WeLuvWhitney, Jun 11, 2023
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Edited by Azizi Powell
This pancocojams post presents some information about singing vibrato.
This post also showcases three serious YouTube videos and two comedic YouTube videos about singing vibrato.
Some comments from these videos' discussion threads are also included in this post.
The content of this post is presented for educational, cultural, aesthetic, and entertainment purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to all those who are featured in these videos. Thanks also to all those who are quoted in this post and thanks to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.
-snip-
I was motivated to research this subject as a result of some comments from the discussion thread of the viral video of five year old Black American girl Zaya Campbell singing the insurance company jingle "Nationwide Is On Your Side" with vibrato. A copy of that video is given as Comedic Showcase Video #1 below.
Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2025/09/the-original-video-of-nationwide-is-on.html for that pancocojams post which includes some of those comments.
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DEFINITION FOR "VIBRATO"
From https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vibrato
"vibrato
noun
plural- vibratos
: a slightly tremulous effect imparted to vocal or
instrumental tone for added warmth and expressiveness by slight and rapid
variations in pitch"
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INFORMATION ABOUT VIBRATO
From https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vibrato
"AI Overview [This is the result of my Google search for “vibrato in Black
Gospel music, September 18, 2025]
"In Black Gospel music, vibrato is used to express emotion,
add power and intensity, and create a "singing" quality on notes,
often being applied liberally and even in dissonant sections to sustain the
vocal instrument and emphasize powerful messages. While uncontrolled vibrato is
avoided, the technique, particularly breath-pulsing vibrato, is a hallmark of
the style, contributing to its distinct timbre and emotive power.
Purpose and Function
Emotional Expression: Vibrato helps convey the deep emotion
and spiritual fervor inherent in gospel music, allowing singers to express joy,
passion, and conviction.
Power and Intensity: Singers may use vibrato to add fullness
and power to their vocal timbre, especially during powerful moments or when
belting.
Vocal Endurance: Some gospel singers use vibrato to help
sustain the voice, allowing them to endure the demanding belting quality of the
genre, according to Robert Payne.
"Singing" Notes: In a similar way to
instrumentalists, singers use vibrato to make individual notes "sing"
and have a more dynamic, expressive quality.
Technique and Style
Generous Application: Unlike in some other genres where
vibrato might be used sparingly, in gospel, it is often applied generously,
sometimes described as being poured onto the notes.
Breath-Pulsing Vibrato: A common type of vibrato in gospel
and R&B involves pulsing with the breath, creating a pulsating sound rather
than an oscillation between two distinct notes. This technique is particularly
effective on high, belted notes.
Contrasting Straight Tone: In a choir setting, a contrast
between collective "straight tone" (without vibrato) and individual
"vibrato" can create distinct effects, with vibrato used by
individual voices to stand out or emphasize a new phrase.
Cultural and Cultural Practice: The use of vibrato in gospel
music is also a cultural practice, where singers emulate styles and sounds
they've learned from other gospel singers.
Control and Avoidance of Overuse
While vibrato is used liberally, there's an underlying
emphasis on control.
Uncontrolled vibrato or a "continuous wobble" that
prevents a balanced sound with other voices is generally avoided.
Singers learn to control their vibrato to ensure it remains
intentional and purposeful, not just an automatic or uncontrolled tremor."
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SERIOUS VIDEOS ABOUT VIBRATO
SHOWCASE VIDEO #1- Whitney Houston’s Best Vibrato Moments (Part 1)
This video is found at the top of this post.
-snip-
Here are a few comments from the discussion thread for this video:
Numbers are added for referencing purposes only.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iD2SXtoMJlw&list=RDiD2SXtoMJlw&start_radio=1
1. @TheoDubs8692, 2023
"The ease and grace with which she hit those big, powerful,
sustained notes with perfect vibrato was exceptional, especially in the
80s! She could literally raise the roof
AND make it look like she wasn't even trying.
Gifted, for sure. Sadly she later
lost that ability to sustain those belts but but while she had it, she was
truly the best singer in the world."
2.
"Whitney's earth shattering vibrato in ONE MOMENT IN TIME
Climax could shake time-space continuum and destroy the entire music industry ☠️🙌😭"
3. PrivyChairLady, 2023
"It's pitiful how so many other celebrities try to copy that
style of singing 😅"
**
Reply
4. @takemyhand1988, 2023
"Vibrato isn't really her copyright you know"
**
Reply
5. @shabrethajennings7291, 2024
"Vibrato is a style of singing any singer can learn it using
the right techniques. No you won't sound like Whitney because the timbre &
colors in your voice will sound different. Many other singers classical and non
classical can sing very well with vibrato."
6.
"best vibrato from the vocal trinity hands down ❤"
**
Reply
7. @lastnightmimisavedmylife, 2024
" @thevoicewhitney well in my opinion yeah, probably just
personal preference. i love the vibrato mariah had in 1993 and 1998, like
specific years but overall due to her vocal situations she's just stopped using
it over time, celine's is technically good but whitney's makes u feel
EVERYTHING! ❤
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SHOWCASE VIDEO #2 - Professional Vocal Coach Teaches How to Sing R&B with Vibrato!
Indie Artist School, Nov 19, 2020 The Singer's Arsenal
Do you sound shakey, wobbly, or pitchy when you try to sing with vibrato? In this episode, learn what not to do and how to finally fix your vibrato! In this episode of The Singer's Arsenal, Kristal Cherelle explains common mistakes singers make when attempting to use vibrato and how to correct them by listening to singers who've paved the way and explaining their techniques as well as examples of incorrect use.
-snip-
Here are a few comments from the discussion thread for this video:
Numbers are added for referencing purposes only.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U22KlEb1Xdc
1. @monisolaelliott9346, 2021
"I’ve been obsessed with people’s vibratos my whole life!
Thank you for this video. You are lovely and knowledgeable and I just
subscribed! I couldn’t imagine my life without singing and music."
**
2. @kevintoler1572, 2023
"Donnie Hathaway had the perfect vibrato, it was very smooth
like a wave, and he often controlled the speed of it. Total control."
**
3. @Activation1111, 2025
"I like to think of vibrato (as well as belting & riffs
& runs),, like a cook would think of seasonings. Unfortunately, some very
talented & well trained singers,, overuse both riffs/runs and vibrato. They
use so much that,,, that the listener could forget what the song was even
about. Because the song is over seasoned.
To the point where the song loses its taste. Musicians can do the same.
Guitar players, saxophone players, piano players, etc. Can simply overdo it.
Although it is amazing that the vocalist has so many tools their vocal
toolbox,, and can do acrobatic things with their voice. But it doesn’t matter
if it isn’t done tastefully. It’s all about quality over quantity. It’s all
about the song."
4.
"Beyonce has great healthy vibrato. I think Fredry Mercury
had fast vibrato. I have it but can’t control it 😩 also I barely hear it.
I know because of recordings"
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SHOWCASE VIDEO #3 -VIBRATO for SINGERS R&B, Reggae, Gospel, etc.
PaulMckayONEvoice, May 24, 2024
-snip-
Here are a few comments from the discussion thread for this video:
Numbers added for referencing purposes only.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Id7Jfvpk07Q
1. @catomeh, 2024
"any tips for someone who struggles with producing vibrato
without "faking" it?"
**
Reply
2. @readyroc7845, 2024
"Its really hard to explain when you have a natural virbrato
the way i learned from boyz 2 men"
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COMEDIC VIDEOS ABOUT VIBRATO
SHOWCASE VIDEO #1 - Take Nationwide To Church!
Everybody Deserves Music Sep 27, 2023
The original singer on this video is Zaya Campbell, who is
the daughter of Erica Campbell. Many have used the sound byte on Tik-Tok and
other platforms.
-snip-
Comments are disallowed for this video. Here are a few comments that mention vibrato from another copy of this video that is showcased on
https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2025/09/the-original-video-of-nationwide-is-on.html :
Numbers added for referencing purposes only.
1. @RocB215
"Got the vibrato of a church mother! Lol so cute!"
**
2. @ItsmeShyllon
"Come onnnnnn vibrato!!! Yessss lol"
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3. @HoodChicTheeSoloWorldTraveler
"She made me wanna shout HALLELUJAH just from the vibrations of her vocal cord 💎"
**
4. @TiffanyMCo
"Hilarious but adorable definitely a old school chuch ⛪️ singer 🎤 on yooool siiiiidddddeeeeee"
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SHOWCASE VIDEO #2 - THE HEAVY VIBRATO SINGER 😂😂😂
Anna Douglas, Apr 20, 2018
-snip-
Anna Douglas is an African American female comedian
Here are a few comments from the discussion thread for this video:
Numbers added for referencing purposes only.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JATlNavxs4
1. @PurposePusher2023, 2018
"My Auntie sing just like that😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂"
**
Reply
2. @pamshairexpo3892, 2020
"My auntie do too lol 🤣😂"
**
Reply
3. @toni-annleone780
"My late grandma"
4.
"Holy ghost vibrato"
**
5. @DavidCurrey4, 2020
"My grandmother's small town Methodist church had a similar
singer back in the 1960s, though a soprano, but with a wide vibrato, though not
as wide as in this video. She was loud,
but had so much gusto, you had to respect her voice."
**
6. @karennierose2381, 2020
"Lol that’s just how they be"
**
7. @Deanofwisdom, 2024
"The infamous wobbles happens to singers when they get older.
I remember sister Dorothy sang like this. 😂😂😂😂"
**
8. @suryabintangsaputra5654, 2024
"i feel like im being attack rn lmao, but funny video though!
i need to work on vibrato cuz its bad as hell haha!"
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