How to Sing like Derrick Baskin

Derrick Baskin is a soulful and versatile actor and singer, best known for his roles in Broadway musicals such as "Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations." In this article, we will explore his unique vocal technique and suggest practical tips to learn how to sing like him.

Vocal Range and Technique

Derrick Baskin has a powerful and velvety baritone voice, with a range that extends between B♭2 to C5. He has a warm and natural vibrato, which he employs with great control and expressivity. His singing style is characterized by a rich, conversational tone, rooted in the African-American gospel tradition. He masters the delivery of intricate melodic lines, which he ornaments with subtle inflections, slides, and vocal "growls."

To sing like Derrick Baskin, you need to develop a solid foundational technique that allows you to control your breathing, pitch, and resonance. Here are some tips to get you started:

• Take care of your breath: Your breath is the engine of your singing. Learn to breathe deeply and diaphragmatically, expanding your belly as you inhale, and relaxing it as you exhale. Try the Farinelli breathing exercise to improve your breath support and control.
• Open your mouth and throat: To achieve a rich and resonant tone, you need to create space inside your mouth and throat. Relax your jaw and tongue, and lift your soft palate. Check out the Open mouth and throat article to learn more.
• Articulate with clarity: Clear articulation is crucial for conveying the meaning and emotion of a song. Practice enunciating all the syllables of a phrase distinctly, without getting tongue-tied or tensed. Try the Finger Bite exercise to exercise your articulators.
• Develop your mixed voice: A mixed voice allows you to blend your chest and head registers seamlessly, expanding your range and tonal options. Check out the Mixed Voice video to learn how to bridge your passaggio and develop a smooth transition between your registers.
• Emphasize emotion over technique: Derrick Baskin's singing is deeply emotional and personal. To sing like him, you need to connect with the meaning and mood of the lyrics, and deliver them with conviction and authenticity. Try the Relaxing Breath exercise to calm your nerves and boost your stage presence.

Song Selection

Derrick Baskin has sung a variety of genres, from classic soul to contemporary R&B, jazz, and rock. His repertoire includes both covers and original compositions, all showcasing his vocal prowess and storytelling skills. Here are some songs you can learn to imitate Derrick Baskin's style:

• "I Wish It Would Rain" - The Temptations: This classic Motown ballad features a smooth and mournful lead vocal by David Ruffin, whom Derrick Baskin portrayed in the musical "Ain't Too Proud." The song's melody and lyrics evoke a sense of heartbreak and longing, which you can interpret by adding your own embellishments and twists.
• "Ain't Too Proud to Beg" - The Temptations: This gritty and upbeat song is another Temptations' hit, with a memorable riff and chorus that invites the audience to join in. Derrick Baskin and his castmates in "Ain't Too Proud" performed a dynamic rendition of this song, complete with synchronized moves and energetic jumps. Learn the song's choreography and try to infuse your own flair.
• "Try a Little Tenderness" - Otis Redding: This soulful classic is a showcase of Otis Redding's powerful and passionate singing, which inspired Derrick Baskin's interpretation in a solo concert at Feinstein's/54 Below. The song's melody and lyrics are ripe for expressive articulation and vocal improvisation. Experiment with variations and ad-libs that suit your style.

Singing Carrots Resources

To complement the tips and song suggestions in this article, check out these Singing Carrots resources:

• Vocal Range test: Determine your voice's range and compare it to other famous singers. Take the test here.
• Pitch Accuracy test: Assess your pitch accuracy and train your intonation skills. Take the test here.
• Pitch Training: Improve your vocal agility and accuracy with this tool.