The contralto or alto voice, the deepest female voice type, has a certain power that emanates from the depths of a well-delivered warm performance, an undeniable pull that draws you in and holds you close. It has often been overlooked, with many popular songs written for higher voices, yet some of the most influential and iconic singers in history have been altos.
As an alto singer myself, their voices are a reflection of my own personal journey through the world of music. I am in awe of how these remarkable women used the power of their contralto voices to leave an indelible mark on music history.
From the expressive resonance of Judy Garland’s Somewhere Over the Rainbow to the enchantingly melancholy Lana Del Rey’s Video Games, contraltos have been the unsung heroines of the musical world – subtly powerful, evocative, and exceptionally satisfying. These women have given us melodies to remember, stories to retell, and emotions that reverberate in our hearts. Among the many vocal fachs (voice types), contraltos stand out, resonating with a profound depth and leaving an indelible bass-y imprint on our musical memories.
Contralto: When Going Low is the High Point
A contralto, or ‘Alto’ for short, is the lowest female voice type. An alto’s hearty sonic spread ranges from F3 to F5 – deep, rich, and irresistibly soul-stirring. When a contralto sings, she doesn’t just perform a song; she navigates an emotional landscape, leaving listeners hooked on every note.
True contraltos are akin to shooting stars in the pop music night sky – thrilling to witness but a rare delight. It takes an orchestra of specific physical attributes to belt out these opulent sounds, making them a precious minority in a sea dominated by soprano sirens. Modern music got the note about an alto’s deep-toned prowess, and when these bass-centric divas step onto the stage, they steal the show!
Pop’s Rich Register of Contraltos
Contraltos have given modern music a unique flavor, taking the simplest tunes and elevating them into lasting legacies.
Starting with the pioneers, artists like Patsy Cline, Cher, and Tina Turner laid the groundwork for contraltos in pop, country, and R&B respectively. Liza Minelli lit up Broadway, and who could forget Doris Day, whose cheerful contralto became synonymous with Hollywood’s Golden Age? Then came the ’70s and ’80s with contraltos like Carly Simon, Bonnie Tyler, Gloria Gaynor, and Annie Lennox dominating the airwaves, each infusing their respective genres with a unique blend of depth and charisma. The passionate rock of Stevie Nicks proved that the contralto’s ‘lower’ register could go ‘higher’ than anyone imagined.
In the world of soul and R&B, the unmistakable contralto voices of Tracy Chapman and Toni Braxton found their home, adding depth and richness to these emotionally intense genres. Sade Adu, with her smoky contralto, gave us unforgettable hits that still define the quiet storm subgenre.
The ’90s and 2000s saw a surge of contraltos across genres, from pop icons like Shania Twain and P!nk, to country powerhouses like Wynonna Judd and Faith Hill, to the Latin-infused melodies of Gloria Estefan. All delivered emotional experiences, one profound note at a time.
The 2010s brought us contemporary contraltos like Adele, Lana Del Ray, and Nicki Minaj, whose powerful performances show that the future of contraltos in pop music shines brighter than ever.
In Conclusion: All About That Bass
From the timeless Judy Garland to the genre-bending Lana Del Ray, contraltos have been the unsung heroines of the musical world – subtly powerful, evocative, and exceptionally satisfying. These women have given us melodies to remember, stories to retell, and emotions that reverberate in our hearts.
So, the next time you’re tapping your foot to a catchy track or exploring a new artist, lend an ear to the contraltos – the deep-diving divas of the musical realm. Trust me, once you start appreciating the warm low tones, you’ll be hooked for life!