Singing Guide: The Brothers Johnson
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
The Brothers Johnson, a funk and R&B duo composed of George and Louis Johnson, had a unique style that blended bass guitar and vocal harmonies. Their signature sound, heavily influenced by their mentor Quincy Jones, features an infectious groove, catchy hooks, and soulful vocal arrangements.
If you want to learn how to sing like The Brothers Johnson, here are some tips to develop your skills:
- Improve your rhythm and timing. Funk music often relies on complex rhythm patterns and syncopation. To get a feel for this style, practice with a metronome and focus on accenting off-beat rhythms.
- Work on your groove. James Jamerson, the legendary Motown bassist, was a major influence on The Brothers Johnson's sound. To groove like Louis, focus on playing precise and funky bass lines that lock in with the drums.
- Practice singing in harmony. The Brothers Johnson were known for their tight vocal harmonies. To replicate their sound, practice singing in harmony with a partner or recording yourself layering vocal tracks.
- Develop your falsetto. The Brothers Johnson often used falsetto to add texture and emotion to their music. To improve your falsetto, practice singing in your head voice and experiment with different vowel shapes.
- Study their music. Listen to the hit songs of The Brothers Johnson, such as "Stomp!" and "Strawberry Letter 23", and analyze their vocal and instrumental arrangements. Pay attention to their use of rhythm, harmony, and melody.
To strengthen your singing abilities and make the most of your practice time, take advantage of the following Singing Carrots resources:
- Vocal range test: Determine your vocal range, compare it with famous singers, and find suitable songs.
- Pitch accuracy test: Practice pitch accuracy with simple melodies and get an assessment.
- Vocal Pitch Monitor: Check your pitch on a virtual piano and improve your accuracy.
- Pitch Training: Develop your ear and voice with interactive warm-ups and exercises.
- Song search: Find songs that match your vocal range, difficulty, and genre preference, including those by The Brothers Johnson.
- Artist vocal ranges: Discover the vocal ranges of over 5000 famous singers, including George and Louis Johnson.
- Song-book: Create your own performance set and get linked lyrics, sheet music, chords, karaoke, and YouTube audio.
With these tips and resources, you can begin to develop the unique vocal and musical style of The Brothers Johnson. Remember to take your time and practice consistently, and don't be afraid to experiment with your own ideas and techniques. Good luck!