Sigh. Yup, as we get older our voice ages as well. The vocal cords tend to get thinner, less flexible, and dryer, causing more limited range, power, and depth than they once had. Improper voice techniques when singing or talking, as well as smoking, drug use, and alcohol abuse can also damage the cords.
Which makes me smile ironically when people wax nostalgic about how great Freddie's voice was. He was having serious problems with his voice when he was 35-40 years old. Even if he had not contracted AIDs, chances are his voice today, at 73, would be shaky, with limited range, power and resonance. HE wouldn't sound like "Freddie" either.
Brian's and Roger's voices sound "old" to me as well. Again, I shake my head when reviewers write how great they still sound singing in these concerts. Check out Brian singing LOML 14 years ago:
Will Adam's voice sound as great when he is 69? While I hope so, he will probably have to make adaptations to his singing, even tho' he is meticulously careful with his voice these days. So, we cherish what we can hear right now!
Thanks for your thoughts on this. I was surprised about the above bolded part.. when talking? Can you clarify that point?
Yes, it's interesting that those who say that Adam's not Freddie don't seem to take into account what you wrote, and that Freddie wouldn't sound like the mythical "Freddie" now either.
Yes, talking can also damage the vocal cords. Particularly if you are having to talk loudly to be heard over other background noise, or in a large room. You may have found you had a hoarse voice or even no voice at all after screaming thru a 2 hour QAL concert. Same principle. To make that loud noise, you tense your vocal cords tight, and force lots of air thru them. That can bruise the delicate tissues.
Think of a flag in a gentle breeze. It flutters slowly. No problem. But, in a hurricane, it whips back and forth so forcefully, the cloth becomes shredded. You can shred your voice the same way. Using singing techniques of finding your voice's natural resonance, maintaining a lower pitch instead of yelling, and using proper breath support can minimize the wear and tear on the cords when you have to speak in public. And pacing yourself, taking appropriate breaks, and keeping hydrated.
Of course, Adam knows this, and has spoken frequently about maintaining vocal rest on those days when he has gigs. And not doing back to back interviews. Adam does an impressive job of taking care of that billion dollar instrument.
Words make you think a thought. Music makes you feel a feeling. A song makes you feel a thought.
Our church choirmaster and his wife who teaches children to sing through a childrens choir are graduates of Westminster Choir College. They are somewhat north of 69, and report when they go to reunions, the younger singers are all "omg, you can still sing!" It's just that singing can be adjusted for your aging voice.
Looks like Adam and Javi are in The Gulch area of Nashville. That's where he stayed last time....I think The Thompson and it's in the background. Glad they had a nice day to be outside.
"He has something about him, an aura, a kind of ‘dark Elvis’ vibe—and what a voice!" Roger Taylor of Queen.