Vocal Technique

The Showmen's vocal style is characterized by raw energy and emotional intensity. Lead singer General Norman Johnson had a powerful, gravelly voice that was perfectly suited to the group's hard-driving R&B sound. Johnson's vocal style is rooted in the gospel tradition, with its emphasis on heartfelt, impassioned singing.

But The Showmen were more than just a one-man band. The group's tight harmonies were a key part of their sound, creating a rich and complex vocal texture that set them apart from other R&B groups of the era. To sing like The Showmen, it's important to focus on both lead vocals and harmonies, and to develop a strong, soulful delivery that conveys genuine emotion.

Songs to Study

Several of The Showmen's classic songs provide excellent examples of their distinctive vocal style. "It Will Stand" features a catchy, upbeat melody and a sing-along chorus that showcases the group's tight harmonies. "39-21-40 Shape" is a slower, bluesier number that highlights Johnson's gritty, soulful vocal delivery. "The Wrong Girl" is a classic doo-wop ballad that showcases the group's impressive range and vocal control.

Practical Tips

To sing like The Showmen, it's important to focus on a few key elements of their vocal style:

• Emphasize emotion: The Showmen's music is all about feeling. To capture the group's raw, emotive sound, focus on conveying genuine emotion in your vocals. Don't be afraid to let your voice crack or strain as you sing – this is part of what gives The Showmen their signature grittiness.
• Master harmonies: The Showmen's tight harmonies are a key part of their sound. Focus on singing in tune and blending your voice with others to create a seamless vocal texture.
• Use vibrato sparingly: Vibrato can be a powerful tool for expressing emotion in your vocals, but it can also be overused. The Showmen tended to use vibrato more sparingly than many other R&B groups of the era, so focus on using it only when it adds something to the song.
• Experiment with phrasing: The Showmen's delivery was marked by a loose, spontaneous feel that allowed the group to play with the timing of their vocals. Experiment with different phrasing and rhythmic variations to capture this aspect of their style.

Singing Carrots Resources

Singing Carrots offers several resources that can help you learn to sing like The Showmen:

• Vocal range test – find your vocal range and compare it to famous singers like General Norman Johnson.
• Pitch accuracy test – practice your pitch accuracy with simple melodies.
• Vocal Pitch Monitor – see your sung notes on a virtual piano and practice hitting the right pitch.
• Pitch Training – interactive warm-ups and exercises for developing your range, agility, and pitch accuracy.
• Search songs by vocal range – find songs that match your vocal range, difficulty, and genre preference.
• Educational singing course – a 21-lesson program covering singing theory and practical tips.

By incorporating these resources into your practice routine, you can develop the skills and techniques needed to sing like The Showmen.