Singing Guide: Darlene Love
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Darlene Love was one of the most versatile female singers of the 1960s, known for her powerful voice, dynamic stage presence, and remarkable range. She started her career in the gospel choir, where she developed her signature style - a piercing, soulful sound with a gritty edge that could cut through any arrangement. She later transitioned to pop, rock, and R&B, where she became a fixture of the Phil Spector wall of sound movement.
If you want to sing like Darlene Love, you need to develop a strong, versatile voice that can handle a wide range of styles and genres. Here are some tips and resources:
- Voice analysis - Before you start practicing, take the time to analyze your voice. Use Singing Carrot Vocal range test to measure your range, and get a sense of which notes are easy or challenging for you. Knowing your voice's strengths and weaknesses will help you choose songs and exercises that suit your vocal capabilities.
- Breath support - Darlene Love was known for her powerful, soulful belting, which requires excellent breath control. Practice breathing exercises to improve your lung capacity and breath support. Singing Carrots article "Breath support" explains the technique in more detail.
- Singing from the diaphragm - Good singing technique depends on proper control of your diaphragm. The article "Breath support" covers the topic in greater detail.
- Vocal warm-ups - Singing Carrots have a range of vocal warm-ups, including the heavy modal, twang, and belting techniques that Darlene Love mastered. Use the resources mentioned in the prompt to explore these exercises.
- Mix your chest and head voice - Darlene Love had a fantastic ability to mix her chest and head voice seamlessly, creating a rich, full sound with a powerful top end. Check out the Singing Carrots videos on Chest Voice, Voice Registers, and Mixed Voice for guidance.
- Articulation - Darlene Love's powerful sound was complemented by her clear, articulate pronunciation. Work on articulation exercises from Singing Carrots' "Articulation" article to better understand how to sing words and phrases distinctly.
- Song selection - Darlene Love's signature tunes included "He's a Rebel, " "(Today I Met) The Boy I'm Gonna Marry," and "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" - each song showcasing her unique vocal technique. Browse Singing Carrots' search engine to find suitable songs that match your vocal range and style.
By following these tips and utilizing Singing Carrots resources, you can effectively learn to sing like Darlene Love. Don't forget to have fun while practicing, and experiment with new sounds and styles to develop your unique vocal identity. Good luck!