A Singer's Handbook
The Survival Handbook for the Performing Vocalist
Foreword
As a young man, I was encouraged to look to the stars and strive for what is right and just. I was taught that each of us possesses a God-given talent that is neither better nor worse than that of our neighbors, but uniquely our own. I have endeavored to apply this belief to my craft.
Over the past 30-plus years as a vocalist, I have had the honor of performing for thousands of people from all walks of life, from Tokyo to New York, Istanbul to Caracas, and throughout Europe and Asia. Along the way, I have met many wise and wonderful individuals who have imparted their special knowledge to me. Even years after meeting them, I am still assimilating much of this wisdom.
In my experience, I have noted that there is no basic handbook for vocalists starting out in this industry. Having a passion for singing and performing is not enough; you must also be able to navigate the business side of things. In the following chapters, I will share some of my formulas along with anecdotes to help you shorten your journey, both in the business and creatively.
Popular music stems from the American Songbook, which is less than a century old yet has had an unparalleled impact on the world’s musical psyche. When I travel overseas, the allure for American artists is overwhelming. The distinct advantage of being born in America is having an innate ability to perform these songs with natural ease. To truly learn this craft, you must have a fierce desire to study what is American. Our musical and cultural differences, which were very pronounced before World War II, have now created a sound and attitude uniquely our own. We are popular music, we are jazz, we are the blues, and yes, we are country. Neglecting to invest time in studying all of our indigenous music is a mistake that many vocalists seem to make.
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