What do you do with the singer?

 

Everyone remembers the singer in the band. The singer was the director of the music. The singer added words to the music (or otherwise it would be an instrumental). The singer was in the spotlight while the band plays behind.

The crooners of the last century were the headliner on the billboard and the draw of the show. Most would just sit still and belt out a song. Between songs they would work the crowd with banter and jokes before breaking into the next song.

In the 50’s there were groups of singers with one lead. They had some dance moves but there was a star and the back-up singers. They were booked as “star singer” and the whatever names they came up with.

The folk music craze started with Hootenannies of group singing, like casual choirs playing guitars. Now and then a single singer, supported by a guitar and a standup bass would pick up the baton left by the crooners.

Then Elvis arrived. Though he wore a guitar his charisma was the magic. A long group of white boys with good hair followed but none captured the audience’s appreciation.

The 60’s brought boy bands from England with sharp suits, electric guitars, long hair and 3-part harmonies. A few had a front man who was the singer.

A singer could keep the audience attention while the boys in the band tuned their guitars, got a drink, figured out the next song, took a leak…

The singer was in the spotlight until there was an instrumental.

Then what do you do with the singer?

Some got some fancy dance moves. Some had fancy clothing that shimmered up the lights as they waved their arms. Some would wander the stage appearing to be lost or cheerlead the front row. Some would just stand behind the microphone stand.

When the drummer took a solo the rest of the band walked off the stage. At the end of the solo the rest of the band came back and the drummer continued to play. When an acoustic song started, the drummer would still sit behind the kit.

Some singers try to put on a guitar or sit at a piano but then they are distracted and forget the words. Some singers jump into the mosh pit and surf the crowd hopefully getting back to the stage in time for the next verse. Some singers will run offstage and change outfits trying not to have an unfortunate wardrobe malfunction.

So the next time you see a live performance (if that ever happens) pay attention to the singer. They are strippers.