EXPLAINED || Weight and The Voice

[@applecider]

as a weight loss surgery patient myself, to the case of Ms. Jennifer Holiday i would add the fact that when she did the surgery, the technique was very new, and it had to be done with an open, and fairly large incision in the chest, requiring chest muscles to be cut in the process. today, these surgeries are done laparoscopically, and it does not create nearly as much stress in the muscles as it created with more archaic methods. this fact only adds to how strong that woman is! 💪

[@BlackMusicArchive]

Learn something new everyday! ♥️

[@sirblack1619]

Even with the modern way of doing the surgery it still has an effect. I recall after I had the surgery done a few years ago and the weight dropped off I could not even laugh like I use to and it took awhile for my big laugh to come back. I thought something was wrong but after watching this I now know why.

[@rlly_james_smh1744]

Not toni braxton's vocals being a core exercise...

[@Kcs.Vocals]

Karen’s agility after the weight loss was insane. Her voice was like lightning. Quicker runs and acceleration to high notes. My favorite era from her. Excellent video!

[@quonito3650]

Yes yes and yes she was sooooo light after her weight loss

[@JustErics101]

I’m not a singer and have no vocal talent but Idk why I find these technical breakdowns so interesting. Such a good channel. Well done!

[@Jaheartsjonas]

Same here!

[@ajat3202]

It's interesting to learn exactly how these sounds are made

[@JudahCub1981]

Mahalia Jackson used to say 200lbs was her “singing weight”.

[@PatchesNjose]

I know this is an updated version of a video you've made before but I do have to thank you anyway for including Jennifer. She's so underrated, imo.

[@BlackMusicArchive]

She’s one of my favorites ♥️

[@Ter-el]

You should do one on pregnancy and the voice. Mariah entered another prime when she was pregnant

[@nopenottoday6179]

same with Beyonce during the twins. Twins are the key lol

[@randyjunco]

This is the only vocal teacher I correctly understand. You teach us through your videos how to use, make and develop our own singing style explaining all the things behind the vocal techniques. That helps a lot to use the particularities of your voice understanding how to sing healthy. Thank you so much Mr. BMA❤️

[@genesis631]

This is so spot on. A dramatic loss of weight causes a lack of the sense of support you initially had when you were larger. So it can make your voice sound thinner. It happened with Maria Callas lost 80lbs in two months. Christina Aguilera always had a large voice as a petite girl. So it doesn't create the voice, it definitely gives the sense of support. There are a lot of larger singers with lighter voices too. The size of the voice is also impacted by the the shape of the head too and how it resonates. Like Joan Sutherland's height and what not.

[@n25bast]

I think the big difference with Hudson is that she also lost the weight while her voice was still developing. Her sound became considerably colder in her 30s as she settled into her voice, plus she also refined her technique during her Broadway stint. Same with Norman, who credited her career to her professors who emphasized breath control and agility over everything else.

[@cow5569]

I definitely did notice my voice become more brighter, less thick and less loud when i lost weight. It truly is fascinating. Also I don’t know if this is too much to ask but for the voice explained could you do sade some day? Her voice is so unique and I don’t really see people speak much on it.

[@sirblack1619]

I would love to see one on Sade!

[@mohamadfirdausbinmat2577]

May i ask, is it a natural weight loss or through surgerical procedure?

[@cow5569]

@@mohamadfirdausbinmat2577 it was natural. Changed my voice alot.

[@bclislife]

There was a time in my life where I lost a lot of weight unhealthily and my sound reflected that! I did not sound good. When I gained it back I only continued to improve.

[@fredcush6031]

I am in my late 20's a tenor who has always sung between C2- D5 but then I decided to do more aerobics. After a couple of months, I lost weight but gained more diaphragm support. I noticed that my voice became lighter and my range went up to G5. I think weight loss and increased range are a thing.

[@r.a.l.p.h]

Karen Clark Sheard’s runs became VERY agile post weight loss! It’s interesting because right before her coma her voice was beefiest and she was still hitting insane notes, after the weight loss obviously her voice became less beefy but the voice after the coma was so excellent for her style. This is her rendition of balm in Gilead a couple weeks after the coma kzbin.info/www/bejne/j4fbeaGbmrmreK8

[@thechristianteen9167]

I was going to comment that her voice was big and had this deep fullness to it.

[@3orino]

At this point I have a psychic connection to this channel 😭 I literally opened the app expecting a new video

[@BlackMusicArchive]

Since your psychic, do you see 100k subs in my future? 🔮

[@3orino]

@@BlackMusicArchive ohh way more than that

[@BlackMusicArchive]

@@3orino I’m excited for the future 👀

[@moniqueloomis9772]

@@3orino Awww. You're adorable.

[@moniqueloomis9772]

@@BlackMusicArchive Awww. You're humble. This channel is amazing!

[@nevokcovers6662]

I've been looking for you. I found this channel and was like, and it's him! I know that voice. Your videos honestly are binge-worthy. I would replay your mini voice biographies on MJ, Whitney Houston, and Mariah Carey all the time . Please never leave again. You are so knowledgeable, and your videos are so well put together

[@mattvieira2645]

Kim Burrell is another great exemple of range increasing and easy singing after her weight loss.

[@hyutvrta2298]

Just like how mariah sounds when she gained weight in 2014/2015/2017 and once she lost them extra weight in 2016/2018 she sounded more at ease and the tone sounds higher with more clarity

[@amiehampton7070]

Mariah brought down the house with her voice when she pregnant with twins now she is skinny looking good for decades since.

[@hyutvrta2298]

@@amiehampton7070 what i'm referring to is in the voice's texture and tone sis when she gained some weight back in 2014/2015/2017 and after she lost them circa 2016/2018/late 2017 and i'm not referring to when she was pregnant cause that time was different as she was living a healthier lifestyle and didn't sing or performed a lot during those times

[@hyutvrta2298]

@@amiehampton7070 i'm talking about the voice's texture and tone difference between when she got bloated/gained weight during 2014/2015/2017 and after she lost them weights and living happier and healthier lifestyle in 2016/late 2017/2018 and by no means dissing her and stuff it's just an observation of mine as i did pay attention to that aspect of her voice

[@jasoncaldwell2074]

I love that Toni Braxton trick that was cool

[@iCodeSwitch]

This video is so excellent! The comparison of Jennifer Holliday singing the final notes of "And I Am Telling You" before and after her weight loss took my breath away! Thanks for sharing your insights!

[@nomad5248]

I appreciate these videos sooo much, it really helps me add context to my own voice. I remember when I started singing I was really underweight, I had to engage my muscles and diaphragm with so much effort and force. My sound back then was so much thinner, which used to really dishearten me bc I thought that was just the natural voice I was stuck with. I realise now that I'm at a healthy weight how much it has improved my voice, it's bigger, louder and rounder. also the mind muscle connection between my stomach more comes instinctually now. I've learnt so much watching your videos over the past 2 years, thank you!!

[@heroxzq1263]

Jennifer Holliday, big or skinny will always be one of my very favorites 💜 it's just not the power in her voice for me, its her phrasing. She does a lot of things that are unique to herself.

[@BlackMusicArchive]

Never mattered the size. Jennifer Yvette Holliday of Houston, Texas was going to SING. THE GIRLS. DOWN.

[@heroxzq1263]

@@BlackMusicArchive FACTS 💯

[@heroxzq1263]

And I think its quite noticeable that mid 70s skinny Aretha had a lighter voice and doing these crazy complex runs. "Let me in your life" album is full of them.

[@soulstrength]

I am absolutely loving your content! LOVE Jessye Norman and Karen Clark-Sheard ❤️Very interesting theories here. I'm surprised you didn't include The late, great Luther Vandross in this discussion, as he was known amongst his fan as big Luther and skinny Luther, deciding which version of the singer they preferred. Do you think you can do an "explained" video on him? Numerous facets to his singing style will make that a great video plus the topic of his yo yo weight and how his singing was affected. Keep these videos coming! 🤗

[@justice5992]

Luther actually addressed that on the journeys in Black BET music DVD he did. He challenged anyone to be able to tell the difference in his voice from "big" to "small". Personally, I would lose the challenge because I can't tell, not even on his earliest 70s records 😂.

[@BlackMusicArchive]

If I'm not mistaken, Luther said the fluctuations in weight didn't have much of an effect on him. Women generally have more sensitive bodies than men, so the same things that would have a drastic effect on a woman's voice can sometimes have little to no effect on men.

[@professorjoyholland]

This is such a special and informative channel. I am so glad to have found it again, as I used to watch it and search under the previous name "I love Aretha Franklin" or similar wording/phrasing to that, only to finally discover that the channel had more recently been renamed to "Black Music Archive". I am not a vocalist or musical instrumentalist by trade, but both have always been an important activity in my childhood and adult life.

[@thatboycjsings]

As a singer with a small body it is easier to hit notes and move my voice!!

[@1drgrl_]

This was so interesting! Thanks

[@kevinodonkor4123]

This topic has been of an interest to me for a while,I clicked on it as soon as the notification appeared... In as much as Jennifer Holiday is a fitting example,Luther Vandross is also perfect for a case study. I mentioned Luther for reason of him never having an operation which affected his voice and the difference whenever his weight switched. Look at a house is not a home,and superstar as references(my choice because he killed these two songs EVERYTIME he performed them,aside they being top of my favorites) Notice how his voice sounded like a trumpet whenever he put in a high pitch when he was Little Luther ,compared to how heavy the voice was when he put on a show at Wembley(big Luther) for both songs especially, and other songs. Either ways,still the same Luther, and he never fell short. Thanks 💯

[@godspowerudoh4812]

I love this video. Weight really does affect both vocal power and range. Tamela Mann is also a great example of this.

[@sirblack1619]

I am so glad this is back up! These are so informative. Queen was the 1st singer that I heard speak on how weight affected her voice in 99 with Oprah.

[@BlackMusicArchive]

Yes! She said her “singing weight” was 165lbs. That would be around her 1967-1970 weight.

[@sirblack1619]

@@BlackMusicArchive Yes! When that voiced bounced off the walls. Queen has so many different phases to her voice that I can't pick just one especially when it was the hazy voice of the 80's that I fell in love with first.

[@TheMusicalEmpress]

You are a true student of your craft! I love and admire you! Thanks for breaking these videos down til the very last compound and in plain english! 🤗

[@tyizzle80]

I'm curious to see if you plan on doing one on Minnie riperton anytime soon I didn't make this a few times on your different posts but I was not trying to bug your body but I thought you probably would have done one already because of her Amazing voice and range. I've learned so much about singing from watching your videos. Especially the technical aspects. I'm actually learned so much that I was a horrible singer before I start watching your videos and all the stuff that I learned and how you make it easy to understand what's happening inside the boys and the vocal cords actually help me to be able to sing better now I'm almost up to all right but I was horrible before I started watching your videos. And just little things and adjustments to make. I'm still confused though on what it means to be a head singer? Is that like singing like with the stuffy Nose or something? You like a nasal sound because I love it all the stuff you explain how I got but this the one thing I can't I don't understand and what you meant by a head singer.

[@AtotheA21]

Even Luther Vandross still sounded the same after losing weight

[@cassandrasoler8309]

I love your deep dives! Thank you again 🙂

[@KallusGarnet]

Excellent video, thank you so much and keep up the good work educating us.

[@BlackMusicArchive]

Thanks for watching ♥️

[@coursecorrection4105]

I’m glad I stopped by; I learned something.

[@ItsKellyMonique]

Been following your channel for almost 2 years now and I’ve learned so much from your videos on top of thoroughly enjoying the music as a whole, all coming from some of the greatest performers 😀. This is a great update from the previous riffs and runs video. Will you be reposting and/or updating to post the mouth placement video and others on artists like Dionne Warwick, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston and Micheal Jackson? I do hope so! 🙏🏽

[@Deborah111gold]

Black Music Archive -- This was so interesting! Wonderful presentation, as usual; and you have such a calming and pleasantly exceptional speaking voice.

[@NIJEECAPRICORN23]

Wow this is fascinating. Great topic because I always wondered how weight plays a role in singing. I find it interesting how some had to learn how to regain the power and some of them their range expanded.

[@Bahia82]

Jennifer belt has a Whitney sound quality to it. Very bright

[@cortezmiller1899]

Yea, but two types of vocalist.

[@nesq4104]

Not at all. I would never mix up the two. Whitney is way more smooth and easy. Plus fuller

[@Bahia82]

Nope that note is very Whitney like in color, projection and tone

[@Girlygirl24]

Good job Sir. Am still hoping that one day you will do a video on Vocal Maturation.

[@treytaylor1511]

Love how exhaustive you are in your research man, keep it up, love this channel.

[@Therover13]

Hey BMA, love your videos, always such in depth and fascinating analyses! Can you do a video on Sade? She's got such a unique smoky voice!

[@PharaohLawLess1]

Another great video

[@1novej113]

This was absolutely amazing dahling GivethanXxo indeed 🙏💪🌬️💖🥰

[@michele2855]

Loved this. And learned something. I am interested in your thoughts on slim powerhouse singers like Whitney Celine and Barbra Streisand

[@artsfanatic8407]

Thank you so much for remaking the video essay. I understood the connection of weight and the voice better. I really appreciate it. Btw great voice as always lmao. Hoping to see more topics on the voice.

[@charlita25]

Go head Ms.Shirley Brown 🎤

[@paulbonfiglio5719]

Please , Let's talk about Miss Patti Labelle s singing

[@nesq4104]

The public not ready for the true Queen. Patti has lots of live recorded material since the Bluebells so she would be one of the best singer to discuss

[@VampieNotTrampy]

Very interesting. Ne ver been a fan of JHUD'S tone.

[@randall4528]

Hater!

[@JaeElise]

im so glad you talked about this !

[@yup_pea]

💯👍 love the video!! Awesome

[@maryamkim1281]

Beautifully shown and explained. Thank you.

[@stankbutt88]

I am curious about full-figured women who have jazzi-er styles of singing like Jill Scott, Lailah Hathaway, or Ledisi. It’s seem these women knew the power of their voices and their weight. When they decided to lose weight, they still kept a few pounds on for both their voice and their own imagine of beauty.

[@cb18luv]

I recently lost about 80 pounds and WITHOUT even practicing runs, I can do runs 10x better… it’s a bit harder to be loud on high notes (I’m loud enough anyway tho lol)

[@markyoung7151]

Makes me wonder how a big Whitney would have sounded.

[@ambangmongo2888]

Thank you so much for the deep explanation, thank God I came across your videos today. I have subscribed already, is time to be part of the family.

[@walterricks9965]

Thanks for explaining this in a way even a someone like me who knows nothing about music can understand

[@michaelgreisinger5255]

I find it interesting as a male I sing better when I'm around 155lbs as opposed to when I'm heavier. I have better breath support and my range is more in tact. I think it would've been interesting to compare the differences between males and females in conjunction to weight loss and the effects. As opposed to just focusing on female singers. I believe Luther himself whom dealt with weight issues said he sounded better when he was trimmer.

[@thatboycjsings]

thank you for this it’s so informational!!!

[@niadadoll]

hey! can you pls do a whitney explained video

[@KCfromDCtheLeo]

What?! No "Big Luther" vs. "Skinny Luther" comparisons? I was waiting. (LOL)🤣🤣🤣

[@thornyback]

well done, commenting to help your channel, you deserve it :-)

[@Cyber_Diva]

So, bigger body correlates with more power and a smaller body is associated with more vocal agility?

[@BlackMusicArchive]

They influence each other, yes. However, bigger bodied lighter voices exist (i.e Marvis Martin) and small bodied large voices exist (i.e Shirley Verrett). There’s less correlation when the singers weight doesn’t fluctuate.

[@randyjunco]

I think that depends on how do you feel more comfortable. If you learn how to sing with a heavy body and you lose weight naturally. You might feel your voice like a little easy to use for things like runs because you feel it less heavy; but I think it’s just a particular thing of every singer to understand how does it feel comfortable while doing certain skills

[@nancydrew5]

Yolanda Adams has a big voice and she's not big, but she's tall!

[@applejellypucci]

Early! Hey BMA!

[@BlackMusicArchive]

Hey !

[@simonyanga9551]

I feel like I'll love this one🤩, hey Milik I know it takes time to do videos, but can I recommend a Beyoncé one when or after her album comes out? To understand how her voice matured Thanks ❤️

[@BlackMusicArchive]

I’m allergic to bee stings ♥️

[@simonyanga9551]

@@BlackMusicArchive 🤣 come on, we need your expertise, a professional is not afraid of stings 😔❤️

[@BlackMusicArchive]

@@simonyanga9551 a professional is afraid of his account getting flagged and reported ♥️

[@sirblack1619]

@@BlackMusicArchive You and me both!

[@iantuition]

I wish there were a better (more secure) platform to share it. I would absolutely love to watch it if it could be done. Bey's voice has gone through so many changes and still maintained consistency and quality.

[@lalagonegaga]

As if Karen needed any additional high notes, 😂

[@randall4528]

She can mix up to a C#6!

[@Jerel_con_jota]

I think that Maria Callas had a similar issue. It seems to me that the coordination has to be redeveloped post weight loss.

[@cannonball6372]

PLEASE DO ONE ON KEKE WYAT, HER VOICE IS INSANE !!!!!!!!!!!

[@turtlew1019]

Great video! I wonder what the it would be like with the opposite occurring. Like with Aretha Franklin or Loretta Devine. Both started out then and put on weight. It would be cool to see how their voice changed as they gained weight.

[@wefinnasee7067]

Can we get an analysis on Ray J's voice? 🙃

[@amiehampton7070]

What no to Ray J.

[@dionneking8]

do this again with male counter tenors

[@hunterdakota]

Would love to see Whitney Houston’s voice explained

[@afrosensei5308]

I love your videos. I'd really like to a video on the difficulty of singing and dancing at the same time

[@BlackMusicArchive]

To support this channel in its efforts to continue making quality and accessible music education content please consider a donation: paypal.me/blackmusicarchive cash.app/$BlackMusicArchive account.venmo.com/u/milikkashad Zelle: [e-mail]

[@KallusGarnet]

Another great video thank you.

[@rickeysparks3391]

You should do an explained on the clark sisters

[@tinagemcgee6190]

Will do, thank you once again for another great video and sharing your musical wisdom with us all, but I must ask if you ever interview Jennifer Holliday please ask her about "SING MAHALIA SING"

[@memefaison6007]

Thank you for sharing!

[@nesq4104]

Post weight loss I don't recall any video of jennifer doing an octave climb in the last phrase of the song. Plus typically stopped sliding up to her highest notes. Never thought about it till now

[@msvenuscrane]

Wow that first Jennifer clip. I always thought she wasn’t that great like the xfactor performance. Like extreme things to have a powerful voice. Those earlier clips seem more natural

[@tonysoextra]

I luv and enjoy your videos

[@mommyteacher1238]

This...I sing, I’m big 😂#belter I’m trying to lose weight.Great info.

[@Peridot5035]

Please Reupload about the Explain series about Dionne Warwick, Whitney Houston, and Michael Jackson

[@thomaspatterson4210]

I guess two tons of fun weight gave them that powerful voice.

[@Theredeyedjedi]

@2:49 I cried and I don't even know this lady

[@jupiterrain8563]

Hello. I really appreciate your content. Is there any way we could get your perspective on Ella Fitzgerald and her style of singing (scat)? I would love to hear your take on it. 🙏🏾☺️

[@mistermilkman]

Can u do 1 on Minnie Riperton...2 include her Rotary Connection music as well...LIVE & studio? She is 1 soprano who I think doesn't get her just due. She touched multiple genres of music n such a short time n her career.

[@xaredx7431]

fat on the neck could cover some tension

[@TheGamersGuide819]

Tori Kelly has a light voice . Is that’s why her voice move so quick?

[@UhOhJacquinette]

I love me some Malik

[@johnkirbygonzales5306]

How about those singers who have toned body? Like those who hit the gym?

[@pvm3926]

U had to bring back that hoodoouthinkiyammmm lollll

[@RhaegarTargaryen1st]

Where can I find that whole performance of Jennifer Holliday singing "Solid Ground"?

[@simong8527]

The same effect can be achived when you take not too light object to your hand. My vocal coach gives me a chair and automatically I sound better

[@progresseniola1606]

Please what's the names of the first two songs by Jennifer Holliday in the beginning

[@charlita25]

Go head JHUD 🎙

[@DeeJay____]

Jennifer Hudson! ❤️

[@pearlzoohmabindisa1942]

Jennifer Hudson's voice changed.Her voice doesn't have that booming quality anymore.Her voice is lighter than before

[@randall4528]

Is that a bad thing?🤔🤔🤔

[@thelayoutexclusive]

can u do another janis Joplin video

[@thegreatest492]

WHAT SNG IS KAREN CLARK SHEARD SINGING AT 10:28??

[@qbennett7232]

Do you plan on doing more male singers?

[@swtayh]

That would be nice. Will Downing would be a great one to start with.

[@bonniejohnson641]

Amen and Like Share and Subscribe