Crooners is a word that refers to male singers who often sing romantic ballads in a soft, gentle voice. The word is spelled as [kro͞onərs] in IPA phonetic transcription. The initial sound 'cr' is pronounced like 'k', followed by a long 'oo' sound 'u', and then 'n' and 'er' sounds. The 'er' sound in the end is prominent for this word indicating a plural form. The word has been derived from the verb 'to croon', which means to hum or sing softly in a pleasing tone.
A crooner refers to a popular singer, typically male, known for his smooth and polished vocal style. The term "crooner" originated in the early 20th century and gained prominence during the golden age of radio in the 1930s and 1940s. These singers were beloved for their sentimental and romantic ballads that evoked feelings of nostalgia and gentle emotions.
Crooners are characterized by their intimate, mellow, and controlled vocal techniques. They often utilize a combination of breathy and vibrato-infused singing to convey lyrics in a heartfelt manner. Crooners were heavily associated with the big band and swing era, often performing alongside orchestras or smaller ensembles. They sang not only romantic ballads but also popular jazz and standards of the time.
Famous examples of crooners include Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Dean Martin, Perry Como, and Nat King Cole. These artists had distinctive, velvety voices and an effortless delivery that captivated audiences. Crooners were typically skilled at engaging listeners with their smooth phrasing, impeccable timing, and nuanced interpretations. Their songs often tapped into universal themes of love, romance, longing, and hope, leaving lasting impressions on listeners.
While the popularity of crooners declined with the rise of rock and roll in the 1950s, their influence continued to shape popular music, and many subsequent artists have drawn inspiration from their timeless style. Today, the term "crooner" may also be used more broadly to describe any singer who specializes in sentimental, melodic performances, regardless of gender.
The word "crooner" originated in the United States in the early 20th century. It first appeared in the 1915 song "In Search of Peg o' My Heart" by Harry Tierney and Alfred Bryan. Initially, "crooner" referred to a male singer who sang in a soft, intimate, and sentimental style.
The term itself is believed to be onomatopoeic, imitating the sound of someone singing or humming in a low, smooth, and melodious manner. The word "croon" likely imitates the soft, expressive vocal technique employed by these singers.
The popularity of crooners surged in the 1930s and 1940s, with iconic artists like Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and Nat King Cole becoming the embodiment of the crooning style. The term "crooner" became closely associated with these performers, defining a specific genre within popular music.