Alec Baldwin and Whitney Houston

It’s time to put our singnature song subseries on hold as we return to the normal format of Way Back Wednesday. To help us refocus on the true purpose of this feature, let’s take a stroll down memory lane as we highlight great live performances by our favourite artists that you probably never saw!

Ask yourself: If a diva hits a high note and nobody is around to hear it, does she make a sound? Thankfully, there is always a camera hidden somewhere to capture every great moment of music history and with the power of YouTube, we can enjoy several wonderful showings by a range of artists.

From Saturday Night Live rehearsals to performances off Broadway, I’ve lined up a few great performances for your review. Some of these artists have long since passed – Phyllis Hyman, Whitney Houston and Etta James – but their legacies live on. Watch them in action below:

Chaka Khan, Etta James & Gladys Knight – “Ain’t Nobody’s Business”

JoJo – “You Know I’m No Good”

Mariah Carey – “Vanishing” 

Minnie Riperton – “Can You Feel What I’m Saying”

Patti LaBelle – “Forever Young”

Phyllis Hyman & Hinton Battle - “I’m Checking Out” & “Do Nothing ‘Til you Hear From Me”

Whitney Houston – “Sweet Thing” 

Some artists truly shine when they are alone in their element without the glare of the media spotlight. For instance, Mariah Carey’s rendition of “Vanishing” during her Saturday Night Live rehearsals was brilliant and she showcased her incredible ear while directing her singers as she belted the tune.

Of course, this rare footage also showed us the darker side of some performers. Just take a look at Chaka Khan while she slurred her words and clearly forgot her lyrics. Was she high or simply drunk? I’ll let you make those assumptions while I mind my business over yonder.

What was the best performance among those listed above? Who else should have been mentioned? Vote in the Way Back Wednesday poll and share your opinion!