Whatever Happened To: Lisa Fischer

Whew Chile…..What a Voice!

Every decade or so, the right song comes along- somehow pairs itself with the right vocalist, fitting like a hand in glove- and voila, “Magic Happens.”

This was definitely true in the case of Ms. Lisa Fischer.

1991’s, “How Can I Ease The Pain,” filled airwaves with all the depth, vulnerability, and vocal prowess that one could muster. The result is a haunting, devastatingly beautiful track that reaches deep within, and forces the emotion right out of your soul. With Fischer’s intense delivery and impressive four-octave range on full display, it’s easy to get lost in this swirling sea of feeling- taking the listener on an emotional musical journey by the song’s end.

So why wasn’t she more of a household name?

An accomplished backup singer in her own right, for acts such as Luther Vandross and The Rolling Stones, Fischer recorded her one and only solo album, 1991’s Grammy Award-Winning, So Intense. Despite garnering massive critical acclaim, the spotlight was never something Fischer particularly wanted any part of. As it turns out, she was perfectly content with being a backup singer, making a lasting impression on those who heard her on a nightly basis. So instead of recording a follow up album, Fischer chose to return to background vocals, providing support for the likes of Tina Turner, Beyonce, Sting, and countless others. She’s also collaborated on various projects with other musicians, and made her indelible mark on the world of musical theater.

In 2013, she was featured in the documentary, 20 Feet From Stardom, which chronicles the careers of unsung background vocalists in the music industry.

Fischer’s career is a testament to the notion that you don’t need to chase fame and stardom in order to be successful doing what you truly love.