The Hokey Pokey is a fun, silly song that almost everyone knows and loves. You might think that simple children's songs like this one are effortless to sing, but they can be deceptively difficult because they don't have a traditional structure like most songs. That's why it's essential to break down an iconic performance and learn from it to develop a more nuanced singing style.

The artist I've chosen today is Ray Anthony, known for his big band music and the Hokey Pokey performance. You can see the original video of him performing the song on The Perry Como Show, where his version has a perfect blend of high-energy and wholesome fun.

Anthony's performance is noteworthy because it showcases his excellent vocal control and style. His style is jazzy, smooth, and playful, which is exactly what the Hokey Pokey requires. The Hokey Pokey has a distinct rhythm and pace with specific instructions for hand and foot movements, so the challenge lies in singing while maintaining that rhythm and movement.

To start, determine your vocal range with Singing Carrots' vocal range test to make sure you're comfortable with the range of notes you're singing. Then, warm up with Farinelli Breathing Exercise, which is an excellent way to strengthen your diaphragm muscles and develop breath support.

Next, focus on maintaining a smooth and jazzy tone like Anthony's. Singing Carrots' Pitch Training - Educational Singing Game can help train your ear to recognize the style, and you can use the Vocal Pitch Monitor to practice hitting the notes with precision.

Once you've practiced the song a few times, it's time to move onto performance. The Hokey Pokey requires a lot of movement, so good posture is critical to maintain breath support. Check out Good Singing Posture to get an idea of what proper posture looks like, and practice Relaxing Breath to ensure you don't get tense while singing.

Some tips for singing the Hokey Pokey include opening your mouth and throat wide like in Open Mouth and Throat and maintaining control over your pitch. Avoiding Constrictions will help you keep your voice relaxed, and Articulation guides will help you get the lyrics and phrasing just right.

Finally, it would be best if you had fun with the song, so don't be afraid to get silly and let loose. The Hokey Pokey is all about having a good time, and with Ray Anthony's style to emulate, there's no reason your performance can't be just as, if not more, enjoyable than the original.

I hope these tips help you learn the Hokey Pokey and channel Ray Anthony's classic style. Remember to utilize Singing Carrots' resources, including its educational singing course, and have fun with the experience.