Arnold McCuller

Arnold McCuller, born August 26, 1950, in Cleveland, Ohio, is an American vocalist, songwriter, and record producer whose career has spanned Broadway, film, recording, and decades of live touring work. He appeared on Broadway in Hair in 1969, and his connection to that production extended further when he performed with the Los Angeles company of the show from 1971 to 1973.

McCuller's earliest musical training came through the Prestonians, a choral ensemble based in Cleveland. By 1975 he had become a member of the vocal group Revelation, joining Phillip Ballou, Benny Diggs, and Arthur Freeman through the New York Community Choir. The group released a debut album of the same name on RSO Records. That same period marked the beginning of his long association with James Taylor, with whom he toured from 1977 to 2022, contributing to twelve studio albums including Flag, Dad Loves His Work, Hourglass, and American Standard. McCuller became a recognized presence in Taylor's live performances, particularly for his featured vocal parts on "Shower the People," "I Will Follow," and "Is That the Way You Look." In 2010 he participated in the Troubadour Reunion Tour supporting Taylor and Carole King.

His work with Phil Collins produced credits on Serious Hits... Live! and Dance into the Light, and he is featured as one of the main lead vocalists on the live recording of "Easy Lover." McCuller also contributed to four studio albums with Lyle Lovett, including Joshua Judges Ruth and The Road to Ensenada. Among the many other artists he has worked with as a touring backing vocalist are Linda Ronstadt, Beck, Bonnie Raitt, and Todd Rundgren.

McCuller's film work includes acting roles in American Hot Wax in 1978 and The Hollywood Knights in 1980. He performed "Nowhere to Run" for the 1979 film The Warriors, which appeared on the film's A&M Records soundtrack, and sang "The Star-Spangled Banner" in The Sum of All Fears. In the 2000 film Duets, his voice was blended with that of actor Andre Braugher to create a composite singing voice for the character Reggie Kane, who performed "Try a Little Tenderness" with Paul Giamatti and an a cappella rendition of "Free Bird." McCuller was also one of four singers featured in the guitar duel sequence of the 1986 film Crossroads, alongside Ry Cooder.

As a solo artist, McCuller has released more than a dozen albums, beginning with A Part of Me That's You in 1984, recorded with David Benoit. Subsequent releases include Exception to the Rule, You Can't Go Back, Back to Front, Sabor, and Witness, issued in 2017.