Romancing The Tone

Our Obsessive Love-Affaire With Singing and Singers

Get ready world, it's almost time for the next season of American Idol where unknown singers of all genders, ethnic backgrounds and talent abilities can out-rank football, politics, and world events on the Nielson Rating System.

So, what's behind this fixation with singers and their music? It's not just about how they look; Frank Sinatra and Chris Daughtry would never be considered George Clooney type "hunks" It's not a simple gender thing; Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson, the most successful Idols, are obviously not male. And it isn't always the best singers who win; whatever happened to Taylor Hicks?

Let's Re-wind . . .

Anyone who was around during the late 40's, will remember Frank Sinatra and the news clips of hysterical women and girls screaming, crying, and passing out at the mere mention of his name. Fast-forward to the 50's where it was all about Elvis. Then on to the late 60's early 70's when Beatle Mania hit us right between the eyes. In the 80's and 90's we had, (and still have) Michael Jackson to scream about.

I was fortunate . . .or unfortunate in my case, to witness this strange phenomenon first hand, because my first professional job (gig), as a singer, was the opening act at an Elvis Presley Concert in San Diego. It was in the late 1950's when he had just been crowned the  "King" of Rock and Roll. To this day I can still see that sea of crazed female faces screaming his name as I unsuccessfully tried to get their attention.

Music Hath Charms . . .

Music has been playing on our emotional strings for thousands of years and is the cornerstone of many of today's great religions. Like a fine tuned instrument, we are moved, motivated and even healed, according to Oprah's Dr. Qz, by singing. This can and does happen often because every note on the musical scale has it's own unique vibration and tone. When a note is sung, it vibrates at a rate of speed that the physical body feels and re-acts to, negatively or positively, according to how the note is sung. This is why some singers make us feel good and some do not. Volume is also a big factor because loud music pulses deeper into our bodies than soft. The American Idol Judges love loud, power singers, and loud rock concerts are notorious for whipping the crowed into a rowdy frenzy. On the other end of that spectrum is the mystical, soothing, calming effect that soft, gentle singing has on our hectic stress filled bodies.

The Final Chord

It has been said that next to winning the lottery, the biggest fantasy for many is to stand in front of a cheering crowd, microphone in hand, and sing. Since most of us don't have the courage to actually do that, we sit at home and live that fantasy vicariously week after week through the American Idol contestants. We pick our favorites, celebrate their good notes and wince at their bad. We curse at Simon when he dares to belittle our chosen one and cheer when they have the courage to push him back. There is a special charisma that can only be found in the singing voice and whether we acknowledge it or not, singers have played a major role in defining our culture. Each generation has its revered singers who have helped shape our history. Truth-be-known, there is a singer living inside each us eagerly waiting to burst into song given the right opportunity!  (600 words)

Joni Wilson is an internationally recognized voice expert, best selling author and creator the amazing 3-Dimensional Voice® Training System. For more information about Joni, her latest book; The Voice ofSuccess. A Woman's Guide to a Powerful and Persuasive Voice,(AMACOM Books) and the best voice lessons on-line visit:www.virtualvoicecoach.com