Siedah Garett: Artist Profile
Few artists can boast the collaborations that Siedah Garett does. Just the mention of her name reminds us of Michael Jackson. She did not just perform backing vocals on the legend’s Bad songs. She sang duets with him such as I just can’t stop loving you. She co-wrote songs for him. Two of these are the acclaimed number 1 Man in the mirror and Keep the faith. It is no surprise then when names followed including Quincy Jones, Donna Summer or Madonna. Her backing vocalist CV is impressive. This sometimes overshadows her songwriting. Yet the latter remains undeniable with its contribution to global hits and just for the sheer achievement of getting Quincy Jones’ approval before reaching Michael Jackson and getting the nod there too. She follows this with songs for the likes of Aretha Franklin, Natalie Cole and Paula Abdul. A lead vocalist, a backing singer and a songwriter, she’s a name well recognised but not quite fully appreciated.
Siedah Garett in 10 songs
- Man in the mirror: Siedah collaborates with Glen Ballard to pin this number one hit for Michael Jackson. She also provides the backing vocals in this song
- Love You I Do – Siedah’s songwriting is recognised with this 2008 Grammy-Award winner for Best Song Written for Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media. It is one of the songs from motion picture Dreamgirls performed by Jennifer Hudson. It was also nominated for Best Original Song both for the Academy Award in 2007 and the Satellite Awards in 2006.
- I Just Can’t Stop Loving You: This Billboard number 1 song was written and performed by Michael Jackson for his 1987 album Bad and features a duet with Siedah Garrett. Jackson and Quincy Jones co-produced the song. It was also recorded by the two in French and Spanish.
- Don’t Look Any Further: Siedah’s first hit was with this 1984 single performed by former Temptations lead singer Dennis Edwards. It features Siedah Garrett. Franne Golde, Dennis Lambert and Duane Hitchings wrote the piece with programming by Paul Jackson, Jr.
- Sometimes: Siedah Garrett joined the acid jazz UK band Brand New Heavies for their album Shelter in 1997. She was the lead vocalist and songwriter. Sometimes was a minor hit.
- Everchanging Times: Siedah was chosen to perform this 1987 hit Adult Contemporary ballad. The song is from the soundtrack of the movie Baby Boom, written by Burt Bacharach, Carole Bayer Sager & Bill Conti. It would be later reprised by Aretha Franklin featuring Michael McDonald
- Innocent Side: Garrett released her first album, “Kiss Of Life in 1988 on Quincy Jones’ Qwest label. The album includes two reasonably well-received singles, Innocent Side being one of them.
- I’m Yours: A wonderful ballad produced by Quincy Jones and featuring the enchanting voices of El DeBarge and Siedah Garret. Its release was in 1989. Siedah featured a few more works by Quincy Jones including the more upbeat I don’t go for that, Jook Joint, Listen Up and The Places You Find Love.
- Rain Down Love: Freemasons feature Siedah Garrett’s vocals in this 2007 in this upbeat dance song. This is one of a set of upbeat songs that feature Siedah Garett during that time including Armand Van Helden’s I want your soul and Funky Bahia with Sérgio Mendes featuring will.i.am & Siedah Garrett in 2008.
- Keep on Lovin’ You: Siedah writes and performs some amazing vocals in her catchy MJ tribute song. Bruce Swedien produces it for In The Mirror Music in 2012.