Clare Torry

Clare Torry is a British singer best known for her collaboration with the progressive rock band Pink Floyd on their iconic song "The Great Gig in the Sky". Here are some key facts about her:

1. Vocal Performance on "The Great Gig in the Sky": Clare Torry's most notable contribution to music is her stunning vocal performance on Pink Floyd's song "The Great Gig in the Sky". The track, featured on the band's seminal album "The Dark Side of the Moon" (1973), is known for its powerful and emotive vocal improvisation. Torry's soulful and improvisational singing on the track has been widely praised and is considered one of the highlights of the album.

2. Collaboration with Pink Floyd: Clare Torry's collaboration with Pink Floyd came about when the band was recording "The Dark Side of the Moon" at Abbey Road Studios in London. Originally, the band had planned to have a female vocalist perform wordless vocals on the song "The Great Gig in the Sky". Torry was hired for a session and asked to improvise vocals over the instrumental track. Her spontaneous and impassioned performance impressed the band members, leading to her vocals being prominently featured on the final recording.

3. Legal Battle and Settlement: Despite her significant contribution to "The Great Gig in the Sky", Clare Torry was initially paid a flat session fee for her work and did not receive any royalties for her performance. However, in the 2000s, Torry filed a lawsuit against Pink Floyd's record label, EMI, seeking royalties and songwriting credit for her vocal contribution. The case was settled out of court in 2005, with Torry receiving an undisclosed sum and songwriting credit retroactively added to the album.

4. Solo Career and Other Collaborations: In addition to her work with Pink Floyd, Clare Torry has had a diverse career as a singer and recording artist. She has released several solo albums, including "Love for Living" (1972) and "Heaven in the Sky" (1998). Torry has also collaborated with other musicians and bands over the years, lending her vocals to various projects and recordings.

5. Legacy and Influence: Clare Torry's vocal performance on "The Great Gig in the Sky" has left a lasting impact on the music world. Her emotive and improvisational singing style has inspired countless singers and musicians, and the song itself has become an enduring classic. Torry's legal battle for recognition and compensation for her contribution to the song also sparked discussions about artists' rights and fair compensation in the music industry.