Call and Response (music) - Leader/Chorus Call and Response

Leader/Chorus Call and Response

A single leader makes a musical statement, and then the chorus responds together. American bluesman Muddy Waters utilizes call and response in one of his signature songs, "Mannish Boy" which is almost entirely Leader/Chorus call and response.

  • CALL: Waters' vocal: "Now when I was a young boy"
  • RESPONSE: (Harmonica/rhythm section riff)
  • CALL: Waters': "At the age of 5"
  • RESPONSE: (Harmonica/rhythm section riff)

Another example is from Chuck Berry's "School Day (Ring Ring Goes the Bell)".

  • CALL: Drop the coin right into the slot.
  • RESPONSE: (Guitar riff)
  • CALL: You gotta get something that's really hot.
  • RESPONSE: (Guitar riff)

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