5.26.14 Open letter to Brian, Roger and Adam: My "Wish List"

Ultimately, it doesn't matter how Adam does what he does. If his singing and his voice move you, soothe you, inspire you and amaze you, that is his purpose and his goal.

That said, when you know something about what goes into producing such sound, I think it becomes more amazing, remarkable, unique, and marvelous. Many people think that a TRUE musician plays an instrument. They have tried to play one themselves, and know what amount of time, effort, study, perseverance and dedication it takes to become a master of the craft. But, they think that a good voice is just natural. One rolls out of bed with that sound. It is a gift from the gods.

Of course, nothing could be further from the truth. Which is why I like to share information about singing in general and Adam's singing in specific. My goal is to help folks gain a deeper appreciation for how hard Adam has worked and continues to work, for what he brings to the table that is all HIS, not just the luck of some birth lottery of talent. Perhaps folks will also understand why what Adam does sounds so special, and is not duplicated by other singers.

Yes, Adam was born with certain physiological traits that make that voice possible. He was gifted with the vocal equivalent of a Stradivarius violin. But, if he hadn't studied formally, classically, and if he hadn't been obsessively committed to singing and performing over the many years, we would never have heard what we have been blessed to hear. Just like if someone gifted you a Stradivarius, but you never took lessons or practiced. If you attempted to play, you would sound no better than a beginner on a $50 student beater.

A few of us Adamtopians mention from time to time wanting to hear Adam sing classical music. It is not necessarily because that is our favorite type of music to listen to. Rather, it is because opera, for example, was written for the very best voices with the very best training. It was designed to challenge, stretch, show off, and utilize the human voice to its ultimate. There's no other music that technically comes even close. We want the best singer we know to take on such an ultimate challenge. Just to hear him triumph.

Not that I think he will ever humor us with an opera aria. BUT, he has given us the closest approximation in the pop/rock music world by performing with Queen. The Show Must Go On, and WWTLF come damned close to an operatic aria. I cannot wait to experience them live in a little less than a month!

Cassie you've touched on something that makes me really crazy - the way people almost dismiss or devalue singers who train their voices. I'm seeing it again on The Voice Oz this season where people are almost proud of never having taken a singing lesson or done any training and those who have trained not being given as much kudos. It is nuts. Adam has a gift and a physicality that set the stage, his years of working on his craft is why he is so good. I love that Brian calls his voice "an instrument" and IMO that is one of the reasons that Queen is so amazing - they truly recognised the voice as one of the instruments on stage - no more no less important.