Singing Guide: The Jamies
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
The Jamies were a doo-wop group from Ohio, active in the late 1950s. Their most famous song, "Summertime, Summertime," showcases their unique and infectious vocal harmonies. Learning to sing like The Jamies requires an understanding of the doo-wop style, as well as a focus on vocal harmony and rhythm.
To begin, it is important to understand the basics of singing in a group. The Jamies, like many doo-wop groups, emphasized tight vocal harmonies and a strong sense of rhythm. To help develop these skills, Singing Carrots offers a range of tools, including the vocal range test, the pitch accuracy test, and the pitch monitoring tool.
When it comes to honing your doo-wop skills, many of the Singing Carrots articles are particularly relevant. "Voice types" can help you understand your range and what type of harmonies work best for you, while "Breath support" can help you develop the stamina to sing for extended periods of time. "Open mouth & throat" will help you get a clear, bright tone, while "Singing with intuition, skills, emotion, and thinking" can help you develop your sense of rhythm and timing.
In order to really capture The Jamies' sound, however, it's important to focus on their unique vocal style. They were known for their sweet harmonies and playful vocal interplay. To develop this skill, Singing Carrots offers a number of exercises and warm-ups that emphasize blending your voice with others, such as the "Humming" and "Farinelli Breathing" exercises. Additionally, Singing Carrots' range of educational games, like "Pitch Training," can be a fun way to develop your sense of pitch and harmony.
Finally, choosing the right song to practice is key to developing your doo-wop skills. For The Jamies, "Summertime, Summertime" is the iconic track that really showcases their unique vocal blend. When learning the song, focus on each individual part, making sure your harmonies are working together in perfect synchronization. Remember to keep a light, fun tone, and focus on rhythm and timing.
Learning to sing like The Jamies requires patience and dedication, but with the right resources and a focus on harmony and rhythm, anyone can achieve their sound. Singing Carrots offers a range of resources to help you develop your doo-wop skills and capture the joyous spirit of this iconic group.