So You Want To Be In A Band?

A while ago I watched something that broke down the greatest bands and all their individual parts. This got me thinking. What if you were to describe the archetypal individuals that somebody would want to emulate in order to create their own bad? Or, what if you needed to describe what the quintessential rock n' roll sound should be?

I figured, why not give it a try? So, over the next few months, I think I will, starting with today.

The Voice

The lead singer can have any type of voice. Loud, soft, male, female, high pitched, low pitched, so long as it's in tune (and not purposely sung out of tune) you can make it work. The voice of the band will be a major part in deciding the general style/genre for the band.

Freddie Mercury

As the lead singer and front-man of Queen, Freddie Mercury was as big as a showman as his limitless personality would allow him to be. His voice had an uncanny range; there had never been anyone like him before or since.

In what was one of the last songs he recorded, he produced what could be considered his finest vocals. It was said, while suffering debilitating pain from AIDS, he took a shot of vodka did it in one take. Here's The Show Must Go On.

Janis Joplin

Never mistaken for something smooth and soft, Janis Joplin's voice was as wild as her hair & her spirit. Starting off wit Big Brother & the Holding Company, her howling screech is as distinctive and individual as a fingerprint. 

Ann Wilson

In stark contrast to Janis Joplin, Ann Wilson of Heart had a soft and melodic voice that could turn on a dime. Her voice could lull you to sleep, or crack your skull open. 

Roger Daltrey

Similar to Ann Wilson, Roger Daltrey had a voice that could bite you if you weren't careful. The Who were largely Pete Townshend's, but Roger Daltrey's voice gave them a complimentary facet to their identity. With many songs in their catalog, his best vocals come perhaps on Love Reign O're Me.

  

Robert Plant

Perhaps the greatest part of a band full of legends, Led Zeppelin's lead singer, Robert Plant, had a relentless and sometimes wayward voice. Almost blurring the line between a male and female voice, his style gave sexual undertones to Led Zeppelin's music. Powerful, driving, flowing, 

Others that bear mentioning:

• Roy Orbison
• Jim Morrison
• Thom Yorke
• David Bowie
• Debbie Harry
• Rod Stewart
• Joni Mitchell
• Sting
• And of course, The Beatles