# Name a singer with an "unusual" voice. **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [October 3, 2017, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-singer-with-an-unusual-voice/797882 "2017-10-03T16:56:41Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![BlankSlate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blankslate/32/80_2.png) [@BlankSlate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BlankSlate)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2017, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-singer-with-an-unusual-voice/797882/81 "2017-10-04T16:07:39Z")
> [@RivkahChaya](#): > > I think in the 10,000 Maniacs days, she was using autotune, when it was a new technology… She couldn’t have. She had left 10,000 maniacs and released her first solo album, _Tiger Lily,_ before the advent of autotune. I think her voice just has an unusual timber, not to mention her odd diction too. Sting has an unusual voice, or at least nobody sounds like him. ---
**Author:** ![Dropo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ce7236/32.png) [@Dropo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dropo)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2017, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-singer-with-an-unusual-voice/797882/82 "2017-10-04T16:38:25Z")
> [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](#): > > That guy from [Canned Heat](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0PjECSyJ7w) who sounds like Kermit the Frog. ::shudder:: > **[Alan Wilson (musician)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alan_Wilson_(musician))** > > Alan Christie Wilson (July 4, 1943 – September 3, 1970), nicknamed "Blind Owl", was an American musician, best known as the co-founder, leader, co-lead singer, and primary composer of the blues band Canned Heat. He sang and played harmonica and guitar with the group live and on recordings. Wilson was the lead singer for the group's two biggest U.S. hit singles: "On the Road Again" and "Going Up the Country". > Alan Christie Wilson was born on July 4, 1943, to John (Jack) Wilson (1914–2000), a b... “His biggest influences included Skip James, Robert Johnson, Son House, Charley Patton, Tommy Johnson, John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters, and Bukka White. James, in particular, was a highly exalted figure in Wilson’s personal music journey. In high school, Wilson studied James’ 1931 recordings with great ardor. Subsequently, Wilson began singing similar to James’ high pitch. Wilson eventually perfected the high tenor, for which he would become known.[7]” Howlin' Wolf had a voice like no one else on Earth. And no one has named David Bowie…? ---
**Author:** ![jerez](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c68b51/32.png) [@jerez](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jerez)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2017, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-singer-with-an-unusual-voice/797882/83 "2017-10-04T17:27:38Z")
Also about Al Wilson, isn’t he the guy who located Son House and even showed him some guitar parts that he’d forgetten? > [@](#): > > And no one has named David Bowie…? I’m a very big fan, but his voice doesn’t strike me as all that unusual (Annie Lennox and others seem similar to me in this regard). I’d call it an operatic voice, because it sounds (to me) like they’re very consciously trying to sing correctly. I remember being very surprised and puzzled upon learning of Bowie’s collaboration with Bing Crosby. Makes more sense to me now (think “crooner”). ---
**Author:** ![Starving\_Artist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/aeb1de/32.png) [@Starving\_Artist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Starving_Artist)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2017, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-singer-with-an-unusual-voice/797882/84 "2017-10-04T17:55:52Z")
Here’s one that just came to mind, Al Green. And what about Frank Sinatra? Instantly recognizable voice, flawless technique, and no one else sounds like him. There was a special on tv a while back where current popular recording artists were recruited to sing some of his songs and most of them were scared shitless at the prospect. ---
**Author:** ![Philliam](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/philliam/32/3011_2.png) [@Philliam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Philliam)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2017, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-singer-with-an-unusual-voice/797882/85 "2017-10-04T18:21:54Z")
Victoria Williams ---
**Author:** ![outlierrn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/outlierrn/32/3005_2.png) [@outlierrn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/outlierrn)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2017, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-singer-with-an-unusual-voice/797882/86 "2017-10-04T18:25:29Z")
Gin Wigmore. ---
**Author:** ![Mixolydian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/da6949/32.png) [@Mixolydian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mixolydian)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2017, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-singer-with-an-unusual-voice/797882/87 "2017-10-04T18:26:51Z")
A couple not mentioned yet: [Tim Buckley](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtU-9EMSYu0) [Gary Brooker (Procol Harum)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6BzNEZxbiw) ---
**Author:** ![The\_Vorlon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/d07c76/32.png) [@The\_Vorlon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Vorlon)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2017, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-singer-with-an-unusual-voice/797882/88 "2017-10-04T19:40:30Z")
Katy Perry sounds like she is panting in her songs. Susanna Hoffs, who also does not look her age by decades. ---
**Author:** ![TreacherousCretin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/treacherouscretin/32/476_2.png) [@TreacherousCretin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TreacherousCretin)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2017, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-singer-with-an-unusual-voice/797882/89 "2017-10-04T20:04:47Z")
> [@standingwave](#): > > Ah well, ignorance fought, then. Still, an unusual voice and I’m not completely convinced he didn’t employ overtones. A friend of mine once said that he “sang in chords.” Of course, he also would sing while playing the flute so that could have been part of it. “Sang in chords” would by definition mean singing at least three tones simultaneously. Ondar, the Tuvan Throat Singer mentioned in Post 9, could in fact do this. It’s a strange and beautiful effect, but bear in mind that it does not sound like a normal singing voice with two overdubs. ---
**Author:** ![leftfield6](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leftfield6/32/18780_2.png) [@leftfield6](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/leftfield6)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2017, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-singer-with-an-unusual-voice/797882/90 "2017-10-04T20:13:36Z")
> [@Shoeless](#): > > Natalie Merchant has a weird voice. Not exactly flat, but something has always just sounded… off… about it to me. You take that back, right now!! That woman (and her voice) is a treasure!! {{deep breaths}} Okay, I’m better now. I passionately love her singing, but I will admit she stays within a about a 5 note range most of the time. ---
**Author:** ![Biggirl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/biggirl/32/3294_2.png) [@Biggirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biggirl)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2017, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-singer-with-an-unusual-voice/797882/91 "2017-10-04T20:16:34Z")
> [@standingwave](#): > > Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull and his use ofmelisma. I didn’t even know there was a word for what he was doing until I researched it. He was just the dude who could sing more than one note at the same time. His voice is shot now, but back in the day, it was certainly unique. Immediately bought Morticia Addams to mind. Which then bought to mind how old I am. ---
**Author:** ![leftfield6](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leftfield6/32/18780_2.png) [@leftfield6](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/leftfield6)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2017, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-singer-with-an-unusual-voice/797882/92 "2017-10-04T20:18:55Z")
[Régine Chassagne](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UymXRxJPOQo) from the band Arcade Fire. It’s an odd falsetto. ---
**Author:** ![TreacherousCretin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/treacherouscretin/32/476_2.png) [@TreacherousCretin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TreacherousCretin)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2017, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-singer-with-an-unusual-voice/797882/93 "2017-10-04T20:34:32Z")
**standingwave** , could you link to an example of Anderson singing the way you describe? Genuinely curious, not snarking. I was a casual fan of early Jethro Tull (saw them live in 1969 and 1970, gradually lost interest after Thick As A Brick) and never noticed any unusual vocal characteristics, but obviously that doesn’t mean it wasn’t happening. ---
**Author:** ![Dorjan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dorjan/32/12440_2.png) [@Dorjan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dorjan)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2017, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-singer-with-an-unusual-voice/797882/94 "2017-10-04T20:55:12Z")
Sainkho Namtchylak ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2017, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-singer-with-an-unusual-voice/797882/95 "2017-10-04T22:15:36Z")
No one said Ringo Starr yet, can’t tote a tune in a bucket! Love him nevertheless! ---
**Author:** ![koeeoaddi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/koeeoaddi/32/408_2.png) [@koeeoaddi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/koeeoaddi)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2017, 11:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-singer-with-an-unusual-voice/797882/96 "2017-10-04T23:42:25Z")
Buffy St. Marie [Peter Bellamy](https://youtu.be/oF9bMLqC1iw) I loves me a weird voice. ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2017, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-singer-with-an-unusual-voice/797882/97 "2017-10-05T01:36:01Z")
> [@Biggirl](#): > > Immediately bought Morticia Addams to mind. Which then bought to mind how old I am. I thought Mortcia’s sister Ophelia was the one who sang in two-part harmony (yes, I know Caroline Jones played both roles, but still). ---
**Author:** ![notfrommensa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/f14d63/32.png) [@notfrommensa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/notfrommensa)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2017, 2:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-singer-with-an-unusual-voice/797882/98 "2017-10-05T02:51:35Z")
Slim Whitman ---
**Author:** ![RivkahChaya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rivkahchaya/32/8919_2.png) [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2017, 3:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-singer-with-an-unusual-voice/797882/99 "2017-10-05T03:09:15Z")
> [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](#): > > That guy from [Canned Heat](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0PjECSyJ7w) who sounds like Kermit the Frog. ::shudder:: Then, of course, there is Kermit the Frog. > [@BlankSlate](#): > > She couldn’t have. She had left 10,000 maniacs and released her first solo album, _Tiger Lily,_ before the advent of autotune. I think her voice just has an unusual timber, not to mention her odd diction too. I stand corrected. I’m just going by complaints at the time that she used a lot of “enhancements” to “correct” her voice. I admit to not knowing what people mean at the time, and in retrospect, just assumed they meant autotune. I guess they just mean her voice was tinkered with in the studio. Then, there’s Marlene Dietrich. No one could sound so sexy singing off-key as she could. My gawd. But the all-time winner has to be Allesandro Moreschi. As far as I know, he is the only Catholic Church castrato to have lived into the time of vocal recording, and committed his voice to wax-- or vinyl, whatever. He’s known as the “Last Castrato,” and he actually had a career in theater after rejecting the church in his adult life. I don’t know that he was the last male ever castrated for the sake of the church choir, but he apparently really was the last to die, so in that sense, he truly is the last castrato. It should be noted, however, that there are “sopranists,” or adult men with intact genitals who sing soprano. They are rare, but they exist. Because the recordings of Moreschi are primative, they sound strange in a way that’s hard to separate from the voice of the man himself, but his voice sounds different from sopranists, who sound different still from women sopranos. I am on a laptop without a mouse, so it’s hard to create links, but both Moreschi and “sopranist” seem to have wiki pages. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2017, 3:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-singer-with-an-unusual-voice/797882/100 "2017-10-05T03:30:10Z")
So what is ‘falsetto’? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-singer-with-an-unusual-voice/797882.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-singer-with-an-unusual-voice/797882.md?page=6)