The Crusaders, also known as The Jazz Crusaders until 1971, were pioneers of soul jazz and hard bop who had a career spanning over 40 years. The band formed in Houston, Texas in 1954, featuring founding members Joe Sample on piano, Wilton Felder on saxophone, and Stix Hooper on drums. Throughout the years, they added various members, such as Wayne Henderson on trombone, and evolved their sound from hard bop to incorporate elements of R&B, funk, and pop. The Crusaders are known for their smooth and funky sound, which is achieved through their use of saxophone riffs, rich piano chords, and groovy bass lines. Their sound is unique, and it has influenced various genres and groups, including hip hop artists like Dr. Dre. If you want to learn to sing like The Crusaders, it's important to focus on your timing, rhythm, and intonation. You should work on developing a sense of groove and solidifying your pitch accuracy. To help improve these areas, Singing Carrots offers a range of tools and exercises. For example, you can take the Vocal Range Test to determine your vocal range and how it compares to famous singers like those in the Crusaders. The Pitch Accuracy Test is also helpful in assessing your pitch accuracy and identifying areas of improvement. You can also use the Vocal Pitch Monitor to visually see your sung notes on a virtual piano, which can aid in solidifying your intonation. The Pitch Training course includes interactive vocal warm-ups, a pitch visualizer, and exercises to develop range and agility, which are important skills to sing like the Crusaders. In addition to honing in on your timing and intonation, it's also crucial to practice phrasing and articulation. Singing Carrots' Articulation article provides tips and exercises you can use to improve your vocal clarity and pronunciation. When it comes to song choice, it's important to select pieces that showcase The Crusaders' style of groove and jazz. Some recommended selections include "Street Life," "Chain Reaction," and "Put It Where You Want It." Singing Carrots' Song Search tool can help you find songs that match your vocal range, difficulty, and genre preference. Finally, make sure you practice regularly to maintain your singing skills. Developing good practice habits is essential, and Singing Carrots' article on How to Learn a Song Effectively offers tips on how to make the most of your practice time. By focusing on timing, intonation, phrasing, and song choice, and utilizing Singing Carrots' resources, you can learn to sing like The Crusaders and achieve a smooth and funky sound that will inspire others to groove along.