The Isley Brothers: how to sing like them

The Isley Brothers have been one of the most influential R&B groups of all time, with over 60 years of performing and recording. With their smooth vocals, tight harmonies, and soulful delivery, they've inspired countless singers and musicians. In this article, we’ll explore the unique vocal techniques of The Isley Brothers and how to learn to sing like them.

Falsetto Technique

One of the hallmarks of The Isley Brothers’ sound is their use of falsetto singing. Falsetto is a vocal technique used to produce a high, airy, and breathy sound by vibrating the edges of the vocal cords instead of the full cords. Ronald Isley, the lead singer of the group, is known for his masterful use of falsetto. His voice can soar from a deep, rich tone to a soaring falsetto in a matter of seconds. To learn to sing like The Isley Brothers, it’s crucial to practice using falsetto.

siren exercise

A great exercise to practice your falsetto is the “siren” exercise. Start by making a siren sound, starting from a low note and sliding up to a high note, holding it for as long as possible. Try to keep your tone steady and smooth throughout the entire slide. This exercise will help you develop control over your falsetto range, pitch accuracy, and smooth transitions between notes.

Harmonies and Emotional Connections

Another essential aspect of singing like The Isley Brothers is mastering their harmonies. The Isley Brothers’ harmonies are tight and intricate, with each member's voice blending seamlessly with the others. To practice harmonizing, try singing along with some of their songs, such as “Shout” or “Twist & Shout.” Focus on finding your part and blending your voice with the other singers in the group.

To truly capture the spirit of The Isley Brothers’ music, it’s essential to connect emotionally to the lyrics and the melody. Many of their songs are about love and romance, so focus on conveying those emotions through your singing. Practice conveying different emotions and using expressive techniques such as vibrato and dynamics to bring the song to life.

Resources from Singing Carrots

To assist you in your quest to sing like The Isley Brothers, Singing Carrots offers a range of resources. The Vocal Pitch Monitor is an excellent tool for practicing your pitch accuracy by allowing you to see your sung notes on a virtual piano. The pitch training course will help you develop your pitch, range, and agility with interactive vocal warm-ups and exercises. The song search tool can help you find songs that match your vocal range and genre preference, and our singing course covers everything from vocal theory to practical tips.

So whether you’re a seasoned singer or just starting, mastering the unique vocal techniques of The Isley Brothers will take your singing to the next level. With practice, patience, and the right resources, you can learn to sing like one of the most iconic R&B groups of all time.