DO SINGERS HAVE PD ?

[SGHALDIA]

Friends, please let me know, if you are aware of any singer/vocalist having PD.

[silvestrov]

I know news comes and goes and I often miss headlines because of my pursuits. Linda Rhonstadt has Parkinson's and had to quit singing because of it:

youtube.com/watch?v=6RdUSvS...(Not working as expected?)

[Littlerody in reply to silvestrov]

Should have read all the replies first lol.

[SGHALDIA in reply to silvestrov]

Thank you Silvstrov.

[SGHALDIA in reply to silvestrov]

Thank you Silvestrov.

[Hidden]

Most people with Parkinson,s will have vocal issues. We have a group out here called the tremble cliffs that helps those with Parkinson's sing. ( lets see singers with Parkinson's) Linda Ronstadt , Johnny Cash , Maurice White , Vincent Price . He didn't actually sing but who can forget his voice on Micheal Jackson's Thriller.

[Hidden]

There is someone new on our site [ andyij ] who is a musician and I know a singer songwriter Mick Beaman who lives in AZ .

[MickBeaman in reply to Hidden]

[oceanflower]

I'm a singer with Parkinson's, but, sorry, not a famous one! I never made much money at it, as it has been more of an outlet for fun and artistic expression for me. I have sung jazz, pop, and folk. I've been in bands and trios and performed in restaurants, bars, coffee houses - mostly in my '30s and '40s. I'm 54 now.

My voice is affected for sure, and it's really disheartening. Basically, most of my singing troubles are due to not getting enough air. (weak or unresponsive diaphragm/lung muscles? I'm not sure what's going on, honestly). I'm keeping it as strong as I can with vocal exercises, but even then, my pitch is sometimes flat, and I've lost my vocal agility for difficult melodic lines. Luckily, I can sing the blues quite well still, and in a tenor range rather than my usual alto range. And, I really do love singing the blues!

I will join the Lee Silverman "out loud" LSVT (I think that's the acronym) exercise session when it runs again at the local hospital. This is supposed to help people with Parkinsons with all voice troubles.

I saw a speech therapist who works with singers, and is also familiar with LSVT - she told me not to give up, and that she is helping a fellow with Parkinson's who sings in the Bach choir here in Vancouver.

I myself am in a choir, but am feeling less and less confident. If I start singing really out of tune, I'll have to go, but for now, I can get away with being part of the group, and sometimes I even take on a solo part.

[paddyfields in reply to oceanflower]

My speaking voice is not affected at all - result of teaching primary age group? However, when I try to sing all that comes out is a few squeaks.

[oceanflower in reply to paddyfields]

Interesting. Were you able to sing well before your PD symptoms?

[SGHALDIA in reply to oceanflower]

Dear Oceanflower,

I feel better after singing and I believe it helps to recover. Thank you.

[paddyfields]

My voice changed until dx with under active thyroid. Once on the medx for this I was able to sing in tune for my own satisfaction and I didn't seem to have problem when helping with a baby/nursery class until I stopped three years ago. I have only recently realised that I can't produce a note. The vocal chords are a muscle I believe and sustaining repetition is a problem with PD~D so I suppose they just won't vibrate

[Beckey]

Boy I sure did notice a difference and what a downer! I used to love singing. Like Oceanflower, just for fun and camaraderie. I still have a small lower range but I sometimes hit the wrong note entirely.

[Coling]

Hi I am a singer with early PD , so far no problems, although Linda Ronstad stopped singing due to PD. I have a feeling effects are variable

[Littlerody]

Linda ronstadt was diagnosed several years before she went public. I believe she was around 65. Sad such a beautiful voice. Be well. Judy

[danielnow]

Linda rhonstadt

[Ballerina335]

Hi

I am a singer who has just recently been diagnosed with PD.Like Ocean flower I am not famous but did it as a hobby. Since my diagnosis I have spent a lot of time going over in my mind, trying to think when it began and I remember feeling worried and less confident about my singing abilities two years previous to dx.It feels like another piece of the jigsaw of me trying to make sense of this shocker. Im still at the stage of wondering "how did this happen to me?"

I still do a bit of singing and it can still sound nice but keen to keep vocals strong and I am awaiting Lee Silverman course.

I would feel quite sad if I couldn't sing my favourite songs even to myself.

[BUZZ1397]

Linda Rhondstat