Singing Guide: Erma Franklin
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Erma Franklin is known for her soulful voice, filled with a natural power that immediately captivates the listener. Her control and precision are a testament to her vocal technique, and it’s no wonder why she was a great influence on both her sisters, the legendary singers Aretha and Carolyn Franklin.
If you want to learn how to sing like Erma Franklin, then first you need to analyze your own voice. It is essential to know your vocal type; whether it's a soprano, alto, tenor, or bass. A Vocal Range Test is a perfect tool from Singing Carrots that can help you determine your voice type. You’ll also need to master breathing techniques, essential for singing. Utilize Singing Carrots’ Breathing Basics articles and Breath Support videos to stay informed.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Erma’s voice is its ability to glide between her lower chest voice and her smoother head voice with ease. To add this quality to your singing, explore Singing Carrots’ Video on Chest Voice/Voice Registers and Mixed Voice/Voice Break. Additionally, Erma had a unique sense of rhythm and timing that she applied to her singing. To improve your sense of rhythm and timing, practice the “Sustain Vocal” exercise from Singing Carrots.
When it comes to Erma’s songs, “Piece of My Heart” immediately comes to mind. It is a great song that showcases the range of Erma’s vocal abilities, the shifts in accents, and her overall control. If you want to improve your singing skills, try a Cover Song from the Singing Carrots’ Song-Book. You can choose a song that matches your vocal range, experience, and preferences. Through the Song-Book, you can also access linked lyrics, sheet music, chords, and audio tracks.
To sum it all up, the key to singing like Erma Franklin is to analyze your voice, master breathing, and practice the right techniques: chest voice/vocal mix, rhythm, and timing. Incorporate Singing Carrots' Vocal Range Test, Breathing Exercises, Chest Voice/Voice Registers and Mixed Voice/Voice Break, and the "Sustain Vocal" exercise. Additionally, select an appropriate song from Singing Carrots’ Song-Book that matches your vocal preferences and range for a holistic experience.