Janice Pendarvis is an American singer, songwriter, and vocal coach, widely recognized for her extensive career as a background vocalist for numerous prominent artists across various musical genres.
Overview Pendarvis has established herself as one of the most sought-after session vocalists, contributing her voice to hundreds of recordings by internationally acclaimed musicians since the 1970s. Her work spans pop, rock, R&B, soul, and jazz, making her a ubiquitous presence in the soundscapes of several iconic albums. Beyond her contributions as a backing singer, Pendarvis has also pursued solo projects and dedicated herself to music education, sharing her expertise as a vocal instructor. Her career exemplifies the often-uncredited but crucial role of session musicians in shaping popular music.
Etymology/Origin Janice Pendarvis was born in New York City, where she began her musical journey. Her career as a professional vocalist gained momentum in the 1970s, as she developed a reputation for her vocal versatility and ability to blend seamlessly with or provide distinct harmonies for a wide range of artists. Early significant collaborations helped solidify her status as a reliable and talented background singer.
Characteristics Pendarvis's vocal characteristics are defined by her exceptional versatility, soulful tone, and precise intonation. She is known for her ability to adapt to diverse musical styles, from the intricate harmonies of Steely Dan to the raw energy of rock and the smooth textures of R&B and pop. Her contributions often involve providing rich vocal layers and counter-melodies that enhance the lead vocals without overpowering them. Key collaborations include:
- David Bowie: Featured prominently on albums such as Let's Dance (1983).
- Sting: Contributed to albums like The Dream of the Blue Turtles (1985) and ...Nothing Like the Sun (1987).
- Steely Dan: Provided vocals for Gaucho (1980).
- Donald Fagen: Worked on solo albums, including The Nightfly (1982).
- Luther Vandross: A frequent collaborator and friend, Pendarvis worked on many of his recordings.
- Roberta Flack, Chaka Khan, Nile Rodgers and Chic, Billy Joel, George Benson, Paul Simon, Duran Duran, The Rolling Stones, and many others.
In addition to her session work, Pendarvis has released solo material and is an active educator, teaching voice and music to aspiring musicians.
Related Topics
- Session musicians
- Background vocalists
- R&B music
- Pop music
- Soul music
- Funk music
- David Bowie discography
- Sting discography
- Steely Dan discography
- New York City music scene