Question
Press photo of Carly Simon, dated 13 February 1974

Which rockstar provided backing vocals for Carly Simon's "You're So Vain"?

Last updated: November 28, 2025

"You're So Vain" stands as one of the best revenge songs ever recorded, with Carly Simon delivering her verdict on a self-absorbed ex-lover who "walked into the party like you were walking onto a yacht." But while fans were busy trying to figure out who the song was about, they should've been focused on who was actually on the song. Which rockstar provided backing vocals for Carly Simon's "You're So Vain"?

Correct Answer: Mick Jagger

(Source)

For decades, people suspected that "You're So Vain" was actually about Mick Jagger himself, but he's just the guy singing with her in the background. Simon was recording with Harry Nilsson in London when Jagger wandered in and she invited him to sing along. Nilsson immediately stepped aside once he realized the vocal pairing of Simon and Jagger was the real magic. Jagger chose not to get credited on the song, probably because he was smart enough to know everyone would think it was about him.

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