Singing Guide: The Alaskans

Singing Guide: The Alaskans

Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources

Are you a beginner or advanced singer?

Johnny Horton was an American country singer who lived from 1925 to 1960. Although he only recorded for seven years before his untimely death, he made a significant impact on country music. Johnny's music has been described as a mixture of honky-tonk and rockabilly, which gave him an original and distinctive sound.

Unique Vocal Technique:

One of Johnny Horton's unique qualities was his broad vocal range, which stretched from deep bass to high tenor. To replicate Johnny's sound, it is essential to explore and develop your full vocal range. His style of singing is energetic and highly rhythmic, using a combination of low and high notes for emotional emphasis.

The other key to Johnny's unique vocal technique is his use of vocal vibrato. Vibrato is the slight oscillation of pitch in a note, which adds depth and richness to the sound. Johnny's vibrato technique is subtle but very expressive. To achieve Johnny's vibrato, try to loosen up your vocal cords and let your voice naturally vibrate.

Songs Showcasing Technique:

"North to Alaska" is perhaps Johnny Horton's most well-known song. The song's lyrics are about the gold rush in Alaska, and Johnny effectively portrays the sense of excitement and anticipation with his energetic voice. The song gradually increases in intensity, and Johnny skillfully navigates the vocal range in the chorus.

Another great song by Johnny Horton is "The Battle of New Orleans." This song showcases Johnny's signature energetic style, and his ability to convey the story with emotion. He uses his full vocal range to highlight the dramatic struggle of the soldiers he sings about.

Practical Advice:

Learning to sing like Johnny Horton requires a lot of practice and dedication. Here are a few tips to get you started:

  1. Begin by identifying your vocal range and work on expanding it.
  2. Experiment with vocal vibrato and find a technique that works for you.
  3. Listen to Johnny Horton's music and pay attention to the way he uses his voice.
  4. Practice regularly, building up your stamina and control.
  5. Record yourself singing and listen for areas of improvement.

Singing Carrots Resources:

There are several Singing Carrots resources that can help you on your journey to singing like Johnny Horton.

  1. Take the vocal range test to determine your vocal abilities.
  2. Use the pitch accuracy test to improve your pitch recognition.
  3. Try the vocal pitch monitor to see how your voice matches up to specific notes.
  4. Explore the song search tool to find songs that fit within your vocal range and genre preferences.
  5. Take the singing course to learn the fundamental singing skills and techniques.
  6. View the famous artists page to study the vocal ranges of other famous singers.

Conclusion:

Johnny Horton's unique voice and style have made him a significant figure in country music history. His signature use of vibrato and vocal range are part of what makes his singing so entertaining and memorable. By practicing regularly and utilizing Singing Carrots' resources, anyone can learn to sing like Johnny Horton.

Learn more about this artist vocal range, voice type and repertoire.