Crooner Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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crooner

[หˆkruหnษ™r ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

music

A singer, typically a male one, who sings sentimental songs in a soft, low voice.

Synonyms

balladeer, singer, vocalist.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
crooner

Same as above.

singer

A general term for anyone who sings, regardless of style, genre, or professionalism.

  • She's an incredibly talented singer who can perform anything from opera to pop.
  • The competition drew singers from all over the country.
vocalist

Often used to describe a professional or skilled singer, particularly in contexts where the technical or artistic quality of the singing is emphasized.

  • The band's lead vocalist has a powerful and unique voice.
  • As a jazz vocalist, he had impeccable control over his pitch and tone.
balladeer

Refers to a singer who specializes in performing ballads, which are narrative songs telling stories, often romantic or tragic.

  • As a renowned balladeer, she brought tears to the audience's eyes with her emotional storytelling through song.
  • The festival celebrated traditional balladeers who sang historical and folk tales.

Examples of usage

  • He was known as a crooner for his romantic ballads.
  • The crooner's voice filled the room with emotion.
  • She enjoyed listening to the crooner's smooth vocals.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • Famous crooners like Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra helped define the genre in the 20th century, making it a staple of American music.
  • Crooning has influenced various genres, including jazz, pop, and country, inviting listeners to feel a personal connection with the music.
  • The modern era has seen new crooners like Michael Bublรฉ and Adele carry on the tradition, attracting both old and new fans.

History

  • Crooning became popular in the 1920s and 1930s, a time when radio broadcasts transformed how music was enjoyed in homes.
  • During WWII, crooners provided comfort and escape to soldiers and their families through sentimental love songs.
  • The Great American Songbook features many timeless pieces sung by crooners, showcasing their influence on music history.

Music Techniques

  • Crooners often use vibrato and phrasing to enhance emotional expression in their performances.
  • The use of microphones allows crooners to sing softer and more intimately, unlike earlier styles that required powerful vocal projection.
  • Contrast in dynamicsโ€”moving from quiet whispers to louder crescendosโ€”helps convey a range of feelings in their music.

Psychology

  • The soothing qualities of crooning can evoke feelings of nostalgia and comfort, connecting deeply with listenersโ€™ emotions.
  • Studies suggest that soft music, similar to crooning, can reduce stress and create a sense of calm.
  • Fans often form strong attachments to crooners, seeing them as relatable figures who express shared experiences of love and longing.

Origin of 'crooner'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'crooner' originated in the early 20th century from the word 'croon', which means to sing softly or to hum.
  • The style became popular with the advent of the microphone, allowing artists to sing in a more intimate and quieter manner.
  • Initially, the term referred to male singers who had a smooth delivery, but it has since been embraced by female artists as well.

The term 'crooner' originated in the 1930s and was used to describe male singers who had a soft, intimate singing style. It became popular during the big band era and was associated with romantic ballads. Crooners often performed in nightclubs and on radio broadcasts, captivating audiences with their smooth vocals and emotional delivery.


See also: croon, crooning.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,140, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.