50's Harmony Vocals Question

[Whyte Ice]

How would I be able to achieve a background harmonies sound evident on recordings such as Elvis Presley's "Don't Be Cruel," "Love Me Tender," etc. ?

It has such a unique sound to it and I would like to do something like that. Is it more in the technique or production?

 

[TexRoadkill]

I'm pretty sure it would have been a couple singers gathered around a mic. In those days they sometimes even recorded the entire band on one mic and the players would step closer for their solo's. Just keep it simple.

 

[hasbeen]

First, you get the Jordanaires, then put the four of them around a vintage beauty like this:

http://www.jordanaires.net/Elvis/1.htm

 

[King Elvis]

That pic is awsome!!!
Thats the way they used to do it. Still sounds fresh today.

 

[scottboyher]

First, you get the Jordanaires, then put the four of them around a vintage beauty like this:

http://www.jordanaires.net/Elvis/1.htm

Excellent!

 

[chessparov]

Thanks for the great picture!
They also did fine work on Rick Nelson's hits too.

Chris

 

[cominginsecond]

Not to mention Patsy Cline's.