We have a collection of 6 arrangements for Pink Floyd - The Great Gig in the Sky
What makes "The Great Gig in the Sky" one of Pink Floyd's most iconic instrumental tracks? Learn!
Who's behind the notes? Discover Pink Floyd: The Architects of Psychedelic Rock
"The Great Gig in the Sky" is a famous song by the British progressive rock band Pink Floyd. Here are some interesting facts about the song and its creation:
Vocal Soloist: The haunting and emotional vocal solo in "The Great Gig in the Sky" was performed by Clare Torry, a British singer. Her wordless vocal improvisations on the track are considered iconic and contributed significantly to the song's impact.
Studio Improvisation: The song's vocal performance was created through improvisation in the recording studio. Torry was given the freedom to sing whatever she felt as she listened to the instrumental track, resulting in the raw and emotive vocal that appears in the final song.
No Lyrics: Unlike most of Pink Floyd's songs, "The Great Gig in the Sky" has no lyrics. Instead, the vocals convey emotion and feeling without the need for words.
Songwriting Credits: Despite her significant contribution to the song, Clare Torry was initially not credited as a songwriter. After a legal battle in the 2000s, she was retroactively recognized as a co-writer of the song, securing her rights to royalties.
Title Inspiration: The song's title, "The Great Gig in the Sky," was inspired by the working title "The Mortality Sequence." The band thought it needed a more fitting name for the song and decided on this title, which reflects the theme of mortality and the unknown afterlife.
Collaborative Effort: The songwriting for "The Great Gig in the Sky" was a collaborative effort. The band members contributed to the musical composition, and Clare Torry's vocal improvisation added a crucial element to the piece.
Live Performances: "The Great Gig in the Sky" became a staple of Pink Floyd's live performances and was often a highlight of their concerts. Different vocalists and musicians have performed it over the years as part of Pink Floyd's live shows.
Emotional Impact: The song's emotional intensity and Torry's vocal performance have made it a favorite among Pink Floyd fans. It is often praised for its ability to evoke deep emotions and is considered one of the band's most powerful and moving pieces.
Use in Films: "The Great Gig in the Sky" has been featured in various films and documentaries, further solidifying its place in popular culture. Its emotive qualities have made it a suitable choice for dramatic and emotional scenes.
Album Appearance: The song is the fifth track on Pink Floyd's iconic 1973 album "The Dark Side of the Moon." This album is considered one of the greatest rock albums of all time and spent an unprecedented 937 weeks (over 17 years) on the Billboard 200 chart.
"The Great Gig in the Sky" remains a timeless piece of music that showcases the emotional depth and artistic innovation of Pink Floyd. Clare Torry's contribution to the song is celebrated by fans and musicians alike.