Iconic Skills: Romantic Artists 

In case you weren’t able to make it out, here’s a quick recap of February’s Iconic Skills classes. Just as a reminder, Iconic Skills takes place every Wednesday at 7 p.m stage level, with our fantastic coach Aijia! This past month, she focused on romantic artists. 

Barbra Streisand: The Most Successful Female Artist of All Time 

Born in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, she was consistently told she wouldn’t make it in show business due to her physical appearance. As a teenager, she initially pursued an acting career. As she studied and took auditions, she also began to explore her love for singing, and started performing cabaret at a local bar. 

Soon after came her 1963 debut, The Barbra Streisand Album. 

She has received countless awards over the course of her career, including 10 Grammys and 2 Academy Awards. On top of this, she is the best selling female artist of all time, with over 250 million records sold! 

Here are a few of her most famous songs, where you can hear how her acting background influenced the emotional range in her vocal delivery of each lyric. 

People (Funny Girl): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8G021T3FKp4

Papa, Can You Hear Me?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBgI2PLj0pA

Happy Days Are Here Again: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcpnL8bIHk0 

Barry White: Singer, Producer, and Soul Seducer 

Born in Galveston, Texas, he taught himself how to sing and play piano. He led his church choir for most of his teenage years, until he was lured into the street life, and ended up serving second months in a juvenile detention center. While there, he heard the song “It’s Now or Never” by Elvis Presley, and took it as a sign to turn his life around and start taking music seriously. 

After his release he began writing, arranging, and producing for other small bands. This eventually led to him becoming and A and R man for a few different record labels. His solo career arrived slowly out of his experience as a background figure in the industry. 

Although he passed away in 2003, White’s bass-baritone voice is still synonymous with romantic music to this day. 

Here are a few of his greatest hits: 

Can’t Get Enough of Your Love Baby: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0I6mhZ5wMw 

I’ve Got so Much to Give: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVF_H21yg9E

What Am I Gonna Do With You?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PG2m26MJUcY 

Frank Sinatra: The Sultan of Swoon and Greatest Pop Voice of the 20th Century

Born in Hoboken, New Jersey, Sinatra was originally inspired by the vocal sound of Bing Crosby, and decided to drop out of high school to pursue his musical dreams. 

His first break came when he won an amateur singing competition, which toured nationally. However, they soon disbanded. Frank continued to sing, and was soon discovered by trumpet player Harry James who was looking for a singer for his new band. 

After creating multiple top ten hits with this band, and Tommy Dorsey’s big band, Frank went solo and soon became the legend that he is known as today. 

Known for his iconic sultry baritone voice, Frank also contributed to the art of music by introducing the concept album, a medium which continues on in modern music. 

A few of his biggest songs include: 

My Way: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQzdAsjWGPg

That’s Life: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnlPtaPxXfc

Come Fly With Me: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmQq6yLe2ww

Sade: Songs of Sophistication, Soul, and Romance

Born in Nigeria, but raised in England, Sade grew up listening to American soul artists like Donny Hathaway and Bill Withers. 

After graduating high school, she studied fashion and design which eventually led to a job in that industry. However, she was soon asked to sub in as a singer for another band, which ignited her musical spark and led the band Sade being formed. 

Their debut album arrived in 1984, with many hits to soon follow. 

Her iconic style includes elements of latin, reggae, and soul music. Beyond this, she is an actress, designer, and model, paving the way for many of the multi-dimensional artists we have today. 

Some classic songs include: 

Your Love is King: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1ljpLQ1V6Y

The Sweetest Taboo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcPc18SG6uA 

Smooth Operator: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TYv2PhG89A 

This month coach Aijia will be focusing on singers. Iconic Skills is held every Wednesday stage level at 7 p.m. We hope to see you there!