Singing Guide: The Rays
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Welcome! In this article, we will explore the vocal techniques of The Rays, an American vocal group that formed in the 1950s. Composed of three brothers and a cousin, their harmonies and unique sound have left a lasting impact on the world of doo-wop and R&B.
One of the defining features of The Rays' style is their use of falsetto. Their hit song "Silhouettes" showcases this technique, with the lead singer's voice soaring into higher registers during the chorus. To learn to sing like The Rays, it's important to master your falsetto and be comfortable using it in different parts of your range.
Another technique that set The Rays apart was their use of three-part harmonies. Their song "Magic Moon" is a great example of this, with each member adding a unique layer to the overall sound. To achieve this, it's important to have a strong grasp of your own voice part (whether it be tenor, lead, or bass) and work on blending your voice with others to create a seamless sound.
In addition to these specific techniques, there are some general tips that can help you sing like The Rays. First, make sure to warm up your voice properly before singing. Singing Carrots has a great 3 Minute Warm Up video that you can use as a guide.
Second, work on your breathing technique. The Rays used a lot of breathy, airy sounds in their singing, and having good breath control can help you achieve this.
Finally, don't be afraid to experiment and put your own spin on things. While we can learn a lot from The Rays' vocal style, it's important to make it your own and find your own unique sound.
Some relevant Singing Carrots resources to help you on your journey to singing like The Rays include the vocal range test to help you find your range, the pitch accuracy test to work on your pitch, and the pitch training game to improve your overall vocal skills. You can also find songs in your vocal range using the search songs feature, and study the vocal techniques of other famous singers using the vocal ranges of famous singers section.
We hope this article has been helpful in teaching you how to sing like The Rays. Remember to practice regularly and have fun with it!