Singing Guide: Frances Langford
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Frances Langford was a talented and renowned American singer and actress known for her elegant and smooth voice. She was popular during the 1930s and 1940s and her songs are still appreciated by many today.
If you want to learn to sing like Frances Langford, there are some techniques and tips that you can follow in order to be on your way.
Firstly, it's important to note that Langford's singing style was characterized by her smooth and melodious voice and her ability to enunciate each word clearly. One of her unique techniques was her delicate phrasing, which was achieved by holding notes for a longer period and gently gliding into the next note. Some of her famous songs that highlight this technique are "I'm In The Mood For Love," "My Old Flame," and "You Go To My Head."
To achieve this type of phrasing, some important vocal techniques to focus on include breath control, diaphragm support, chest voice registers, and proper warm-ups before singing.
Breathing exercises are an essential element of vocal training and critical for producing a clear, smooth sound like Frances Langford. Focus on breathing from the diaphragm and starting to incorporate diaphragm support into your vocal practice.
Another important aspect of Langford's singing style is the correct usage of chest voice registers. The chest voice registers comprise the lower part of the vocal range and carry a fuller and richer sound than other registers. Langford's voice had an excellent mix of chest and head voices, and incorporating this technique can lead to a fuller and more vibrant tone.
Finally, as with any singing practice, regular warm-ups can be useful to maintain vocal health and improve technique. Singing Carrots' website has a few excellent exercises that you could use for this purpose. The Farinelli breathing exercise, the humming exercise and the 3 Minute warm up are good places you can start.
Singing Carrots also has a healthy singing course that explains these fundamentals of singing in detail. The singing course is comprised of 21 lessons, including breathing techniques, vocal warm-ups, pitch practice and vocal registers.
In closing, if you want to sing like Frances Langford, focus on developing your breath control, chest voice registers, and phrasing. Use the resources provided by Singing Carrots for additional support, and remember to practice regularly to build your skills. With these techniques and consistent practice, you may be able to replicate the gentle, smooth sound of Frances Langford in your own performances.