Going, Going .... Gone?

A knowledgeable online group to which I belong called SONGBIRDS* recently discussed the subject of aging voices and whether or not singers with diminished ability should continue as if they were still on top of their game, or slip quietly into retirement. Of course, the deterioration of vocal prowess demonstrated by Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald in the latter stages of their illustrious careers were two spectacular examples of a sort of "show must go on" tenacity, but many expressed their dismay upon hearing ragged technique where once there had been flawless, thrilling musicality.

An internationally-famous cabaret singer has admitted to some loss of flexibility saying her voice has remained strong and supple, if a wee bit less confident in her upper register. She states that "with age, one tends to lose a little bit on top and you must therefore invest in your bottom, which stays strong."

This delicately worded description about how one might adjust to the vagaries of aging vocal chords aptly applies to my own experience. I have a substantial investment in my bottom, and have gone so far as to widen various other portions of my anatomy to accomodate the disparities.

I think my own voice has retained its fluidity, but it's been over a year since the tiniest of notes has passed over my larynx so I can't really say with any authority whether my humble skill as a vocalist still exists. My sister will be my most welcome house guest in a few weeks and we like to sing while driving to the grocery store. I'll soon discover if my top is in tact or if my bottom controls the sound.

Speaking of bottoms, you may know that in England, when friends meet in a bar, one might be heard to ask another: "May I top you up?", meaning "Would you like a refill?". My husband loved the phrase when first he heard it, but he startled friends with whom we were sharing dinner one night by asking: "Honey ... May I cover your bottom?"

I'd like to hear how you feel about aging voices. Just click "Comments" below, right there next to the time stamp.

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*The detailed description of the Songbirds group is lovingly set forth by one of our most respected senior members, Mr. Tom Pierce. Every word he writes is true.