vocalist
A singer, typically one who performs with a jazz, pop, or rock group, or as a soloist.
While 'singer' is a general term for anyone who uses their voice to make music, 'vocalist' is often used to imply a higher level of professional skill, technical training, or a specific role within a musical ensemble.
Word relationships
- singer: Singer is a more common, everyday term, whereas vocalist is slightly more formal and often used in professional or technical musical contexts.
- crooner: A crooner is a specific type of vocalist who sings soft, intimate pop or jazz standards, typically accompanied by a full band or orchestra.
- instrumentalist: An instrumentalist plays a musical instrument, whereas a vocalist uses their voice as the instrument.
Commonly confused with
- vocalizer: A vocalizer is someone who makes vocal sounds (not necessarily musical), whereas a vocalist is a trained musical performer.
Word family
- vocal (adjective): Relating to the human voice.
- vocalize (verb): To produce vocal sounds; to sing with lyrics or vowels.
Collocations
- lead vocalist
- guest vocalist
- female vocalist
- male vocalist
- trained vocalist
Example sentences
- "The jazz quartet was joined by a guest vocalist whose smooth delivery captivated the audience." A jazz band review.
- "A great vocalist does not merely sing the notes; they interpret the story behind the music." A classic music industry quote.
Memory hook
Think of a 'vocalist' as an instrumentalist whose instrument is their 'vocals' (voice). They are a specialist of the voice. A vocalist is a specialist of the vocal instrument.
When not to use
Do not use 'vocalist' to describe someone who only sings casually in the shower or as a hobby, unless you are speaking in a slightly playful or formal tone.
Fun facts
- In the early days of jazz and big band music, vocalists were often referred to as 'band singers' and were considered secondary to the instrumental soloists, a dynamic that flipped entirely in the mid-20th century.
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