Singing Guide: Ray Charles
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
If you want to learn how to sing like Ray Charles, one of the most important things to focus on is his unique vocal technique. Ray Charles was known for his exquisite rhythm and blues voice with heartfelt emotion, and he developed a style that was unmistakably his own.
One of the main features of Ray Charles's voice is his incredible timing and syncopation. His voice blended seamlessly with the rhythm section, making it a vital part of the music. To achieve this, you'll need to work on your timing skills, so you can feel the beat while you sing. The Singing Carrots Pitch Training and Vocal Pitch Monitor tools can help you with this, as they'll allow you to practice singing along with a beat and develop your sense of rhythm.
Another characteristic of Ray Charles's voice is his unique vibrato. It's not always present but when it is it's incredibly rich and soulful. Using tools like the Singing Carrots Vibrato video lessons, you can work to refine your vibrato, giving you a more expressive sound.
One of the most famous songs Ray Charles ever recorded was "What'd I Say," a song that is almost as iconic as the man himself. In this song, you can hear all the signature sounds that made Ray Charles's voice so legendary- the blending of rhythm, blues, gospel and soul, coupled with the timing that made him feel like a part of the band. Without a doubt, this song is a great starting point.
If you want to expand your Ray Charles repertoire, then "Georgia on My Mind" is another excellent choice. The song is slower and more contemplative, but it's still got that incredible soul and R&B that Ray Charles can deliver so perfectly. This song uses a lot of different vocal techniques, including balanced register transitions, clear diction, and a soothing tone.
Overall, there are many different techniques that go into creating that signature Ray Charles sound. Taking courses like the Singing Carrots Singing Course can help you with all aspects of your vocal technique. Use all these resources to your advantage to learn how to sing like Ray Charles, incorporating his unique style into all of your performances.