Mary Esther Wells (May 13, 1943 – July 26, 1992) was an American singer who helped to define the emerging sound of Motown in the early 1960s. She was one of Motown's first singing superstars and her sentimental balladry reached the new soul fan. Wells' work has influenced many singers, including Aretha Franklin, Dusty Springfield, Diana Ross, the Supremes, and Mary J. Blige. In this article, I will explain how Wells honed her unique singing style and how you can learn to sing like Mary Wells.

Wells' Unique Vocal Technique

Wells was known for her sultry, smooth voice, unique phrasing and impeccable articulation. Her vocal technique is characterized by warm, honeyed tones, and crisp enunciation that enhances the songs' melody. In addition, Wells' vocal style is characterized by a powerful chest voice, which she utilized to create compelling, emotional performances. Her vocal phrasing is also another remarkable aspect; almost as if she is talking to the listener, which adds a conversational flair and charm to her performances.

Songs to Showcase Wells' Vocal Technique

To showcase Wells' unique style, I recommend listening to her top hits. One of her most iconic songs is "My Guy," which reached number one in the music charts in 1964. Another of her popular songs is "You Beat Me to the Punch," which is characterized by the quick, syncopated phrasing of the verses and the sensuous, sustained notes of the chorus. These songs characterizes Wells' unique style accurately.

Practical Advice for Learning to Sing Like Mary Wells

• Study Wells' melodious, sultry style by listening to her music and paying attention to the way she sings.
• Record yourself singing and listen to it back; take notes on where you need to improve and practice those areas.
• Develop good breath control by practicing the Farinelli Breathing Exercise from Singing Carrots.
• Avoid constrictions when singing. Keep your jaw opened (as in the Open Mouth and Throat article from Singing Carrots) and imagine yourself singing the melody in clear, natural speech.
• Utilize the Singing Carrots' Vocal Pitch Monitor to see where you need to improve and to practice to sing in tune.
• Reference the Singing Course, which provides practical lessons and exercises to enhance your vocal abilities.
• Learn to breathe correctly by practicing breathing techniques such as active and passive breathing from Singing Carrots.
• Practice articulation and using your chest voice effectively. For example, use the singing comfort zone from Singing Carrots to visualize and practice the full use of your chest voice.
• Lastly, develop your vibrato techniques by practicing with the exercises such as Beggar's Bounce from Singing Carrots and Vibrato from Singing Carrots blog.

In conclusion, Wells’ unique vocal technique and soulful music continue to influence the music industry today. By following the practical advice and utilizing the resources provided by Singing Carrots, you can develop your own voice and singing style, much like Mary Wells.