Singing Guide: Little Anthony and the Imperials
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Little Anthony and the Imperials were one of the most memorable vocal groups of the 1950s and 60s. Formed in Brooklyn, NY, in 1958, the group was fronted by the talented and soulful Anthony Gourdine, known as Little Anthony. Known for his impressive falsetto voice, Little Anthony was the driving force behind the group's sound, which was a unique blend of doo-wop, rock and roll, and R&B. In this article, we'll explore the unique vocal technique of Little Anthony and how you can learn to sing like him.
One of the most distinctive aspects of Little Anthony's voice is his falsetto singing voice. A falsetto is a technique in which a male singer produces sound in a higher-than-normal register. It's a technique that takes some practice, but it's possible to learn. One way to improve your falsetto voice is to do vocal exercises that build your range, such as using Singing Carrots' vocal range test.
Another characteristic of Little Anthony's singing style is his vibrato. Vibrato is the slight fluctuation of pitch that occurs when the voice is held steady at a certain pitch. It adds depth and emotion to a song. Little Anthony used vibrato to great effect in songs such as "Tears on My Pillow" and "Hurt So Bad." To learn how to sing with vibrato, you can try Singing Carrots' video exercises, including the Beggars Bounce and Diaphragm Bounce.
Little Anthony was also known for his ability to connect emotionally with his audience. He put his heart and soul into his performances, making listeners feel the lyrics of the songs he sang. To improve your emotional performance skills, Singing Carrots' course on singing for beginners can help. It offers practical tips and exercises to help you prepare emotionally for a song.
When it comes to choosing songs to showcase Little Anthony's singing style, "Tears on My Pillow" is a great example of his use of falsetto and vibrato. Other songs like "Goin' Out of My Head" and "Take Me Back" can also highlight his emotive vocal performance.
Singing like Little Anthony requires a mix of practice, emotion, and technique. By using the practical advice and resources provided by Singing Carrots, you can improve your singing skills and start to sing like the legendary soulful crooner himself.