Singing Guide: Walter Hawkins
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Walter Hawkins was an American gospel singer and a composer. His legendary voice featured a distinctive technique that emphasized his emotional connection to the music he performed. He was popularly known for his hit single "Going Up Yonder" which showcased his unique vocal beltings and explorations. If you're looking to learn how to sing like Walter, here are some tips.
Techniques to Sing like Walter Hawkins
Listen Carefully and Sing along
If you want to sing like Walter Hawkins, then start by listening carefully to his songs on repeat, paying close attention to his style, tone, and phrasing. You can start with some of his popular releases like "I feel like praising him" or "Jesus Christ is the way." Sing along as you pay attention, trying to match his vocal style.
Find and Perfect Your Unique Style
Walter Hawkins was well known for his unique vocal style which showcased his range and incredible dynamic control. He would often progressively build his range and power throughout a song, preparing the audience for a powerful emotional climax. To sing like Walter, take your time and develop your unique style.
Warm Up and Develop Your Vocal Range
Another way to develop your voice to sing like the powerhouse Walter is to gradually expand and refine your vocal range. You can start with warm-up exercises, humming and then moving to scales is a great way to start. Singing along with his songs will help to improve your range, tone, and vocal style.
Learn Breathing Techniques
A significant contributor to Walter's vocal power was his exceptional control of breathing. Proper breathing techniques allowed him to produce his signature powerful, sustained notes, and controlled belting. Learning proper breathing techniques is an essential step to singing like Walter Hawkins.
Resources from Singing Carrots
When learning to sing like Walter Hawkins, singingcarrots.com offers resources like:
- The Vocal range test
- The Pitch accuracy test
- The Vocal pitch monitor
- Singing courses like the 21-lesson program covering Singing theory and practical tips
Singing is all about expression and passion, so when you sing, let your soul shine through your voice. Keep listening to Walter Hawkins' music as inspiration and keep practicing to cultivate your unique vocal style while utilizing the tips in this article.