The term "croon song" refers to a slow, sentimental ballad typically sung in a soft, almost whispery voice. The spelling of the word "croon" is represented in IPA phonetic transcription as /kruːn/. The "c" is pronounced as a hard "k" sound, followed by a long "oo" sound represented by the two consecutive "o's". The "n" at the end is a soft consonant pronounced with the tongue touching the roof of the mouth. So, the correct pronunciation of the term is "kroon sawng".
A "croon song" is a musical composition characterized by a soft, smooth, and intimate vocal delivery, typically performed in the genre of popular music or jazz. The term is derived from the verb "to croon," which refers to a gentle and melodic style of singing characterized by warm and mellow tones.
Croon songs gained popularity during the early to mid-20th century, particularly in the 1920s to 1950s, and were closely associated with male vocalists. The singers would deliver the lyrics with a soft, almost whisper-like quality, often accompanied by lush orchestral arrangements or simple, unobtrusive instrumentation. The style was known for its sentimental and romantic themes, expressing emotions such as love, longing, or heartache.
The croon song has a distinct musical and lyrical structure, featuring slow tempos, smooth melodic lines, and carefully crafted vocal phrasing. The lyrics often encompass themes of love, romance, and personal reflection, lending to the soothing and intimate atmosphere created by the crooning style.
Famous crooners, such as Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and Nat King Cole, became synonymous with this genre, captivating audiences with their rich, velvety voices and evocative interpretations. Over time, the influence of croon songs expanded to various musical styles and can still be heard in contemporary artists who incorporate the essence of crooning into their own unique musical expressions.
The word "croon" originated in the early 18th century from the Scottish and Northern English verb "croon", which meant to hum or sing in a soft, low voice. It derived from the Middle English word "croynen" or "crunen", which meant to groan or make a low sound. Over time, "croon" came to specifically refer to a style of singing characterized by a soft, gentle, and intimate delivery.
The term "croon song" emerged in the early 20th century to describe a genre of popular song associated with this particular style of singing. Croon songs were often sentimental ballads, typically performed by male singers with a smooth and melodious voice. The term gained popularity with the rise of radio and early sound recording technologies, as crooning became a favored style among many popular male vocalists of the time.