Singing Guide: Fats Domino

Singing Guide: Fats Domino

Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources

Are you a beginner or advanced singer?

Whether or not you know it, you're probably familiar with Fats Domino. The R&B pianist and singer-songwriter started making music in New Orleans in the late 1940s, and by the 1950s, he was regularly topping the charts with hits like "Blueberry Hill," "Ain't That a Shame," and "I'm Walkin'."

So, what makes Fats Domino's voice so unique? Well, for starters, he's a baritone, which means he sings in a lower range than many of his contemporaries. But beyond that, his singing style is characterized by its smoothness and warmth, as well as his signature New Orleans accent.

If you're hoping to learn to sing like Fats Domino, there are plenty of things you can do to work on your skills. Here are some tips and resources to get you started:

  • Take care of your voice: Before you start belting out Fats Domino hits, it's important to make sure you're taking good care of your voice. That means drinking plenty of water, avoiding alcohol and smoking, and warming up your vocal cords before you start singing. Singing Carrots has a breathing exercise that will get you started in the right direction.
  • Work on your breathing: Fats Domino's smooth, warm sound is partly due to his excellent breath control. Exercises like the Farinelli Breathing exercise can help you train your diaphragm and improve your breathing technique.
  • Practice different vocal registers: Fats Domino's distinctive sound comes partly from his use of his chest voice, which is the lower part of the vocal range. Practice hitting notes in this range to build up your chest voice and add more depth and warmth to your singing.
  • Pay attention to your articulation: Fats Domino's singing is also known for its clarity, thanks to his clear articulation of each word. Practice opening your mouth wider, and pay attention to the way you form each syllable.
To really get a feel for Fats Domino's unique style, it can be helpful to listen to some of his signature songs. "Blueberry Hill" is a great place to start, as it showcases his warm, smooth vocals and signature New Orleans sound. Another Fats Domino classic, "Ain't That a Shame," is another great choice, as it features a prominent saxophone line that showcases the relationship between vocals and instruments.

Beyond that, Singing Carrots has several resources that can help you learn to sing like Fats Domino. The site offers a vocal range test that can help you identify your vocal range, as well as a pitch accuracy test that can help you work on your pitch. The Pitch Training - Educational Singing Game is a fun way to work on your singing skills, and the site's search feature can help you find songs that match your vocal range and style. Finally, Singing Carrots' singing course offers a comprehensive program covering singing theory and practical tips that can help you improve your skills as you work to master Fats Domino's unique vocal style.

Learn more about this artist vocal range, voice type and repertoire.