on the 'main stage' of your episodes.

[@hi90s]

i agree! feels so close yet so far with the engineers sometimes. it’s a mystified art, i think this is a great space to demystify

[@adamstamatea]

Those Luther-isms in Paulette's voice, just wow!!! 👌🏾😮❤

[@401sFinest]

Nothing brings people together faster than a beautiful soul like Paulette has.

[@paulettemcwilliams7068]

Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell did not have a sexual relationship as far as I know however they did love each other deeply. They were close. Also one correction . Kitty Sears was Marvin’s personal assistant. As far as the Luther comments I did mention Lisa Fischer, Cindy Mizelle, Tawatha Agee, Fonzi Thornton, Brenda White King, and Cissy Houston. I want to clarify for the person who very meanly stated that I didn’t mention Lisa, Lisa is my sister and a dear friend however she was more on the stage than part of the recording core group. I love Lisa and all of my Luther singing family including Phillip Ballou, Alfa Anderson, Patricia Lacy, Michelle Cobb, Valerie Pinkston and Tammy Saunders, Robin Clark, Ava Cherry, Yvonne Lewis, Darlene Love, David Lasley, Kevin Owens. So please be kind and don’t be haters it’s just not who we are. Thank you for your love and kindness. ❤️

[@joycewilliams7393]

You are such a wonderful person Paulette. I've been reading a lot about you the past year and how you were an asset to Luther that people never really recognized. You also have a beautiful voice!

[@neolekgotlalagaramoupiph.d7434]

Thank U Beautiful Hair. Sista Paulette.

[@lisajones3599]

Please Paulette release had unseen footage of Marvin in reversal the world needs too see that keeping his legacy alive is so important I saw the concert you did with Marvin and you really held him up greatness.

[@xcelmateo1956]

This is so RICH! Background singing used to be an ART. I absolutely love this video. Luther was so particular and his work was always done with vocal excellence. Love this!

[@Noise_floorxx]

It still is!

[@dancefloor9032]

In 1987 and 1993 I saw Luther Vandross live in Ludwigshafen and Frankfurt ( Germany ), those were the best concerts I ever attended in my life. Until today I am a big Luther Vandross fan and thank his wonderful music, his background singers and his musicians with all my heart. Many greetings from Heidelberg / Germany

[@MrPatrickodeen]

Paulette is my sweet girlfriend. She like so many others like her are underrated. Yet her voice is gorgeous and she is beautiful inside and out. She continues to inspire us all with her sticktoitiveness. Let's all support her as best we can. She is most deserving!!!

[@BWTV23]

Paulette is beautiful inside and out. Such a kind lady. What a voice along w great personality

[@Happey67]

Some people are just super talented. Your gifts have made room for you, money, bring you before people because people like superb music.

[@audleymclean3724]

Paulette such a wonderful talented lady who just did her thing perfectly without knowingly seeking fame.

[@sabrinawashington7933]

OH WOW! I grew up listening to Luther Vandross and always listened to background singers. I tried to copy all those little nuances as a kid. Hearing her sing the actual phrase... I'm blown away.! This video is a lifelong dream for me. Thank you!!! 😊 🥲🥰 Now I hear her and can picture Lisa Fischer singing together. ❤❤

[@marypearson4781]

Me too. But can't hold a note 😂😂😂

[@jackiegreen1692]

Paulette is a legend Beautiful woman & voice !

[@missingdogmusic]

To me Paulette looks younger and more energetic today than she did in the picture & video with Marvin taken decades ago. Awesome to see her back on the channel again.

[@crystalgivens1046]

I grew up listening to Marvin Gaye but especially Luther Vandross. On road trips my mother would play Luther for hours and we would try to mimic the BGVs because they stood out so much to us especially the way they blend. I have always said that Luther had the best BGV ever and Ms. Paulette confirmed it here! After watching this, I will forever have a face to put with the voice on Luther's songs because her is so distinct. We needed 30 more minutes.

[@deborahnelson7907]

Paulette has such a beautiful voice!!!

[@west4coast77]

Paulette is such a lovely woman and talented singer! So great hearing about live and in-studio sessions with Marvin and Luther. Rare air indeed. Love this series guys!

[@paulcampbell2163]

She's right, Luther had the greatest background singers!!!

[@blacklove804]

I've always said that. I would joke and say he must would charge them money if they would mess up. Because they were always on point.

[@joycewilliams7393]

Paulette was awesome and Luther really depended upon her to back him up. Her voice was a female version of his. He stated that himself.

[@nicoleraheem1195]

​@@blacklove804 😅

[@lauraoconnell371]

Just watched his Live at Wembley show online again. Pure class, precision, and professionalism. For you to love was spot on by Paulette.

[@toddhamby]

Paulette gives me goosebumps

[@Ad-xp3of]

Love to see Paulette back. Each of the artists featured needed their own episode. Luther still my favorite pure singer, songwriter, musician. His cover treatment game was superior. Marvin Gaye is just otherworldly. Glad you getting all these pearls from Paulette

[@courtmarr5714]

Paulette's voice is just magic, and what a wonderful group of stories and history.

[@joycewilliams7393]

Yes!

[@bonnietaylor-williams5112]

Great interview with Ms. Paulette McWilliams❣️

[@dmajorx]

Listening to this great era of real music makes you appreciate it all the more and kinda sad that we've arrived to the music we currently have.

[@MerlinZuni]

What a privilege to hear Paulette. Amazing episode.

[@whatadollslife]

she mentioned that song "wait for love " .that is my all time favorite Vandross song

[@hailysouth]

She’s such a delight. ✨

[@HorseSaddleRider]

Luther is a legend. Very sadly missed. Lovely to see Paulette digging the tunes. People don't know how much of a contribution the backing singers make. Great insight. Thank you.

[@loganR124]

Paulette is such a master of her craft

[@DJJazzyGinge]

Thank you for including Luther in one of these episodes!

[@hectornegron9155]

Marvin and Luther are my two favorite singers of all time. Nice knowing this beautiful and amazingly talented lady worked with both of them. Be blessed y'all.

[@lamb7283]

What an absolutely incredible woman.

[@mchassy]

This kicked off a neuron in my brain connecting to the album Rhythm Country and Blues which was an album of duets between soul and country singers. The first track was Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing with Vince Gil and Gladys Night. All of the duets are great which shows how much the two genres have in common at the root. Maybe you could do an ep about great duets.

[@johncooper5293]

Wow, what a amazing singer. Yes, exactly see why people wanted to work with her. Such charisma and fun. Great interview.

[@marceloribeirosimoes8959]

That's a "sure shot" having this grade of singer on the program. Thank you, guys! I am out of words. On top of that, Luther Vandross is a parameter of a singer and classy songs for me and my wife... Oh, that's so cool...

[@praiselujahradio-show]

❤❤❤ Yes, anyone would hire Paulette! She has the talent and professionalism to do what the lead Artist / Producer heard in their head, and asked of her. 🙌🏾🙌🏾 Love this Queen!

[@tonygorham]

This episode was amazing. The passion is tangible. LOVED THIS

[@creativequeen8371]

Incredibly tangible. Yes, indeed. Wow!

[@films5555]

Luther Vandross was the toughest of taskmasters. It is legendary how he feuded w/En Vogue during his tour because he was a perfectionist..

[@drewliedtke2377]

Paulette is perfect. Infectiously joyful.

[@theena]

Ryan's reaction is me every time I hear most Motown records. Except I can barely play any instrument without sounding like a caveman picking up an instrument for the first time. Edit: I'd have never known about Ms McWilliams' amazing contributions if it wasn't for this. Thanks for educating me on the lesser known people behind Motown music, you guys. Much appreciated. Much love.

[@R00365]

She's fab. That old skl music energy!

[@syafiqhussain1761]

I'm getting actual goosebumps listening to her stories and experiences. And Ryan described her so perfectly at the end at well ❤

[@Letmetellyouwhat]

I never knew I loved Paulette, but I do now. What a treasure.

[@christinerichardson673]

I’m so glad to see this because when I saw Luther and them ladies at the commercial park I was absolutely absolutely AMAZED at the back ground singers I had never heard back ground singers stand out so much and be supper great and they were the BEST EVER

[@RPRosen-ki2fk]

I've become a HUGE fan of Paulette's singing because of you guys. I can't even tell you how many times I keep REVISITING her first two performances with you. You guys need to bring her back ... for MORE PERFORMANCES in your universe.

[@chesterskinner6712]

It's a Blessing to be here ! Thank you guys for Real Side .... great Vocalists with such Distinctive Sounds. This is a Blessing....... a real Musical Education. God Bless you Musical Geniuses. More on the way ? " PEACE , LOVE & BLESSINGS "

[@hippopotamusbosch]

Paulette is pure wisdom.

[@noraparker4137]

2000 Pittsburgh Allegheny County PA😊 I truly love this interview with Paulette her speaking voice and her singing voice was magnificent sister forever Nora Parker❤

[@linematthiesen2780]

She is fantastic! Sooo graceful❤️ I could watch a whole Series of her talking about life, artists and music.

[@grohungan]

Just a fantastic interview. I am still crying. Thank you guys and of course Paulette McWilliams. My heart is full.

[@sonjaistheone4614]

I was probably just as moved! Luther Vandross was my favorite male singer and hearing her describe how it was working with him made me love him even more! The same thing with Marvin Gaye!

[@whatadollslife]

I love love love Luther.....forever

[@davidhalley9795]

This was a treat! Backup singers don’t get enough credit and I love learning their process with the group or vocalist. I heard an interview coincidentally with the backup singers for Steely Dan not long ago and it was fascinating. Thank you for this and to Paulette who’s the epitome of a singer!

[@simonesjourney3172]

Thank you. I hope to see more of Paulette!

[@sorkin.michael]

Dear guys! Send you my rays of goodness from snow Russia to sunny LA. You can't imagine how I appreciate what you're doing on this channel and with Scary Pockets etc. After this video I've explored Luther Vandross music and it's such a treasure. There is a song called She's a Superlady and I think you should do a video as you do about iconic basslines with Nick Campbell (bow my head;)). Sure, this song has one of the best basslines ever (if I am right - Marcus Miller is the player on a record). Hope you usually read the comments.

[@willsabol8391]

Quincy. Michael. Marvin. The first name basis is unreal

[@daniele_petrini]

She is such a sweet human🥺

[@praiselujahradio-show]

Yes...Luther was meticulous. I was at His concert, and he was the headline. He came out before his set, and said "WE ARE GOING TO MAKE THIS SOUND JUST LIKE THE ALBUM." He began to work with the sound engineers and the band.... and it did sound just like the album 😂😂😂.. Ioved that kat!

[@lovedunham]

Ms. Paulette has a fantastic memory! Wow!!!

[@philippe597]

I'm a musician ! An average one, not gifted as you are guys, but I really feel the music. And because of music, you guys make me feel that we are parts of something good, beautiful. This thing is bigger than us, it is at the same time universal and unique. So thank you for that, Professional musicians.

[@brianschoner3350]

Paulette is amazing - thanks to her and to you for sharing her stories with us!

[@thescatman5029]

The Lutherettes are THE best background vocal group, EVER!

[@lancedeschenes4046]

Thank you so much for giving Paulette a stage to share her amazing stories and her insights into these amazing artists.

[@Patricia-FSH_p379]

Thank you guys just a great great interview with Paulette-getting to experience her. Paulette thank you for being you, don't ever change‼️❤️🙏🏿 ENCORE.

[@awaluddinhalik9367]

I loove watching this! What a humble, talented and lucky woman to work with 2 absolutely legendary soul singer. The part with marvin gay just awesome ❤

[@hughcooper1856]

Love Paulette and albums of her own! I think you should ask Valerie Simpson to a taping. Think of the ashford&simpson sessions! Also musician/writer/producer Bernadette Cooper, mastermind behind Klymaxx all girl band, and so many other artists. Great series guys, love every episode

[@berserkbroadcasting7834]

These videos with Paulette are so special guys, would love to see and hear even more of her on the show!

[@SPTO]

This was a great video. Ms. McWilliams shared some awesome stories. Marvin Gaye was truly a one of a kind artist AND person. There's so many stories of his personal generosity to people he worked with and knew. A couple things i'd like to say though, Let's be clear about Marvin and Tammi there weren't ROMANTICALLY in love. What they had was in some ways deeper than that. They were a perfect match as people and had a deep love that was the closest thing you could come to without being romantic. Marvin was on record with that and evidence from what others have said confirm it. Secondly, I'm glad Paulette mentioned "Your Precious Love" in some respects I feel like that song is criminally underrated. The arrangement is great and the singing of Marvin and Tammi is just awe inspiring. It's probably my favorite of their duets. Finally, WOW! I didn't know just how thorough Luther Vandross was as a studio musician. He really knew what he wanted and how he wanted it done. Some of the greatest artists are like that though so it's not really a HUGE surprise. Anywho, great stories and again, great video.

[@selease]

Thank you ma'am for being you and also bringing Ms. Chaka Khan to Rufus!

[@lisajones3599]

I love that video of Paulette and Marvin Gaye you could see he was struggling and she held him up.

[@philsarkol6443]

Wow...what a wonderfull gracious lady...Paulette McWilliams..

[@edrobinson6709]

What an interesting piece. I consider LV one of the GOATs masterful in his own right and use of background vocals. The consistency and details excellence of blending harmony and timing. So meticulous. Love to hear more from PM she has more to share.

[@kelleyforeman]

We could just make this the Paulette channel, and I’d be happy! What an amazing lady!

[@401sFinest]

She's exceptional. Can't get enough of her lol

[@Trapper50cal]

Nice to have vocals royalty just kicking it for a few episodes....talent draws talent, it's a frequency that is harmonious and comfortable.

[@1maggotbrain]

Paulette is such a gracious and beautiful spirit just hearing her stories is a treasure, thanks guys

[@thesongwritersdropin2565]

Thank you, This is great to hear the stories of how Marvin and Luther were so generous of spirit as well as being so awesome. Paulette is a wonderful singer and deserved to sing with these greats. What a privilege to hear these stories and experiences

[@jus1callaway]

This show was very informative and entertaining. Paulette is just fabulous! Just an awesome show.

[@Biscuitplease]

She sounds like Bettye Wright when she talks, it sounds like honey.

[@sonjaistheone4614]

I thought the same thing that I not only loved to hear her sing but talk as well. I hadn't thought about it sounding similar to Betty Wright!

[@robgeib1723]

Always love episodes with Paulette.

[@KCRambles]

What a spectacular guest with such deeply nuanced insights. Thank you guys for sharing her with us. Keep on Keepin' on! :)

[@jimwarner8071]

You guys are Great. And Paulette McWilliams is Awesome. Thx.

[@creativequeen8371]

This is so amazing. My two first male vocalists. Paulette is amazingly talented and generous. I will have to watch 20 feet from Stardom again, as great BVs make a good song magnificent. Thank you for this fabulously informative video.

[@teresamaafu]

My dream as a kid growing up in the 80s was what this lady lived… doin BVs for exactly these 2 amazing Attists, Music Legends, Marvin Gaye & Luther Vandross, hands down my favourite male vocalists, not just for their voices but for their musical & lyrical expression ♥️♥️

[@geraldtimberlake6709]

She's Absolutely Awesome, yes the background singers are the heart and soul for the leads ie..Luther/Marvin.

[@jklmnoqr]

🌺🌺🌺👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉You all have so much class! Each of you was SUCH a pleasure to watch and listen to. You are all SO very talented, enthusiastic yet so humble. I was impressed that you introduced the talented Engineer also.I admire you all. Thank you for such a lovely program. I hope Ms McWilliams is on again. Thank you for you are truly both gentlemen.✨✨🎵✨✨✨🌺

[@colb999]

I love Paulette being on the channel. Please come back as often as you can. Bless.

[@Ted655687653]

That was a FFFFFFFing amazing show. Thank you for THAT.

[@flutes8]

I Love Luther's Since I Lost My Baby And I Love The Background Vocals On That Song. Thanx For The Introduction For Me To Know More About Paulette McWilliams

[@polkmusic]

Another outstanding show. Her career is legendary. Keep bringing us these incredible stories.

[@kennywesley]

I want a Luther documentary soooooooooo bad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@kenmccarthy9037]

I love all your programs. This one I love extra. Glad you brought Paulette back again. A real cultural treasure.

[@brianb6507]

Love watching your videos guys! Paulette was a super treat to watch and hear. Such a genuine soul! 🙏🏾 Would love to see you break down the singing and arrangements of the band Chic or on Nile Rogers and Bernard Edward’s collaboration on any of their hit songs or produced songs. Keep up the awesome content

[@thegoose2724]

Side Note: From my understanding I believe that alot of the background arrangements for Chic was in fact done by Luther Vandross. He and there core group (Alfa Anderson) were friends from school in New York!!!! Out

[@c.t.murray3632]

This interview with Paulette McWilliams is so informative and beautiful it makes me want to be a singer.

[@joansmith1157]

More Paulette McWilliams, please!🌟🎶🌟

[@marcotrosi]

hell yeah, "to listen properly", I've been preaching this since I found it out myself many years ago, it's really nice to get confirmation. what a beautiful woman inside and out

[@gregbattles4742]

HAPPY BLACK HISTORY MONTH the best music on this planet

[@B0WIETVC15]

PAULETTE you are a treasure! Thank you for loving what you do and letting it show. (I'm a huge Bette fan and would love to hear about touring for her shows!)

[@martyemmons1859]

Marvin Gaye, Tammie Terrell, Nicholas Ashford and Valerie Simpson. Those are indeed legends of the 1960's and 1970's music scene.

[@peachy-tay]

loved this episode! paulette was wonderful!

[@willemvandebeek]

Please bring Paulette back again! :)