Gary Lewis and the Playboys.
All the instruments on their recordings were performed by a group of studio musicians known as “The Wrecking Crew”. And even Gary Lewis’ voice was “enhanced” by a Ron Hicklin who was the lead singer of the “Ron Hicklin Singers” who were frequently used for backup vocals on numerous hit records.
Spinal Tap
Yeah. And speaking of the Wrecking Crew, did they not play a lot of stuff in Beach Boys recordings?
I’ve been in 14 bands in my musical career just since 1997. I’ve seen plenty of no-talent hacks do very well financially and some incredibly talented musicians get by as studio musicians. I see most pop acts as mostly marketing.
Even Taylor Swift. A pedestrian voice, but some very catchy tunes and great arrangements. I even have a couple of her albums.