The Cohan and Harris Minstrels were a pioneering and influential act of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Performing throughout North America and Europe, the group showcased a distinct blend of African American and European performance styles, incorporating music, dance, and comedy into their shows.

At the heart of the group's sound was the vocal technique of the "minstrel show," which incorporated a range of vocal effects, including falsetto, yodeling, and deliberate nasality. The performers of the Cohan and Harris Minstrels were masters of these techniques, using their voices to offer up complex and richly layered performances that could be lighthearted, melancholic, or simply entertaining.

If you're interested in learning to sing like the Cohan and Harris Minstrels, there are a few key techniques and exercises to keep in mind. First and foremost, it's important to work on developing a strong sense of breath support, which will allow you to sing with the power and range necessary to perform in the minstrel style.

Another aspect of the minstrel style is the use of vocal registers to create distinctive textures and tones. This article from Singing Carrots explains these different registers and how singers can develop them. One particularly important register to develop for this style is the falsetto, which is often used to create a high, almost feminine sound.

In terms of specific exercises, there are a number of resources available on Singing Carrots' Youtube channel, including videos on twang, chest voice, and onsets and offsets. These techniques will be particularly helpful for singers looking to develop the unique characteristics of the Cohan and Harris Minstrel style.

In terms of songs to sing, there are many great examples of minstrel music to choose from. Some of the most iconic songs from this style include "Camptown Races," "Oh Susanna," and "Turkey in the Straw." However, it's important to remember that the minstrel style was highly adaptable and could be applied to a wide range of musical genres and styles.

In conclusion, learning to sing like the Cohan and Harris Minstrels requires practice, patience, and a willingness to embrace the unique vocal techniques that define this style. However, with the resources available on Singing Carrots and a few key exercises and techniques, singers can develop the skills necessary to perform in this distinctive and entertaining musical style.