Singing Guide: Sammy Fain
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Sammy Fain is a legendary songwriter of the Golden Age of Hollywood, responsible for a wealth of beloved songs including "I'll Be Seeing You" and "Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing". If you're an aspiring singer looking to learn from the best, Sammy Fain's work is a great place to start.
One of the strengths of Sammy Fain's music is how he often blended swing, jazz and pop influences together. His songs incorporate a sense of swing which gives his melodies flexibility. While some of his most famous works are ballads, he also wrote plenty of songs featuring playful and syncopated rhythms. For example, "That Ole Devil Called Love" is a sultry and contemplative ballad while "Sigh No More Ladies" is a playful and whimsical tune.
To sing like Sammy Fain, you will want to highlight the storytelling nature of his music. Focus on the lyrics, dynamics, and rhythm of Sammy's music. It is important to convey the emotions in the song through your own expression and voice. Sammy Fain's music is understated, subtle and nuanced, emphasizing phrasing, tone, and feeling.
There are several Singing Carrots resources that can support your learning if you want to dive deeper into Sammy's signature techniques. Here are a few recommended resources:
- Pitch Training: Sammy Fain's music relies heavily on accurate pitch, clear tone, and strong phrasing. To help you develop these important technical skills, check out Singing Carrots' Pitch Training, which includes exercises and a virtual keyboard to help you master pitch and timing.
- Vocal Range Test: To get a sense of Sammy Fain's vocal range, and compare your own, try this Vocal Range Test. The test helps you identify your range and singing voice type so you can better understand your strengths and weaknesses as a singer.
- Song-Search: If you are looking for songs to help you practice Sammy Fain's unique style, Singing Carrots' Song-Search tool allows you to filter songs by genre, difficulty, and vocal range. You can find many of Sammy Fain's classic tunes here as well as contemporary hits in his style.
By using these Singing Carrots resources, you can supplement your singing outside of traditional lessons and learn to sing like Sammy Fain.