Quote Of The Day:
“Use it or lose it” – Jimmy Connors
Recently on a wonderful trip to Palm Springs I had the opportunity to go and see a friend play sax and flute with a wonderful jazz quartet. The second sax player on the gig was also one of the vocalists for the band. When the man sang his featured songs I was mesmerized with the beautiful tone, fabulous pitch, and amazing control that he possessed. Why was I blown away with this particularly engaging singer? Because he is 82 years old.
His name is Don Shelton and he was a part of the vocal groups called, The Hi-Lo’s and The Singers Unlimited from the 50’s to the 80’s. He also spent 25 years in Chicago singing National jingles. Check this clip of The Hi-Lo’s and Frank Sinatra. Don is far right on the screen.
After the quartet’s set I got an opportunity to chat with Don and ask him how he still sings so amazingly well at 82. It was a pretty simple answer. He sings everyday. I was so impressed and inspired by this man. When I think of singing octogenarians I usually think of “warbly” sounding voices. This man still sings as well as a man less than half his age. Gives me faith that if I keep singing everyday I’ll still be able to pull off the big disco diva notes with bang on pitch and power when I am in my 80’s, hence the “use it or lose it” quote off the top. After all, singing is a lot of muscle training and memory much like athletics. Gotta go… time to do my daily vocal workout.
Until Next Time… Breathe and Happy Singing
Angela
