Singing Guide: Jim Lowe
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Jim Lowe was a singer, songwriter, and radio personality, popular in the 50s and 60s. Lowe had a warm voice that always seemed to fit the song he was singing, whether they were upbeat rockabilly tunes or more mellow pop ballads. His singing style often blended Crooner-ish smoothness with Country-flavored inflections, which contributed to a unique sound that was all his own. In this article, we will explore Jim Lowe's voice, identify aspects that make him stand out, and provide practical advice on how to learn singing like him.
Jim Lowe's Unique Vocal Technique
Jim Lowe had a rich baritone voice, and he had complete control over it. He often used a technique known as "crooning," which involves singing softly and intimately, as if you were whispering in someone's ear. This allowed him to create a relaxed, smooth tone that conveyed a sense of sincerity and warmth.
Additionally, Jim Lowe had a talent for infusing his vocal melodies with Country-music inflections. These often included a slight twang that added a certain flavor to the songs. You can hear this in his songs, like "The Green Door". This helped him stand out amidst the other singers of his time.
Songs Showcasing Jim's Singing Style
Jim Lowe's most famous songs include "The Green Door," "Gambler's Guitar," and "Four Walls." Each of these tracks highlights his unique voice and vocal style.
"The Green Door," his most iconic hit, is a classic example of Jim Lowe's singing style. His soft, crooning voice brings a mysterious quality to the song, which, combined with a danceable tune, made it the hit it is today.
"Gambler's Guitar" is a more up-tempo song that showcases Jim Lowe's vocal range. You can hear his voice slip into country-inflections - most specifically, a slight twang in his voice that was loved by fans that followed him.
"Four Walls" is another of Jim Lowe's classic ballads. Here, his voice is smooth and intimate, with a relaxed and sincere tone.
How to Learn Singing like Jim Lowe
If you want to learn singing like Jim Lowe, start by analyzing his songs and vocal style, and then practice, practice, practice.
Here are some tips and resources to help you get started:
- How to analyze your voice - Follow the steps outlined in this article to examine your voice and understand its unique qualities.
- Voice Types - Get to know your vocal range and discover if your voice type is similar to Jim Lowe's baritone.
- Breathing Basics - Proper breathing is critical to achieving Jim Lowe's smooth vocal style and range. Use this guide to learn and master active and passive breathing.
- Voice Registers & Vocal Break - Learn how to identify your vocal registers and how to overcome vocal breaks, key aspects of Jim Lowe's vocals.
- Open Mouth & Throat - Allow your voice to breathe and expand open by opening your mouth and throat. Find the importance of doing so here.
- How to learn a song effectively - Learn the most efficient way to learn and memorize the lyrics of a song.
- Avoiding Constrictions - Jim Lowe's vocal control was magnificent, which requires controlling your breath as well. Learn the vocal constrictions you will need to avoid.
- Vocal distortion & Growling - Vocal distortion was not very common in Jim Lowe's style, but you can still learn how to use it effectively here.
- Articulation - Apply this guide to learn how to pronounce the words effectively.