[custom_adv] There’s something a bout a voice that’s personal, not unlike the particular odor or shape of a given human body. Summoned through belly, hammered into form by the throat, given propulsion by bellows of lungs, teased into final form by tongue and lips, a vocal is a kind of audible kiss, a blurted confession, a soul-burp you really can’t keep from issuing as you make your way through the material world. [custom_adv] Contrary to anything you’ve heard, the ability to actually carry a tune is in no regard a disability in becoming a rock & roll singer, only a mild disadvantage. Conversely, nothing in the vocal limitations of a Lou Reed guarantees a “Pale Blue Eyes” every time out, any more than singing as crazy-clumsy as Tom Waits guarantees a “Downtown Train. [custom_adv] ” Yet there’s a certain time-tested sturdiness to the lowchops approach forged by touchstone figures like Bob Dylan and Jim Morrison and Jonathan Richman, one that helps define rock & roll singing. [custom_adv] Some old singers still alive from the classic era of radio are doing well. Bill Pitman, who turned 100 in 2020, may not be the oldest singer alive, but he's certainly one of them. Rose Lee Maphis just may be the oldest country singer still alive. [custom_adv] Ever since a chorale rehearsal in Washington state last March became a COVID-19 super-spreader event, sickening most of the singers and killing two, choir practice has been deemed high-risk, forcing many ensembles to forgo in-person practice and performances. [custom_adv] The act of singing is an art style in its own right, and is a worthwhile pursuit that just about anyone can learn. People are intensely drawn to the sounds of melody that music brings to life - and learning how to sing can be one of the most rewarding hobbies and pursuits available to human beings. [custom_adv] Practically everyone I meet, whether they have been actively engaged with music and singing since they were quite young, or are just getting their feet wet, has some sort of rhythmic backbone within them. [custom_adv] But, while music is a natural part of what it means to be human, it takes serious dedication and practice to be a successful singer who can sing in tune and create a pleasing melody with the voice.
