Singing Guide: The Cookies
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
The Cookies were an American girl group of the early 1960s. Composed of members from New York City, the group consisted of Earl-Jean McCrea, Dorothy Jones, Margaret Ross, and Beverly Warren. Their sound was characterized by tight harmonies and R&B-influenced rhythms. The Cookies released several singles and performed as backup singers for numerous artists, including Ray Charles and Neil Sedaka.
Learning to sing like The Cookies involves mastering their signature sound. The group's harmonies were marked by tight, precision singing, with each member contributing a unique vocal timbre to the overall sound.
To emulate The Cookies' sound, begin by working on your vocal range and accuracy. Use Singing Carrots' vocal range test and pitch accuracy test to determine your current abilities and identify areas for improvement.
Next, practice breathing techniques to develop the lung capacity needed for long, sustained notes. Singing Carrots' breathing basics and breath support resources provide a solid foundation for improving this aspect of your technique.
To master The Cookies' harmonies, work on your pitch and tone. Singing Carrots' pitch training and vocal pitch monitor tools enable you to practice your pitch and identify areas for improvement. Once you feel confident in your pitch and breathing, focus on your pronunciation and articulation by using Singing Carrots' articulation resources.
To master The Cookies' unique sound, explore contemporary vocal techniques like belting, twang, and heavy modal singing, which can add character and color to your vocals. Use Singing Carrots' resources on pop/jazz vs. classical singing, vocal distortion and growling, and vocal registers to further develop your technique.
Once you've mastered the fundamentals and honed your technique, it's time to focus on style. Listen to The Cookies' songs and identify their unique vocal techniques, like the precise harmonies and syncopated rhythms. Then attempt to replicate these techniques in your own singing.
Some notable Cookies' songs to practice include "Don't Say Nothin' (If You Can't Say Anything Nice)", "Chains", and "Will Power". In addition to practicing on your own, consider taking Singing Carrots' educational singing course to expand your theoretical knowledge.
With practice and dedication, it's possible to learn to sing like The Cookies. Use Singing Carrots' comprehensive resources to develop your technique and explore new singing styles, all while emulating the unique sound and style of this iconic girl group.