Singing Guide: Helen Reddy

Singing Guide: Helen Reddy

Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources

Are you a beginner or advanced singer?

Helen Reddy is an Australian-American singer, songwriter, and actress. She is known for her powerful voice, which has been compared to that of a trumpet. She is also known for her feminist anthem "I Am Woman." In this article, we will explore how to learn singing like Helen Reddy.

Helen Reddy's Unique Vocal Technique

Helen Reddy's vocal technique is characterized by her ability to produce strong, resonant tones in her voice. Her vocal range is impressive, covering several octaves, and her use of dynamics creates an emotional connection with her audience. She also incorporates vibrato and vibrato-like effects in her singing, giving her vocals a distinct sound.

Key Songs Showcasing Her Vocal Style

To learn to sing like Helen Reddy, it's essential to focus on specific songs that showcase her unique vocal style. Here are a few:

  • "I Am Woman" – This feminist anthem is a perfect example of Reddy's powerful voice, with a strong opening and powerful lyrics that inspire confidence and strength.
  • "Delta Dawn" – This song highlights Reddy's dynamic range, with high notes that soar and low notes that rumble, all while remaining open and full.
  • "Angie Baby" – This song shows Reddy's use of vibrato and vibrato-like effects, which give her voice a unique and ethereal quality.
  • "You and Me Against the World" – This ballad displays Reddy's emotional connection with the music, with a delicate and heartfelt performance that really showcases her ability to connect with listeners.

Practical Advice to Learn Singing like Helen Reddy

Here are some practical tips to help you sing like Helen Reddy:

  1. Work on your breathing – Breathing exercises are essential to support your voice and improve overall vocal control. Singing Carrots offers helpful breathing techniques in their breathing basics article.
  2. Practice correct posture – Good posture is essential in singing, and it helps you achieve a full, open sound. The Singing Carrots article on posture can help you improve yours.
  3. Explore vibrato – Vibrato is an essential part of Reddy's vocal style. The Singing with Vibrato article will help you understand how to develop and control your own vibrato.
  4. Use dynamic range – Reddy's use of dynamics creates an emotional connection with listeners. Practice sustaining vocal exercises and focus on expressing emotional content.
  5. Train your voice – Singing Carrots' educational singing course and pitch training can help you develop your vocal technique, pitch accuracy, and overall musicianship.
  6. Choose your songs wisely – Choose songs that fit your vocal range and showcase your strengths, and search Singing Carrot's songbook to find them.

With these tips and Singing Carrot's resources, you can begin to develop your own unique vocal style, inspired by the talented Helen Reddy.

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