Singing Guide: The Dells
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
The Dells were an American R&B vocal group formed in the 1950s. With their smooth and soulful sound, they are considered one of the pioneers of the doo-wop and soul music genres. If you're interested in learning how to sing like the Dells, here are some tips and resources to get you started.
First and foremost, it's important to note that the Dells had a powerful and versatile lead singer, Marvin Junior. Junior had a rich baritone voice that could effortlessly transition into higher registers, and he was known for his use of vibrato and falsetto. To sing like the Dells, it's important to start by honing your own vocal range and finding a comfortable place to sing in your chest voice.
Breath control is also essential to singing like the Dells. This means working on your ability to sustain long notes and control your breath so that you can accentuate certain words and phrases. Singing exercises like those found in the Pitch Training - Educational Singing Game and Farinelli Breathing video can help you develop better breath control.
When it comes to vocal technique, the Dells were known for their use of close harmonies and vocal layering. They often included call-and-response sections in their songs, which allowed various members of the group to showcase their individual voices. To emulate this style, practice singing with a group or with multiple vocal tracks layered on top of each other. The Vocal Pitch Monitor can be helpful in allowing you to hear and adjust your harmonies in real-time.
In terms of specific songs to practice singing like the Dells, "Oh What A Night" is a classic doo-wop track that showcases their signature vocal harmonies. "Stay In My Corner" is another great track that demonstrates the group's ability to blend their voices together seamlessly. Other notable songs to explore include "There Is", "A Heart Is A House For Love", and "I Touched A Dream".
Singing Carrots offers a variety of resources to help you learn to sing like the Dells. The Vocal Range Test can help you identify your own unique vocal range, and the Song Search feature can help you find songs that match your range and preferred genre. The Pitch Accuracy Test is a great way to improve your intonation, and the Pitch Training exercises can help you develop a stronger sense of pitch and rhythm.
By incorporating these tips and resources into your practice routine, you can learn to sing like the Dells and capture the spirit of their timeless music.