Introduction

James Brown & His Famous Flames were an American R&B and soul band led by James Brown. The band was active between 1953-1968 and produced multiple chart-topping hits such as "I Got You (I Feel Good)," "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag," "It's a Man's Man's Man's World," and "Please, Please, Please." James Brown's style was a fusion of gospel, R&B, soul, and funk, which led to a unique vocal technique that we can all learn from. If you want to improve your singing ability, learning James Brown's technique is a great starting point. This article will provide you with tips to learn James Brown's style and suggestions for songs to help you practice.

Body

Breathing and Timing

James Brown's singing style is known for his innovative use of phrases and timing. In addition, he used several rhythmic breathing techniques such as:

• Staccato Breathing: Similar to the technique used in weightlifting, this technique is a quick, forceful inhale followed by a short exhalation.
• Double Breath: This technique is utilized in fast-paced songs where you need to sing for extended periods without taking another breath.

Voice Control and Stretching

In terms of vocals, James Brown's unique style is defined by his ability to stretch and manipulate his voice. Here are some ways you can practice stretching and controlling your voice:

• Shouting: Shouting is the art of singing at the top of your voice without completely damaging your vocal cords.
• Growling: Growling is the art of creating a raspy sound without damaging your vocal cords.
• Falsetto: Falsetto is a style of singing where a singer sings in a very high-pitched voice.

Resources

If you want to learn more about James Brown's vocal technique or need any additional help, here are some resources that Singing Carrots offers:

• Find songs matching your vocal range, difficulty, and genre preference with our song search tool.
• Discover vocal ranges of over 5000 famous singers, including James Brown, with our artist vocal ranges tool.
• Take our vocal range test to determine your vocal range and compare it with other famous singers.
• Explore our singing course, which covers singing theory and practical tips.

Songs to Practice

Here are some James Brown songs to practice on your own:

1. "I Got You (I Feel Good)"
2. "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag"
3. "It's a Man's Man's Man's World"
4. "Please, Please, Please"

Conclusion

James Brown was a trailblazer in the world of R&B, soul, and funk music, and he created an impressive vocal technique that many singers today try to emulate. By following the tips and utilizing the resources listed in this article, you can begin to learn James Brown's unique style and improve your own singing abilities.