Singing Guide: Louis Jordan
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
How to Sing Like Louis Jordan
If you want to sound like Louis Jordan, you need to understand his signature vocal style. Jordan was known for his upbeat and energetic performances, often punctuated by his unique vocal approach. Here's how you can learn to sing like Louis Jordan:
Study Jordan's Style
Start by listening to Jordan's music and paying attention to his vocal style. He was known for his smooth yet playful voice, which often used a lot of scatting and improvisation. Take note of any unique inflections, phrasing, or techniques that he uses in his singing.
Work on Your Breathing
Jordan's vocals were always energetic and lively, so working on your breathing is essential to replicating his vocal style. Start with the breathing basics to improve your breath control, then move on to more advanced exercises like Twang and Growling to expand your vocal range and add more power and energy to your vocals.
Focus on Your Pitch and Timing
One of the hallmarks of Jordan's vocal style was his impeccable pitch accuracy and timing. Use a resource like thePitch Accuracy Test to assess your own pitch accuracy and work on improving it. Then, use the Vocal Pitch Monitor to see your sung notes on a virtual piano and practice achieving perfect pitch. Finally, practice with the Pitch Training exercises to improve your pitch, timing, and ear training.
Choose the Right Songs
One of the most effective ways to learn to sing like Louis Jordan is to choose songs that showcase his signature vocal style. Some great examples include "Caldonia," "Is You Is, Or Is You Ain’t My Baby," and "Let the Good Times Roll." Once you've chosen your songs, use resources like Singing Carrot's Song Search to find songs matching your vocal range, difficulty, and genre preference. You can also use the Vocal Ranges of Famous Singers feature to explore Jordan's own vocal range and find songs that suit your own.
Take Care of Your Voice
Finally, it's important to take care of your voice if you want to sing like Louis Jordan. Use resources like Vocal Health to learn how to prevent damage and maintain healthy habits. Make sure you're practicing good posture, breathing properly, and taking regular breaks while practicing. With consistent practice and dedication, you can learn to sing like Louis Jordan and add his unique vocal style to your own performances.