Lionel Hampton, also known as "The King of the Vibes", was a renowned jazz musician, composer, and bandleader. He began his career as a drummer in the early 1930s but soon shifted his focus to the vibraphone, which would become his signature instrument. Hampton's music was characterized by his innovative use of the vibraphone, as well as his high-energy performances and engaging stage presence.

If you want to learn to sing like Lionel Hampton, there are a few things you should focus on:

• Emulating Lionel's Unique Vocal Style

  Lionel's vocal style is known for blending scat singing and vocalese with jazz improvisation, often creating a "call and response" effect. Some of his famous recordings showcase his unique vocal style, including "Hamp's Boogie Woogie," "Midnight Sun," and "Hey Ba-Ba-Re-Bop." To emulate Lionel's style, practice scat singing with a focus on rhythm and melody, and experiment with adding lyrics to your improvisations.

• Practicing Vocal Techniques

  Lionel's vocal style was also characterized by his use of vibrato, which he used to add depth and richness to his sound. Singers looking to emulate Lionel's style should practice adding vibrato to their vocals through exercises such as the "Sustain Vocal" and "Beggars Bounce" videos provided by Singing Carrots. Proper breathing techniques are also crucial to singing in Lionel's style, so try incorporating Singing Carrots' breathing exercises and breath support article into your practice routine.

• Learning the Songs

  Perhaps the most critical aspect of singing like Lionel is familiarizing yourself with and mastering his most famous songs. Songs like "Hamp's Boogie Woogie," "Midnight Sun," and "Hey Ba-Ba-Re-Bop" are great places to start. To find songs in your vocal range, you can use Singing Carrots' song search tool or browse their extensive library of artist vocal ranges.

With these tips in mind and the educational resources provided by Singing Carrots, you can start learning to sing like Lionel Hampton today!