How to Learn Singing Like Vera Lynn

Vera Lynn was a British singer, actress and entertainer, widely known for her performances during the Second World War. Nicknamed "The Forces' Sweetheart," she quickly established herself as one of the most successful British singers of her time, recording more than 200 songs that earned her immense public support.

Vera Lynn's Vocal Technique

Vera Lynn had a distinctive vocal style that was characterized by her warm and soothing tone. Here are some of the key aspects of her technique:

• Breathing: Vera Lynn was known for her exceptional breath control, which allowed her to sustain notes for extended periods while maintaining pitch and tone. To improve your breath control, try the Farinelli Breathing exercise provided in this Singing Carrots video.
• Phrasing: Vera Lynn had a subtle and natural approach to phrasing, giving her songs a relaxed and effortless feel. To practice phrasing, try singing along to her songs and mimic the way she sustains and emphasizes certain words.
• Vibrato: Vibrato is a technique that refers to the natural oscillation of the vocal cords when producing a sustained note. Vera Lynn was a master of vibrato, using it to create a smooth and rich sound. To practice vibrato, watch these Singing Carrots videos on Beggars Bounce and Diaphragm Bounce.
• Emotion: One of the hallmarks of Vera Lynn's performances was her emotive delivery. She was able to convey a wide range of emotions through her singing, from joy to sorrow. To develop your own emotional expression, practice singing with intuition, skill, emotion, and thinking, as described in this article.

Vera Lynn's Famous Songs

Vera Lynn became famous for her performances of wartime songs, which became anthems of hope and perseverance for a nation fighting for survival. Here are some of her most well-known songs and what makes them unique:

• We'll Meet Again: This song is one of Vera Lynn's most iconic and enduring performances. The gentle, lilting melody and uplifting lyrics created a sense of optimism and hope, and the song became a symbol of reunion for servicemen and women.
• The White Cliffs of Dover: This song is another wartime classic, with an instantly recognizable melody and poignant lyrics. The song captures the bittersweet emotions of wartime nostalgia and the hope for a better future.
• Auf Wiederseh'n Sweetheart: This song was instrumental in establishing Vera Lynn's career, becoming her first number one hit in the US and the UK. The song's romantic lyrics and sweet melody made it an enduring favorite.

Practical Tips and Singing Carrots Resources

To learn to sing like Vera Lynn, try incorporating the following tips and Singing Carrots resources into your practice:

• Warm-up and breathing exercises: Start each session with some warm-up exercises, such as the Farinelli Breathing exercise provided in this Singing Carrots video.
• Sing along to Vera Lynn's songs: Practice singing along to her songs and matching her phrasing and intonation. You can search for songs by vocal range using Singing Carrots' song search tool.
• Work on your vibrato and emotive expression: Watch the Singing Carrots videos on Beggars Bounce, Diaphragm Bounce, and singing with intuition, skill, emotion, and thinking.
• Take an educational singing course: Singing Carrots offers a comprehensive 21-lesson program covering singing theory and practical tips. Check Educational singing course.
• Monitor your progress: Use Singing Carrots' progress statistics tool to track your improvement over time.

By following these tips and Singing Carrots resources, you can begin to develop the distinct vocal style that made Vera Lynn one of the greatest singers of her time. With dedication and practice, you too can learn to sing like "The Forces' Sweetheart."