Singing Guide: Dusty Springfield
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Dusty Springfield is an iconic figure in the history of soul and pop. Her voice is renowned for its ability to combine raw power and emotion with impeccable control and finesse. Whether you are a professional singer or just love to sing in your spare time, you can learn a lot from studying her unique style.
One key aspect of Dusty’s singing is her use of the “croak”. This is a technique where she produces a deep, guttural, and slightly harsh sound at the start of each phrase. This croak adds an incredible intensity to her singing, making it sound full of emotion and passion. To develop this technique, you’ll need to work on your breath control and throat resonance. Singing Carrots’ breath support and resonance article can help you with some exercises.
Another thing to note about Dusty’s singing is her use of vibrato. She has a particularly wide and expressive vibrato, which she uses to great effect on sustained notes. Singing Carrots’ vibrato article has some great tips on how to develop this skill.
Dusty’s repertoire includes many great songs that showcase her unique style. "Son of a Preacher Man" is a classic that demonstrates her use of the croak and emotive delivery. "The Look of Love" is another excellent example of her use of vibrato. Pay close attention to her phrasing and dynamics, as well as the way she uses her voice to complement the melody.
To develop your singing skills in line with Dusty’s style, Singing Carrots offers several resources that can help. Firstly, take the time to try out their vocal range test. Knowing your range can help you choose songs that suit your voice, which is essential for building your confidence and abilities.
You can also try the Pitch Training - Educational Singing Game to work on your pitch accuracy. Dusty had impeccable pitch control, which is one of the reasons her singing is so enjoyable to listen to. With regular practice, you can develop this skill too.
Finally, consider taking Singing Carrots’ singing course. This 21-lesson program covers the theory and practical tips essential for becoming a great singer, regardless of your experience level. Dusty was known for her hard work and dedication to her craft, and this course can help you develop the same level of commitment.
In conclusion, Dusty Springfield is an inspiration for singers around the world. By studying her unique vocal style and using the resources provided by Singing Carrots, you can work on developing your own skills and adding extra dimension to your singing.