Singing Guide: George White's Scandals
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
George White's Scandals was a popular Broadway revue and film series in the 1920s and 1930s, known for its racy and irreverent humor as well as its music. One of the standout performers from the Scandals was Ethel Merman, who went on to become one of the biggest stars of the musical stage.
If you want to learn to sing like Ethel Merman, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, Merman had an incredibly powerful voice–her vocal range was not particularly wide, but she could belt out a song like nobody's business. To start developing that kind of power, you'll want to focus on building your breath support and learning how to project your voice.
Pitch accuracy is also crucial, as Merman was known for her precise intonation and ability to hit a note dead-on. The Singing Carrots pitch accuracy test is a great way to measure your current level of accuracy, and the pitch visualizer in the Pitch Training tool can help you refine your skills.
When it comes to Merman's unique vocal style, one of the hallmarks was her ability to sustain notes for long periods of time. Singing Carrots' Sustain Vocal exercise is a great way to build this skill while also working on your breath control.
Two of Merman's most iconic songs are "I Got Rhythm" from the musical Girl Crazy and "There's No Business Like Show Business" from Annie Get Your Gun. These songs showcase her powerful voice and ability to convey emotion through song. If you're looking for songs to practice, the Singing Carrots song search tool is a great resource.
Finally, remember that authenticity is key. Ethel Merman had a unique vocal style that was all her own, and trying to replicate it exactly might not be the best approach. Instead, use her style as inspiration and find your own voice. Singing Carrots' "How to Find Your Own Authentic Voice" article is a great place to start.
For more tips on developing as a singer, check out Singing Carrots' educational singing course, which covers singing theory and practical tips. Good luck on your singing journey!