Singing Guide: Al Jolson
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Al Jolson is widely regarded as one of the first major superstars of the recorded music industry. He was known for his unique vocal style which blended elements of opera, vaudeville, and jazz. Some of his most famous songs include "Swanee," "Mammy," and "California, Here I Come." If you want to learn how to sing like Al Jolson, here are some tips and Singing Carrots resources to help:
1. Find your voice type
Before you start to sing, it's important to determine your voice type. Check out Singing Carrots' article on voice types to get started. Al Jolson was a tenor, which means he had a higher range than other types of singers.
2. Use your breath properly
Breathing properly is essential for any type of singing. Check out Singing Carrots' articles on breathing basics and breath support to learn the proper techniques. Al Jolson was known for his use of vibrato, which requires good breath control.
3. Understand vocal registers
Al Jolson was famous for his use of falsetto, which is a type of vocal register that sounds breathy and light. Check out Singing Carrots' article on voice registers and vocal breaks to learn more about this technique.
4. Work on your articulation
In addition to his rich vocal style, Al Jolson was also known for his clear and precise articulation. Check out Singing Carrots' article on articulation to learn more about this important singing skill.
5. Use the right equipment
Al Jolson was known for his use of a megaphone while performing. While you don't need to go to those lengths, it's important to use the right equipment when practicing and performing. Singing Carrots offers a vocal pitch monitor and various other tools to help you hone your skills.
By using these tips and Singing Carrots resources, you can learn how to sing like Al Jolson and develop your own unique vocal style. Good luck!