Singing Guide: Jimmy Durante
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Jimmy Durante was one of the most unique and beloved performers of the early 20th century. Known for his gravelly voice and distinctive speech patterns, Durante's musical style was a product of his own individuality.
One of Durante's signature techniques was his use of a nasal vowel sound, which allowed him to create a distinctive tone that set him apart from other performers of his era. If you want to learn how to sing like Jimmy Durante, here are some tips that might help:
- Develop Your Vocal Range: Durante had an impressive vocal range that allowed him to sing in a variety of styles, from ballads to playful novelty tunes. To develop your own vocal range, try taking Singing Carrots' vocal range test. This will help you determine your current range and give you a baseline to work from.
- Use Nasality to Your Advantage: as mentioned earlier, Durante's nasality was a crucial part of his signature sound. To develop your own nasal sound, try practicing scales or other vocal exercises while holding your nose. This finger bite exercise video could be helpful. It will force you to use your nasal cavity to create sound, rather than relying solely on your mouth and throat.
- Practice Breath Support: Durante was known for his long, sustained notes, which he was able to achieve by using proper breath support. To develop your own breath support, try Singing Carrots' breathing basics exercises. These will help you build your lung capacity and learn proper breathing techniques.
- Explore Durante's Music: to truly learn to sing like Jimmy Durante, it's important to study his music. Some of his most famous songs include "Inka Dinka Doo," "As Time Goes By," and "Make Someone Happy." Take the time to listen to Durante's recordings and pay attention to the unique vocal techniques and inflections that make his music so distinctive.
- Sing with Confidence: Durante was a natural performer who exuded confidence and charisma on stage. To truly capture his essence, you'll need to develop your own stage presence and learn to command an audience. Try Singing Carrots' tips for overcoming stage fright and delivering a powerful performance.
By incorporating these tips and exploring all that Singing Carrots has to offer, you'll be well on your way to singing like Jimmy Durante and developing your own unique performance style.