Singing Guide: Gene Austin

Singing Guide: Gene Austin

Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources

Are you a beginner or advanced singer?

Gene Austin was an American singer and songwriter who had great success during the 1920s and 1930s. He is considered one of the pioneers of the crooning style. His unique baritone voice had a velvety, mellow quality that conveyed emotion poignantly. To learn singing like Gene Austin, you need to master some of his signature techniques such as his vocal range, voice register, vibrato, phrasing, and intonation. Here are some tips and songs that can help you get there:

  1. Test your vocal range:
    Start by testing your vocal range on Singing Carrots' Vocal range test, similar to how Gene Austin tested his own range as he began singing. This test allows you to determine your vocal range and compare it with that of famous singers like Gene Austin and improve your weaknesses.
  2. Work on your breath support and phrasing:
    In songs like "Ramona" and "My Blue Heaven," Gene Austin used legato phrasing and breathy tones to create a sense of intimacy and depth to his singing. Practice holding notes with Breath Support exercise, and use Breathing Exercises with Farinelli Technique to improve your breath control. Stay in tune using Passive Breathing Techniques.
  3. Develop your vibrato:
    Vibrato is a wavy effect that adds richness and expressiveness to your voice. Gene Austin's vibrato soared during his performances of "Ain't Misbehavin'" and "The Lonesome Road." Learn How to Try Singing with Vibrato exercise. The famous example of Gene Austin on Beggars Bounce and Diaphragm Bounce can also help you improve your vibrato.
  4. Master voice control:
    Gene Austin had the ability to convey different emotions with his voice, from melancholy to joyful, from playful to heartfelt. Work on a range of voice control techniques with Singing Carrots, such as the Glottal Onset Technique and the Soft Palate Technique, and sing with your chest voice to emulate Gene Austin.
  5. Listen and learn his songs:
    Finally, listen to Gene Austin's songs carefully, paying attention to his unique style, interpretation, and phrasing. Sing his songs, such as "When My Sugar Walks Down the Street" or "Are You Lonesome Tonight," to understand his style and practice singing like him. Discover a wide variety of songs using the Singing Carrots Search songs feature.

By following these tips and incorporating the Singing Carrots resources provided, you can learn to sing like Gene Austin. Happy singing!

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