Kitty Wells was one of the pioneers of country music who revolutionized the way women sing country songs. With her unmistakable voice, she paved the way for generations of female country singers to come. In this educational piece, we'll focus on how to learn singing like Kitty Wells and the songs that showcase her unique vocal technique.

Vocal Technique

• Control your breathing
  • As with any singing style, good breathing technique is essential. Make sure you're breathing deeply from your diaphragm and not from your chest. Check out Singing Carrots' "Breathing basics" for more tips.
• Emphasize the melody
  • Kitty Wells was known for emphasizing the melody of a song rather than adding unnecessary flourishes to it. Practice singing a song without adding any extra notes or changes to the original melody. This will help you focus on the melody and become comfortable with the song's structure.
• Use vibrato sparingly
  • Kitty Wells rarely used vibrato in her singing. Instead, she relied on the natural beauty of her voice to carry the emotion of the song. Practice your singing without relying too heavily on vibrato.
• Be honest in your emotions
  • Kitty Wells was a master of conveying genuine emotions in her songs. Connect with the lyrics of the song, and let those emotions come through in your voice.

Songs

Here are three songs that showcase Kitty Wells' unique vocal style:

• "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels"
  • This song was a country music landmark and the song that put Kitty Wells on the map. It's a great example of her uncomplicated yet soulful vocals. Check out Singing Carrots' "Song search" to find a version of the song that fits your vocal range.
• "Making Believe"
  • This romantic ballad is another great example of Kitty Wells' emotional honesty and straightforward vocal style. Focus on the melody and let your voice carry the emotion of the song.
• "Picking Sweethearts"
  • This upbeat number is a great showcase for Kitty Wells' ability to sing with a smile in her voice. Pay attention to her phrasing and try to replicate that in your singing.

Singing Carrots Resources

Here are some Singing Carrots resources that can help you learn singing like Kitty Wells:

• Vocal Range Test: Take this test to determine your vocal range, and compare it with famous singers like Kitty Wells.
• Search songs by vocal range: Find songs that fit your vocal range, difficulty, and genre preference.
• Pitch accuracy test: Sing along with simple melodies and have Singing Carrots assess your pitch accuracy.
• Vocal Pitch Monitor: See your sung notes on a virtual piano.
• Singing course: Take this course to improve your singing technique and learn practical tips.

By mastering Kitty Wells' vocal techniques and familiarizing yourself with her songs, you can start to develop a singing style that is uniquely yours. Remember the key is to have fun and connect with the music emotionally. Good luck!