THE FALSETTO - YOU MAY BE A BOY BUT YOU SING LIKE A GIRL

 

The falsetto is an interesting concept in vocal styling that has been around since at least the 16th century. It became very popular in the 1960's and there have been thousands of songs sung using this vocal range.

Supposedly, the first recorded example of falsetto was in 1911 by a yodeler named George P. Watson.

GEORGE P. WATSON - "Emmett's Favorite Yodel"

 

In the 1960's, songs with the lead vocal sung in a falsetto became very popular!

"Stay" by Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs in 1961 reached number one on the Billboard charts, and is also one of the shortest hit songs ever recorded. It was only one minute and thirty-six seconds long! 

MAURICE WILLIAMS & THE ZODIACS - "Stay" 

 

Led by the falsetto voice of Frankie Valli, "Walk Like A Man" was a very big hit for The Four Seasons, and it reached number one on the Billboard charts in 1963.

Interesting concept, walk like a man, but sing like a girl!

THE 4 SEASONS - "Walk Like A Man"

 

In 1964, The Newbeats came out with this album called "Bread & Butter," and the title song made it to number two on the charts. Larry Henry is the falsetto voice heard on this tune. Larry went on to write a number of Country hits.

THE NEWBEATS - "Bread & Butter"

So there you have it. Many more groups have gone on to have big hits with falsetto vocals, The Beegees, Tiny Tim, and Prince would be a couple of good examples.

Seems strange but it sure has paid off for a lot of artists!