Singing Guide: Jimmie Lunceford & His Orchestra

Singing Guide: Jimmie Lunceford & His Orchestra

Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources

Are you a beginner or advanced singer?

Jimmie Lunceford is one of the greatest big band leaders of the swing era. Known for his great skills as an arranger, a musician, and a band leader, he made an enormous contribution to the jazz scene of the 1930s.

Jimmie Lunceford's unique vocal technique can be heard clearly in the opening of some of his recordings, such as "For Dancers Only", "Tain't What You Do", and "Rhythm Is Our Business." The band instrumental sounds like a voice choir, answering and echoing the lead vocalist's parts. Their backing vocals were tight and clear, with an incredible balance and blend.

If you're interested in learning how to sing like Jimmie Lunceford, here are some key steps:

  1. Warm-up your voice: Before you start singing like Jimmie Lunceford, you need to warm up your voice. Singing exercises will help to loosen your vocal cords and improve your overall vocal performance. A great warm-up exercise is the Farinelli Breathing technique.

  2. Focus on breathing technique: Jimmie Lunceford's singing was closely tied to his breathing techniques. Proper breathing helps you create a powerful sound and enables your vocal cords to vibrate correctly. This video on breath support will help you improve your breathing technique.

  3. Practice your phrasing: Jimmie Lunceford's phrasing was unique and marked by a clear and distinct set of musical ideas. He used a clear and distinct sense of rhythm and melody in his singing style. To achieve a similar phrasing style, try this exercise on glottal onset.

  4. Improve your articulation: Good articulation is critical to conveying lyrics effectively to the audience. Finger Bite is an excellent exercise for improving articulation.

  5. Mixing chest and head voice: Jimmie Lunceford leveraged both his chest voice and upper register effectively to create an immense sound. Singing Comfort Zone will help you achieve this.

  6. Develop your vibrato: Jimmie Lunceford's singing style incorporated an impressive vibrato that you can achieve through practice. The Diaphragm Bounce and Beggars Bounce can help you develop a perfect vibrato.

  7. Pay attention to your posture: Good posture is essential in creating an engaging performance and producing a great sound. This video on Good Singing Posture is a must-watch for identifying essential posture techniques.

By following these key steps, you'll be well on your way to singing like Jimmie Lunceford. However, remember that practice and consistent application of what is learned on Singing Carrots are what will ultimately make you a great singer.

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