Tabitha Fair: Singer, Songwriter & Backup Singer To The Stars

Questions? Comments? Guest suggestions? Send us a text!

My guest this month is a singer and songwriter who’s led an extraordinary vocal life, Tabitha Fair. 

Tabitha was born and raised in Oklahoma, the daughter of a preacher and a mother who ministered through music. By the time she was five years old, Tabitha knew she wanted to be a singer and have a career in music. And that she has, eventually garnering a record deal and becoming one of the A-list backup singers in the industry. She’s recorded or sung with Sting, Cece Winans, Lady Gaga, Travis Tritt, Celine Dion, Faith Hill, Wynonna Judd, Lee Ann Womack, Rascal Flatts, Rita Wilson, Amy Grant, Sam Moore, James Taylor, Bette Midler, Lenny Kravitz, Bruce Springsteen, John Legend, The Roots, Jennifer Hudson, Michael McDonald, Elton John, Mary J Blige, Snoop Dog — the list goes on and on.

Besides numerous recording gigs and tours, Tabitha’s been a regular on the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors, The Jimmy Fallon Show, and America’s Got Talent. She’s also sung at the inaugurations of Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.

An accomplished songwriter, Tabitha’s received the Songwriters Hall of Fame Abe Ohlman Award. And she co-wrote a song with Carole King called “If We Get Through This,” which she later sang the lead vocal on in the movie “Sum Of All Fears,” starring Ben Affleck and Morgan Freeman.

In our conversation, you’ll hear about her trajectory from gospel singer to 20 Feet From Stardom. Plus, we look at life behind the curtain with some practical advice for singers on practicing and rehearsing for TV and touring.

Tabitha is a delightful human being. Talking with her, I could see why she’s been one of the go-to backup singers for all the heavy-hitters with whom she’s performed. She’s got a strong work ethic and a voice that can sing anything, but she also knows how to take her bright light and shine it on others, supporting them both musically and energetically. I think you’re going to love her and our conversation.

For full show notes, transcriptions of this episode, and more offerings for singers, you can visit my website HERE.

Never miss an episode! Sign up for Vocal Notes — my once-a-month newsletter for singers.

Please join me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

You can find Tabitha on her website and on Facebook or Instagram.

The songs from today’s episode are Soul-Full, A Man of His Word, If We Get Through This, and Fly (used with permission.) 

Theme music for the Podcast was composed by John Smith. He helps me edit all the podcast episodes too. (Thanks honey!) 

Support the show