As a country and gospel singer, 'Tennessee' Ernie Ford had a unique voice and style that set him apart from other artists of his time. Learning to sing like him requires attention to several specific vocal elements. In this article, we will discover his vocal characteristics and explore some of his most famous songs, as well as provide some resources from Singing Carrots to help you learn to sing like this iconic performer.

The Vocal Technique of 'Tennessee' Ernie Ford

Ford's trademark was his rich baritone voice with a distinctive country twang. His style was characterized by a smooth, polished, and effortless delivery that exuded a natural warmth. To sing like Ford, we must understand how to:

• Develop a honeyed twang: Country twang is a vocal effect that can be achieved by deepening the larynx and using the soft palate. You can recreate 'Tennessee' Ernie Ford's twang by practicing his country-style speaking voice.
• Sing with dynamic range: Ford used his voice to convey a wide range of emotions, from joy to sorrow, and everything in between. He achieved this by balancing a full chest voice with an easy head voice.
• Add vibrato to your notes: Vibrato, or the wavering of a note, is a subtle effect that when used appropriately creates a unique sound to your singing. 'Tennessee' Ernie Ford utilized this technique to create musical interest and variety in his singing.

Songs showcasing 'Tennessee' Ernie Ford's Vocal Technique

• Sixteen Tons: A very popular song with a strong lyrical story. The song shows how 'Tennessee' Ernie Ford could convey powerful emotions with his voice.
• Mule Train: This song shows off Ford's perfect pitch and vocal agility; there is no other way to sing along to this joyful and catchy tune.
• The Ballad of Davy Crockett: This song highlights the full vocal range of 'Tennessee' Ernie Ford, thanks to the pleasant melody of this optimistic hymn.

Resources to Help You Learn to Sing Like 'Tennessee' Ernie Ford

• Vocal range test: Sing 'Tennessee' Ernie Ford's songs and know where your voice sits on the range spectrum.
• Pitch accuracy test: Practice singing using the natural twang of your voice with this test.
• Pitch Training: Develop your singing skills, especially in hitting the right note and maintaining your twang, by utilizing the tools in Singing Carrots' Pitch Training module.
• Song search: You can find songs like those of 'Tennessee' Ernie Ford that match your vocal range and style preferences.
• Singing course: Take the Singing Carrots educational singing course to enhance your singing abilities further.

By understanding the vocal techniques that made 'Tennessee' Ernie Ford an icon and practicing specific exercises, you can sing like this legendary performer and make his country twang all your own. Happy singing!