Singing Guide: Barry Humphries
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Barry Humphries is an Australian comedian, actor, and writer, who performed character roles like Dame Edna Everage, Les Patterson, and Sandy Stone. Although he is globally acknowledged for his witty humor and acting skills, he has a distinct baritone singing voice that is often overlooked.
Barry Humphries' vocal technique is based on traditional baritone styles. His vocal range is quite remarkable, spanning from G2 to C5. He imitates the vocal effects of other singers like Lou Reed, Tom Waites, and Peter Allen, but his unique baritone sound remains his signature style. In his most famous character, Dame Edna Everage, he frequently sings in a dramatic vibrato and expresses vocal growling which enhances his character performance. Similarly, his alter ego Sir Les Patterson embraces a rough, gravelly sound that lends authenticity to his bawdy character.
To sing like Barry Humphries, you should reinforce your voice with proper vocal exercises and techniques. Developing a baritone range takes practice and persistence. Ensure that you always warm up your vocal cords, breath effectively, and learn how to control your voice registers. You can learn more about these techniques from the vocal exercises and articles on Singing Carrots. Use the vocal range test to know your vocal range and compare it with other singers. Then, use the search songs feature to find songs that match your voice type.
To start practicing, use Barry Humphries' songs that showcase his signature baritone singing. One such song is "There's No Business Like Show Business" from the musical Annie Get Your Gun. This is a challenging song, but with practice, you can develop your voice and full potential. Another famous song is "We'll Meet Again" by Vera Lynn, with its emotional and nostalgic tones. Alternatively, songs by Peter Allen like "Tenterfield Saddler" and "I Still Call Australia Home" feature touching performances with robust baritone sounds.
Overall, to develop Barry Humphries' singing style, it's essential to practice with the right exercises and techniques. With time, you can enhance your baritone range and develop your unique vocal style while using Singing Carrots' resources to help you with your singing.