Singing Guide: Chubby Checker
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Chubby Checker is a legendary artist who popularized the twist in the early 1960s. He was born in 1941 in South Carolina under the name Ernest Evans. He later moved to Philadelphia and was signed to Cameo Parkway Records in the early 1960s.
Chubby Checker is best known for his song "The Twist," which was released in 1960. The song was a huge success and it sparked a dance craze that swept the nation. The twist was a simple dance that involved swiveling the hips and twisting the body, and it was easy for anyone to do.
Chubby Checker's unique vocal technique is characterized by his high-pitched voice and his ability to sustain long phrases. He also had an up-tempo style that lent itself well to dancing.
If you want to learn how to sing like Chubby Checker, one key to his vocal technique is breath control. He was able to sustain long phrases by controlling his breath and using his diaphragm effectively. Singing exercises such as the Farinelli Breathing exercise, as well as diaphragm bounce exercises like those in this video, can be useful in developing this technique.
Another important aspect of Chubby Checker's singing style is his use of vibrato. Vibrato is a vocal technique that adds character and emotion to a singer's voice. Check out this video to learn more about how to sing with vibrato.
To perfect your Chubby Checker singing technique, it's also important to analyze your own voice. Understanding your vocal range and voice type can guide you in choosing songs that best showcase your vocal abilities. You can use Singing Carrots' Vocal Range Test to determine your vocal range and compare it to famous singers on the Artist Vocal Ranges page.
Once you've honed your technique, you can tackle some of Chubby Checker's most famous songs like "The Twist," "Let's Twist Again," and "Pony Time." Search for songs on Singing Carrots' Song Search page to find songs that match your vocal range and genre preference.
In summary, to learn how to sing like Chubby Checker, focus on breath control, vibrato, and analyzing your own voice. Use Singing Carrots' resources like the Vocal Range Test, Pitch Training, and Song Search to help you enhance your singing abilities. With practice, patience, and dedication, you can become a twisting, singing sensation just like Chubby Checker.