Singing Guide: Flying Down to Rio
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
If you want to learn how to sing like Fred Astaire, you're in for a treat. Known primarily for his exceptional dancing skills, Fred Astaire was also an accomplished singer with a unique style.
One of the key aspects of Astaire's vocal style was his phrasing. He had a unique way of accenting certain words to create a sense of rhythm and momentum. If you listen to his version of "Puttin' On The Ritz," you'll hear him use this technique to great effect.
Another key element of Astaire's singing style was his use of vibrato. He often employed a rapid, fluttering vibrato that added texture and nuance to his performances. You can hear this vibrato in full force in his rendition of "Cheek to Cheek."
To learn to sing like Fred Astaire, you'll need to work on your phrasing and vibrato. Singing scales and arpeggios, as well as practicing the exercises on Singing Carrots' Pitch Training and Vocal Range Test can help you develop better control over your voice.
In terms of song selection, you might want to check out Astaire's versions of "Top Hat, White Tie and Tails," "Let's Face the Music and Dance," and "They Can't Take That Away from Me." All of these songs showcase his unique vocal style.
In general, it's important to develop good breath support and posture when singing, to ensure that you're able to produce clear and powerful notes. Singing Carrots' articles on breathing basics and how posture affects your singing are good resources for learning more about these topics.
By practicing the techniques and exercises described here, you can start to develop a voice that captures the magic and charm of Fred Astaire's singing. Good luck!