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danielmount -> RE: The Inspirations Thread... (12/1/2006 6:35:08 AM)
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quote:
ORIGINAL: InspirationsNut
The reason that Archie has lasted so long as a tenor is because Martin makes sure that the songs The Inspirations sing are within his (Archie's) range. All too often, tenor singers sing too high for comfort, and, while they sound good for a while, they burn out in a few years.
Martin said he almost ruined Archie's voice back in the 70s, when they would do the "Smokey Mountain Trio," which featured Archie on HIGH tenor, Eddie Deitz on lead, and Troy Burns on baritone. They sang too high for Archie, and it almost cost him his voice, but when they quit doing that arrangement, Archie's voice returned to normal.
I hate to say it, but I've noticed Archie's voice is beginning to show signs of age. Their last album clearly showed it, in my opinion...but 42 years in the same part is phenomenal!
I've often wondered what would happen to The Inspirations if and when Archie and Martin retire...would they keep going with new personnel?? Would they retire the name?? Personally I don't want to think about it! [:o]
You make some good observations. Archie's voice is beginning to show signs of age, and has to an extent for the past ten years or so. (Compare any of their recent CDs with their old '60s and early '70s records, and you will easily hear a difference.) You said, "42 years in the same part is phenomenal." That is true, but it is beyond phenomenal when that part is tenor, a part that wears singers out faster than any other.
I think that Mike Holcomb, Matt Dibler, and Melton Campbell (or at least two of the three) will want to keep singing after Martin and Archie hit their final notes. Whether or not Martin gives them the "Inspirations" name, I would not be surprised to see them find a pianist and a tenor and keep up the good work. I'd love to see Mike Holcomb as an emcee!
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