A raspy voice can add a unique and distinct quality to a person’s voice. Many celebrities are known for their raspy voices, which have helped them stand out in their respective fields. From singers to actors to Broadway stars, the raspy voice has become a signature trait for many famous personalities.
In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the most iconic celebrities with raspy voices. We will explore their careers, the impact of their voices on their work, and what makes their voices stand out.
Through this exploration, we hope to gain a greater appreciation for the power and beauty of the raspy voice.
Key Takeaways
- Several celebrities are known for their distinctive, gravelly voices, including Rod Stewart, Tom Waits, Louis Armstrong, and Kim Carnes.
- Some celebrities’ raspy voices have a low-pitched, sultry vocal style, such as Scarlett Johansson and Demi Moore.
- Harvey Fierstein’s raspy voice is a result of a medical condition called vocal nodules.
- Janis Joplin’s rough, emotional voice broke barriers for women in rock music and became iconic in the industry.
Rod Stewart: The Iconic Voice of Rock
Rod Stewart’s distinctive raspy voice has become an iconic sound of rock music, contributing to his enduring popularity and influence in the industry. The British singer-songwriter rose to fame in the late 1960s with his band The Jeff Beck Group and later with Faces, before embarking on a successful solo career.
Stewart’s voice, characterized by its gravelly quality, has been praised for its emotive power and ability to convey raw emotion in his performances. Stewart’s raspy voice is often attributed to his years as a heavy smoker, which he has since given up. However, it has also been noted that his distinctive sound may also be due to his unique vocal technique, which involves manipulating his vocal cords to produce a rough texture.
Regardless of its origins, Stewart’s voice has been recognized as one of the most recognizable and influential in rock music, earning him a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and cementing his status as a music legend.
Scarlett Johansson: From Acting to Singing with a Raspy Voice
Scarlett Johansson’s transition from acting to singing has been marked by a distinctive vocal style that has captivated audiences. Her raspy voice has been compared to some of the most iconic singers in history, such as Billie Holiday and Tom Waits.
Although her singing career began as a side project, Johansson has released two full-length albums and has collaborated with artists such as Pete Yorn and Massive Attack.
Johansson’s singing style is often described as sultry and haunting. Her voice has a unique quality that is both raw and controlled, allowing her to convey emotion in a way that resonates with listeners.
While her acting career has been marked by a diverse range of roles, from action hero to indie darling, her singing career has allowed her to showcase a different side of herself. With her raspy voice and eclectic musical tastes, Johansson has become a respected musician in her own right.
Harvey Fierstein: The Raspy Voice of Broadway
Renowned for his unmistakable vocal quality, Harvey Fierstein has become a prominent figure in Broadway with his distinct voice that has captivated audiences for decades. Fierstein’s gravelly, raspy voice is instantly recognizable, and it has played a significant role in his career as an actor, playwright, and singer.
Here are five things to know about Harvey Fierstein’s raspy voice:
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Fierstein’s voice is a result of a medical condition called vocal nodules, which are growths on the vocal cords that cause hoarseness and difficulty speaking.
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Despite the challenges that his vocal nodules present, Fierstein has used his voice to his advantage in his career. His unique sound has earned him critical acclaim and numerous accolades, including several Tony Awards.
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Fierstein’s voice is often described as rough, scratchy, and gravelly, but it is also incredibly expressive. He has a talent for infusing his lines with emotion, using his voice to convey humor, pathos, and everything in between.
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Fierstein’s raspy voice has become so iconic that he has been called upon to provide the voices for animated characters, including Yao in Disney’s Mulan and Karl in the animated series BoJack Horseman.
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Fierstein has been open about his vocal nodules, and he has used his platform to raise awareness about the condition. He has spoken about the importance of taking care of one’s voice and seeking medical attention if there are any issues.
Tom Waits: The Gravelly Voice of Folk and Blues
Tom Waits is an American singer-songwriter and actor whose distinctive voice has become his trademark. With a career spanning over four decades, Waits has established himself as one of the most influential and original voices in modern music.
His vocal style has been described as gravelly, raspy, and low-pitched, often compared to that of a carnival barker or a chain-smoking lounge singer. Waits’ unique vocal style is a result of his deliberate attempt to sound different from other singers. He once revealed in an interview that he used to sing in a high-pitched voice during his early career, but he eventually realized that it was not his natural voice.
He then started experimenting with different vocal styles and eventually settled on the gravelly, raspy voice that he is known for today. His voice perfectly complements his music, which is characterized by its raw, bluesy sound and poignant lyrics.
Waits’ influence on modern music is undeniable, and his distinctive voice has become an integral part of his legacy.
Demi Moore: The Sultry Raspy Voice of Hollywood
Demi Moore’s distinctive vocal style, characterized by a sultry, low-pitched tone, has become an iconic feature of Hollywood films. Her raspy voice has been described as smoky and seductive, adding a unique dimension to her performances. Moore’s voice has become so recognizable that it has been parodied and imitated in popular culture.
To understand what makes Moore’s voice so distinctive, it is important to consider the following factors:
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Vocal cords: The sound of a person’s voice is largely determined by the size and shape of their vocal cords. Moore’s vocal cords are relatively thick, which contributes to the low-pitched, raspy quality of her voice.
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Smoking: Moore has been open about her history of smoking, which can also contribute to a raspy voice.
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Emotion: Moore’s voice often takes on a deeper, more raspy quality when she is portraying a character who is experiencing intense emotions.
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Training: As an actress, Moore has likely received vocal training to enhance her performance abilities and develop her unique vocal style.
Overall, Demi Moore’s raspy voice has become a defining feature of her career in Hollywood and has contributed to her status as a beloved icon of the film industry.
Janis Joplin: The Raw and Gritty Voice of Rock ‘n’ Roll
With her raw and gritty vocal style, Janis Joplin became a trailblazer for women in the male-dominated world of rock ‘n’ roll.
Born in 1943 in Port Arthur, Texas, Joplin began her career singing blues and folk music in small clubs before joining the psychedelic rock band Big Brother and the Holding Company in 1966.
It was with this band that Joplin gained national recognition for her powerful performances, particularly at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967.
Joplin’s voice was unlike anything that had been heard in popular music before.
It was rough, raspy, and full of emotion, conveying a sense of pain and vulnerability that resonated with audiences.
Her performances were often described as cathartic experiences, with Joplin pouring her heart and soul into every song.
Despite her untimely death at the age of 27, Joplin’s influence can still be heard in the music of countless female rock singers who have followed in her footsteps.
Louis Armstrong: The Raspy Voice of Jazz
Louis Armstrong’s unique vocal style in jazz music was characterized by his signature gravelly tone, which conveyed a deep sense of emotion and soulfulness. Armstrong was widely recognized as one of the most influential figures in the development of jazz music, and his raspy voice was a key element of his distinctive sound.
Armstrong’s voice was not always regarded as a positive attribute, however. Some critics dismissed it as ‘unmusical’or ‘coarse,’and it was not until later in his career that his distinctive vocal style became fully appreciated.
Today, Armstrong is celebrated as a jazz icon and his raspy voice is seen as an essential element of his enduring appeal.
Kim Carnes: The Smoky Voice Behind "Bette Davis Eyes
Kim Carnes’ distinct smoky vocals in her hit song ‘Bette Davis Eyes’ created a haunting and memorable sound that has stood the test of time. Carnes’ raspy voice perfectly captured the sultry and mysterious nature of the song’s lyrics, which depicted a seductive and enigmatic woman. Her throaty and gravelly voice added a layer of depth and intrigue to the song, making it a classic of the 1980s.
To understand the impact of Kim Carnes’ raspy voice in ‘Bette Davis Eyes,’ it is important to note the following:
- The song spent nine weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1981.
- It won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 1982.
- It has been covered by numerous artists, including Taylor Swift, and has been featured in several films and television shows.
- The unique combination of Carnes’ raspy vocals and the song’s catchy melody created a distinctive sound that has been imitated but never replicated.