Always the Bridesmaid

Classical soprano and broadcaster Catherine Bott is used to standing centre stage as a soloist, but has never sung backing vocals live.

She explores the world of the backing vocalist and asks is it a case of constantly being frustated - always the bridesmaid and never the bride? She talks to singer songwiter Eddi Reader about her move from backing singer with Gang of Four and the Eurythmics to lead singer of Fairground Attraction and then solo artist. Eddi invites her to sing live in concert as a backing vocalist - how will Catherine cope outside her comfort zone? Catherine speaks to Annie Skates who is a backing vocalist to major stars, and to singers from the Chorus of Opera North about another type of backing vocalist - being a member of an opera chorus. And with the help of arranger and producer Steve Pycroft she tries her hand at recording backing vocals to a song where she sings the main vocal line.

With contributions from Eddi Reader, Steve Pycroft, Annie Skates, Edward Thornton, Sarah Estill and Paul Rendall.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2014.