OldFogey
02-12-2008, 02:00 PM
There's actually a fair amount of rock history that is about singers who developed voice problems, esp. vocal fold nodules ((URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vocal_fold_nodule"]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vocal_fold_nodule). Nodules are like scar tissue on the vocal cords that interfere with normal vibration, causing a raspy quality and making it difficult to produce the full range of sound. They result from vocal strain -- yelling, coughing, but more particularly for singers, over-singing or pushing the voice into unnaturally high registers. They get bad enough and it's like laryngitis -- you can't sing at all.
Here's a shortened version of a list of some well-known singer/sufferers from the wikipedia article:
Luciano Pavarotti developed vocal fold nodules early in his at-the-time mediocre career, leading him to renounce a life of music. Ironically, the psychological release associated with this decision and--soon after--disappearance of the nodules lead to an incredible improvement in his sound quality.
One famous sufferer was Queen pianist and lead singer Freddie Mercury. However, in spite of the fact that he refused to have remedial surgery, he is commonly cited as one of the greatest vocalists ever.
Julie Andrews also suffered from vocal cord nodules, and famously lost her singing voice after surgery to remove them.
Robert Plant, singer of band Led Zeppelin received treatment for nodules in 1973 and possibly 1974. This resulted in a drop in range of voice and a harsh timbre on the 1975 album Physical Graffiti.
Bonnie Tyler, in 1977, found out that she had nodules that were so severe that she had to have surgery for their removal. After the surgery was performed, she was ordered to not speak for six weeks. One day while healing, she accidentally screamed and her voice took on a raspy quality.
Whitney Houston developed nodules during her famous Bodyguard tour in 1993-1994. At the time, she was unable to rest her voice to prevent permanent damage. She has been able to continue a successful singing career since then, but her voice has developed a noticeable, darker and hoarser tone than before.
Bette Midler had developed nodules in 2006-2007.
In October 2006 Jet guitarist and singer Nic Cester was diagnosed with the disease.
Joss Stone also had nodules and was told by doctors that she had to rest her voice otherwise permanent damage could be caused.
Oasis lead singer Liam Gallagher is rumoured to suffer from nodules, based upon some of his live performances in recent years.
Tom Keifer, lead singer of the rock band Cinderella, developed nodules as a result of his singing voice, a raspy, affected snarl. He underwent repeated surgeries for the disorder.
Mariah Carey, in a recent magazine interview, divulged she has had vocal nodules since she was a little girl
As you listen to your favorite singer, it's something to keep an ear out for -- changes in vocal quality, octave swapping, pushing the voice, changing keys. As you sing along in the car or to Rock Band it's also something to be aware of yourself. If you feel somewhat hoarse go gently. Altho' nodules are not a health threat, if you can avoid them you should.
Here's a shortened version of a list of some well-known singer/sufferers from the wikipedia article:
Luciano Pavarotti developed vocal fold nodules early in his at-the-time mediocre career, leading him to renounce a life of music. Ironically, the psychological release associated with this decision and--soon after--disappearance of the nodules lead to an incredible improvement in his sound quality.
One famous sufferer was Queen pianist and lead singer Freddie Mercury. However, in spite of the fact that he refused to have remedial surgery, he is commonly cited as one of the greatest vocalists ever.
Julie Andrews also suffered from vocal cord nodules, and famously lost her singing voice after surgery to remove them.
Robert Plant, singer of band Led Zeppelin received treatment for nodules in 1973 and possibly 1974. This resulted in a drop in range of voice and a harsh timbre on the 1975 album Physical Graffiti.
Bonnie Tyler, in 1977, found out that she had nodules that were so severe that she had to have surgery for their removal. After the surgery was performed, she was ordered to not speak for six weeks. One day while healing, she accidentally screamed and her voice took on a raspy quality.
Whitney Houston developed nodules during her famous Bodyguard tour in 1993-1994. At the time, she was unable to rest her voice to prevent permanent damage. She has been able to continue a successful singing career since then, but her voice has developed a noticeable, darker and hoarser tone than before.
Bette Midler had developed nodules in 2006-2007.
In October 2006 Jet guitarist and singer Nic Cester was diagnosed with the disease.
Joss Stone also had nodules and was told by doctors that she had to rest her voice otherwise permanent damage could be caused.
Oasis lead singer Liam Gallagher is rumoured to suffer from nodules, based upon some of his live performances in recent years.
Tom Keifer, lead singer of the rock band Cinderella, developed nodules as a result of his singing voice, a raspy, affected snarl. He underwent repeated surgeries for the disorder.
Mariah Carey, in a recent magazine interview, divulged she has had vocal nodules since she was a little girl
As you listen to your favorite singer, it's something to keep an ear out for -- changes in vocal quality, octave swapping, pushing the voice, changing keys. As you sing along in the car or to Rock Band it's also something to be aware of yourself. If you feel somewhat hoarse go gently. Altho' nodules are not a health threat, if you can avoid them you should.
