just thinking..when one lead singer has a signature sound that defines your group, you are in heap of trouble if they leave the group--for example, lionel richie, james jt taylor, and steve perry. at least if you have more than one lead singer, you can still carry on without them, kinda --maurice white/philip bailey, the eagles etc

meltwithu said:

the only times i remember it working was when Survivor changed to Jimi Jamison and they had a bunch of hits and then when Peter Cetera left Chicago they had a couple hits in 1988

KipWinger said:

It's better with two unless there's only one person that can truly lead the group without extra vocal help.

I would say Diane Ross' departure affected Supremes' sales but the strangest thing about that is for a while the Supremes survived for a bit while it took Diane some good two years before she was fully established as a solo star (i.e., the "Lady Sings the Blues" film).

But with groups like the Temptations and Earth, Wind & Fire, it was easier to share leads because they actually were compatible.

I would chime in with The Marvelettes cause they were known to have 2 lead singers Wanda Young & Gladys Horton.....SOme folks never knew that.....You can tell the difference too cause Wanda had that sex kitten act down especially on Dont Mess With Bill & My Baby Must Be a Magician and Where as for Gladys she had THE Voice on such classics as Postman, Beachwood-45789,Too Many FIsh in the Sea....The Marvelettes treaded on when Gladys left but for a few years until Wanda Youngs drug use was just too much.....But They are still one of my FAV GIRL GROUPS.

I think most work best with just one. It gives a clearer identity. But when you're the Beatles, hey why not two? or four?

Personally, the Single-Singer Theory has always sounded like some marketing mumbo-jumbo.
Supposedly done under the goofy-guise of not wanted to confuse the public.
To me it always added musical interest (different vocal textures) within groups.

The Beatles are an obvious example.
Was anyone confused by what group they were hearing whether John, Paul (and sometimes George or Ringo) sang lead?

A few others:

Chicago - The early albums featured 3 lead singers.

Beginnings - Robert Lamm
Color My World - Terry Kath
Old Days - Peter Cetera

All Top 10 singles. Anyone confused by what band they were hearing?

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Three Dog Night - Again, 3 lead singers
Had a string of Top 10 singles. Any confusion there?


Call me a conspiracy theorist but the Single-Singer Theory sounds like an easy way for management to institute a divide and conquer tactic within groups.



tA

Tribal Disorder

http://www.soundclick.com...dID=182431