Singing Guide: Dennis Edwards
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Dennis Edwards: How to Sing Like the Temptations Frontman
Dennis Edwards (1943-2018) was an American soul and R&B singer, best known as the frontman of the Temptations from 1968 to 1977 and again from 1980 to 1984. Edwards' deep and powerful voice was perfect for the soulful and emotional style of the Temptations at the time. In this article, we will explore the singing technique of Dennis Edwards and give you some tips to help you learn how to sing like him.
Unique vocal technique of Dennis Edwards
Dennis Edwards had a unique style of singing that was both powerful and emotional. His deep, soulful voice allowed him to convey a wide range of emotions and connect with his audience on a deeper level. He was able to project his voice with ease and had a great command over his pitch. His technique was heavily influenced by the gospel music of his childhood. Here are some of the techniques that Dennis Edwards used to achieve his distinctive sound:
- Use of chest voice: Dennis Edwards was known for using his chest voice to produce a deep and powerful sound. This technique involves resonating the sound in the chest area rather than the head or throat. To develop your chest voice, you can try singing low notes and experimenting with different resonance points until you find the sweet spot.
- Vibrato: Dennis Edwards used vibrato to add an emotional edge to his songs. Vibrato is a slight variation in pitch and volume that creates a wavering effect. To develop your vibrato, you can practice holding a note and gradually adding a slight variation in pitch.
- Use of Dynamics: Dennis Edwards was a master of dynamics, using changes in volume and intensity to add emotion to his songs. Practice singing loud, medium, and quietly to develop control over your dynamics.
Songs showcasing Dennis Edwards' technique
Here are some of the most iconic songs that showcase Dennis Edwards' vocal technique:
- Papa Was a Rollin' Stone: This 1972 hit song features Edwards' deep and powerful vocals, with a great use of vibrato and dynamics.
- I Can't Get Next to You: This song from 1969 showcases Edwards' chest voice and his ability to project his voice with ease.
- Cloud Nine: This funky and upbeat song from 1968 features Edwards' use of dynamics to add emphasis to the lyrics.
Practical advice
To learn how to sing like Dennis Edwards, here are some tips:
- Practice singing the songs listed above and pay attention to the techniques used. Focus on strengthening your chest voice, adding vibrato, and using dynamics to add emotion.
- Work on maintaining good posture and breathing technique. Check out Singing Carrot's articles on "Breathing Basics" and "How Posture Affects Your Singing" for more information.
- Take Singing Carrot's "Vocal Range Test" to determine your vocal range and compare it to Dennis Edwards' range.
- Explore Singing Carrot's "Pitch Training" exercises to develop your pitch accuracy, and use the "Vocal Pitch Monitor" tool to visualize your pitch.
- Sign up for Singing Carrot's "Singing Course" to learn more about the theory and practice of singing, including warm-ups, exercises, and vocal health tips.
By following these tips and practicing regularly, you can learn how to sing like Dennis Edwards and develop your own unique style. Remember to have fun and let your emotions shine through in your singing. Happy singing!
Relevant singingcarrots.com resources
- Singing Carrot's articles:
- Skill-related videos: