40-650: Colin Patrick Henry Meloy (born October 5, 1974) is an American musician, singer-songwriter and author best known as the frontman of the Portland, Oregon , indie folk rock band the Decemberists . In addition to vocals, he performs with an acoustic guitar, 12-string acoustic guitar , electric guitar, bouzouki , harmonica and percussion instruments. Meloy was born in Helena, Montana . He attended
80-600: A cameo appearance as himself with the rest of the Decemberists at the Unity Concert along with other notable artists such as Jeff Tweedy , Ginuwine , and Yo La Tengo . On February 24, 2006, Carson Ellis , Meloy's wife, gave birth to a son, Henry "Hank" Meloy. Ellis shares her birthday with Meloy, and produces much of the Decemberists' album and promotional artwork. In 2010, Meloy revealed that Hank has high functioning autism . On March 14, 2013, Ellis gave birth to another child, Milo Cannonball Meloy. Meloy's sister
120-533: A cameo appearance as himself with the rest of the Decemberists at the Unity Concert along with other notable artists such as Jeff Tweedy , Ginuwine , and Yo La Tengo . On February 24, 2006, Carson Ellis , Meloy's wife, gave birth to a son, Henry "Hank" Meloy. Ellis shares her birthday with Meloy, and produces much of the Decemberists' album and promotional artwork. In 2010, Meloy revealed that Hank has high functioning autism . On March 14, 2013, Ellis gave birth to another child, Milo Cannonball Meloy. Meloy's sister
160-542: A compilation of Portland, Oregon artists to support a children's charity, and in mid-2006, he contributed the track "Lazy Little Ada" on the Kill Rock Stars compilation, The Sound the Hare Heard . In 2007, Meloy lent his voice to an episode of Lil' Bush . He appeared with Charlie Salas-Humara in the music video for "A Pillar of Salt" by The Thermals . In 2005, Meloy went on his first solo tour to support
200-419: A compilation of Portland, Oregon artists to support a children's charity, and in mid-2006, he contributed the track "Lazy Little Ada" on the Kill Rock Stars compilation, The Sound the Hare Heard . In 2007, Meloy lent his voice to an episode of Lil' Bush . He appeared with Charlie Salas-Humara in the music video for "A Pillar of Salt" by The Thermals . In 2005, Meloy went on his first solo tour to support
240-460: A cover of Jackson C. Frank 's " Blues Run the Game " as well as a version of " Joe Hill " alongside Joan Baez and Gillian Welch . In 2004, Meloy wrote a 100-page book about The Replacements ' third album, Let It Be , released as part of the 33⅓ series. In 2010, Meloy wrote a short story, The Grievous Demise of Mr. Whitley Rackham , illustrated by his wife, Carson Ellis, and published as
280-407: A cover of Jackson C. Frank 's " Blues Run the Game " as well as a version of " Joe Hill " alongside Joan Baez and Gillian Welch . In 2004, Meloy wrote a 100-page book about The Replacements ' third album, Let It Be , released as part of the 33⅓ series. In 2010, Meloy wrote a short story, The Grievous Demise of Mr. Whitley Rackham , illustrated by his wife, Carson Ellis, and published as
320-465: A leadership role in rehearsals, unless there is a bandleader who takes on this role. If the lead singer is a singer-songwriter, she or he may write some or all of the lyrics or create entire songs (including chords and melodies). Examples of a lead vocalist in rock music are Freddie Mercury from Queen and Mick Jagger from the Rolling Stones . Similarly in soul music, Smokey Robinson was
360-540: A limited (200 copies), numbered letterpress edition . Meloy made his debut as a children's writer with Wildwood , also illustrated by Ellis. He kicked off the book tour as the keynote of the AJC Decatur Book Festival on September 2, 2011. Meloy released a sequel, Under Wildwood , in 2012, and the third book in the series, Wildwood Imperium , was released in 2014. In October 2017, Meloy released his fourth children's book, The Whiz Mob and
400-458: A limited (200 copies), numbered letterpress edition . Meloy made his debut as a children's writer with Wildwood , also illustrated by Ellis. He kicked off the book tour as the keynote of the AJC Decatur Book Festival on September 2, 2011. Meloy released a sequel, Under Wildwood , in 2012, and the third book in the series, Wildwood Imperium , was released in 2014. In October 2017, Meloy released his fourth children's book, The Whiz Mob and
440-412: A new thing.'" The Decemberists formed in 2000 after Meloy met Nate Query , who introduced him to keyboardist Jenny Conlee , and the three scored a silent film together. Meloy had met multi-instrumentalist Chris Funk , who was a fan of Tarkio, at a solo show prior to meeting Conlee and Query. Since its formation, Meloy has served as the band's singer, guitarist, and principal songwriter. His work with
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#1732798245113480-411: A new thing.'" The Decemberists formed in 2000 after Meloy met Nate Query , who introduced him to keyboardist Jenny Conlee , and the three scored a silent film together. Meloy had met multi-instrumentalist Chris Funk , who was a fan of Tarkio, at a solo show prior to meeting Conlee and Query. Since its formation, Meloy has served as the band's singer, guitarist, and principal songwriter. His work with
520-682: A solo version of "Oh No". Meloy began another solo tour in April 2008. This coincided with the release of his debut solo album, Colin Meloy Sings Live! , on the Kill Rock Stars label. Singer-songwriter Laura Gibson was the supporting act for the full tour. As with previous EPs, Meloy sold an EP only available on this run: Colin Meloy Sings Sam Cooke , a collection of five Sam Cooke songs, arranged and performed by Meloy, with Gibson singing harmonies. Meloy appeared in
560-490: A solo version of "Oh No". Meloy began another solo tour in April 2008. This coincided with the release of his debut solo album, Colin Meloy Sings Live! , on the Kill Rock Stars label. Singer-songwriter Laura Gibson was the supporting act for the full tour. As with previous EPs, Meloy sold an EP only available on this run: Colin Meloy Sings Sam Cooke , a collection of five Sam Cooke songs, arranged and performed by Meloy, with Gibson singing harmonies. Meloy appeared in
600-497: Is Maile Meloy , a fiction writer often published in The New Yorker and The New York Times , and his aunt is Ellen Meloy , who was also a writer. See: The Decemberists discography Frontman The lead vocalist in popular music is typically the member of a group or band whose voice is the most prominent melody in a performance where multiple voices may be heard. The lead singer sets their voice against
640-690: Is an American musician, singer-songwriter and author best known as the frontman of the Portland, Oregon , indie folk rock band the Decemberists . In addition to vocals, he performs with an acoustic guitar, 12-string acoustic guitar , electric guitar, bouzouki , harmonica and percussion instruments. Meloy was born in Helena, Montana . He attended the University of Oregon in Eugene for two years, studying English and theatre, before "a longing to be back in Montana" led him to study creative writing at
680-508: Is often the front man or front woman , who may also play one or more instruments and is often seen as the leader or spokesman of the band by the public. In K-pop , the lead vocalist is often referred to as a vocalist with the second-best vocal technique. It is uncertain when the term "lead vocals" was first used, but it may have emerged in the late 1930s, when rich vocal interplay with multiple voices where one or more voices may dominate began to impact on North American popular music, which
720-519: The University of Montana in Missoula . After graduating in 1998 he left Montana again for Oregon. While in high school, Meloy was in the band Happy Cactus, and when in college, in Missoula, he was the lead singer and songwriter for Tarkio . Both were indie / folk / alternative country bands. Soon after graduation, he left Tarkio and moved to Portland with the hope of establishing himself among
760-530: The University of Oregon in Eugene for two years, studying English and theatre, before "a longing to be back in Montana" led him to study creative writing at the University of Montana in Missoula . After graduating in 1998 he left Montana again for Oregon. While in high school, Meloy was in the band Happy Cactus, and when in college, in Missoula, he was the lead singer and songwriter for Tarkio . Both were indie / folk / alternative country bands. Soon after graduation, he left Tarkio and moved to Portland with
800-430: The accompaniment parts of the ensemble as the dominant sound. In vocal group performances, notably in soul and gospel music , and early rock and roll , the lead singer takes the main vocal melody, with a chorus or harmony vocals provided by other band members as backing vocalists. Lead vocalists typically incorporate some movement or gestures into their performance, and some may participate in dance routines during
840-533: The 1960s, and in US groups such as The Beach Boys . From these various points – including Motown – it went on to become a standard device in much rock and pop music. In some bands – most famously, The Beatles – the role of lead singer alternated (in this case, principally between two performers), while in others – for example, Herman's Hermits – one lead singer dominated. There are as many types and styles of lead singer as there are styles and genres of music. However,
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#1732798245113880-575: The 2013 documentary film Another Day, Another Time: Celebrating the Music of "Inside Llewyn Davis" , which detailed a one-off concert in New York City honoring traditional American folk music in preparation for the release of the Coen brothers ' film Inside Llewyn Davis . The concert, organized by T Bone Burnett , featured several notable musicians representing multiple generations; Meloy performed
920-410: The 2013 documentary film Another Day, Another Time: Celebrating the Music of "Inside Llewyn Davis" , which detailed a one-off concert in New York City honoring traditional American folk music in preparation for the release of the Coen brothers ' film Inside Llewyn Davis . The concert, organized by T Bone Burnett , featured several notable musicians representing multiple generations; Meloy performed
960-488: The Decemberists thus far entails eight studio albums, ten EPs, twenty-two singles, two compilations, and two live albums. In 2003 Meloy contributed vocals to the track "The Lady From Reims" on Reclinerland's The Ideal Home Music Library . Meloy also contributed vocals on the tracks "Cemetery Row" and "Twilight Distillery" on The Minus 5 's 2006 Yep Roc release. Meloy covered the Elliott Smith song "Clementine" for
1000-426: The Decemberists thus far entails eight studio albums, ten EPs, twenty-two singles, two compilations, and two live albums. In 2003 Meloy contributed vocals to the track "The Lady From Reims" on Reclinerland's The Ideal Home Music Library . Meloy also contributed vocals on the tracks "Cemetery Row" and "Twilight Distillery" on The Minus 5 's 2006 Yep Roc release. Meloy covered the Elliott Smith song "Clementine" for
1040-488: The Grenadine Kid , also illustrated by Ellis. In September 2022, Meloy released his fifth children's book, The Stars Did Wander Darkling . Meloy has also released two picture books, The Golden Thread: A Song for Pete Seeger (2018), illustrated by Nikki McClure , and Everyone's Awake (2020). In the 2014 two-part episode of Parks and Recreation entitled "Moving Up: Part 1" and "Moving Up: Part 2", Meloy made
1080-422: The Grenadine Kid , also illustrated by Ellis. In September 2022, Meloy released his fifth children's book, The Stars Did Wander Darkling . Meloy has also released two picture books, The Golden Thread: A Song for Pete Seeger (2018), illustrated by Nikki McClure , and Everyone's Awake (2020). In the 2014 two-part episode of Parks and Recreation entitled "Moving Up: Part 1" and "Moving Up: Part 2", Meloy made
1120-479: The city's music scene. There, Meloy worked in a pizza parlor to pay rent while starting his musicianship anew by performing at various open mics , sometimes with no one listening except for the bartender. He later reflected in an interview with The Montanan that this experience helped to develop his musical style in the long run: "'When I was in that position, with nobody to appeal to or scare away, I thought, 'I might as well do whatever I want to do'...And that created
1160-697: The early 20th century, the role of the lead vocalist became more established, although popular groups of the 1930s and 1940s such as the Ink Spots and the Mills Brothers generally used different lead singers on different songs rather than keeping the same lead singer throughout. By the 1950s, singers such as Sam Cooke (with the Soul Stirrers ) and Clyde McPhatter (with the Drifters ) took on more clearly defined roles as lead singers, and by
1200-543: The end of the decade credited group names often changed to reflect the leading roles of the main vocalists, with examples such as Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers and Dion & the Belmonts . Academic David Horn has written: The influence of US rhythm and blues recordings may well be a crucial one in the assimilation of the format of lead singer plus backing group into the guitar-based British ' beat ' groups of
1240-423: The general public. In rock music, the lead singer is often the band's leader and spokesperson. While lead singers or spokespersons for any musical ensembles can be called a front man, the term is used very widely in rock music. Since the position commonly has an expanded role from simple lead vocalists, there have been cases in which the front man for a band is someone other than the lead vocalist. For example, while
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1280-518: The hope of establishing himself among the city's music scene. There, Meloy worked in a pizza parlor to pay rent while starting his musicianship anew by performing at various open mics , sometimes with no one listening except for the bartender. He later reflected in an interview with The Montanan that this experience helped to develop his musical style in the long run: "'When I was in that position, with nobody to appeal to or scare away, I thought, 'I might as well do whatever I want to do'...And that created
1320-421: The lead singer of The Miracles . There may be two or more lead vocalists in a band who rotate singing lead between songs or within songs, such as with The Beatles or Fleetwood Mac , or two or more vocalists may share lead vocals on the same lines, as was often the case with ABBA . The lead vocalist may also be called the main vocalist or lead singer . Especially in rock music, the lead singer or solo singer
1360-419: The lead singer of a group or band is usually the main focus of audiences' attention. The lead vocalist of band is sometimes called the "front man" or "front woman", as the most visible performer in a group. While most bands have a single lead singer, many others have dual lead singers or other members of the band that sing lead on particular songs. The lead singer often defines the group's image and personality to
1400-514: The lead vocalist for the band Fall Out Boy is guitarist Patrick Stump , the bassist and lyricist, Pete Wentz , is generally called the front man, both in the media and by the band members themselves, since he represents the band in most interviews and contributes most to the band's image in the popular media. Colin Meloy Sings Sam Cooke Colin Patrick Henry Meloy (born October 5, 1974)
1440-656: The self-released six-song EP, Colin Meloy Sings Morrissey , consisting of six Morrissey covers. Only 1000 copies of the album were made and they were sold only on this tour. Meloy did a second solo tour in January 2006, playing with Laura Veirs and Amy Annelle. On this tour, he sold an EP featuring covers of British folk artist Shirley Collins . 2006 tour performances were recorded for a live release. Meloy contributed an online bonus track for Lavender Diamond on their Imagine Our Love album, performing
1480-528: The self-released six-song EP, Colin Meloy Sings Morrissey , consisting of six Morrissey covers. Only 1000 copies of the album were made and they were sold only on this tour. Meloy did a second solo tour in January 2006, playing with Laura Veirs and Amy Annelle. On this tour, he sold an EP featuring covers of British folk artist Shirley Collins . 2006 tour performances were recorded for a live release. Meloy contributed an online bonus track for Lavender Diamond on their Imagine Our Love album, performing
1520-457: The show, particularly in pop music . Some lead vocalists also play an instrument during the show, either in an accompaniment role (such as strumming a guitar part), or playing a lead instrument/instrumental solo role when they are not singing (as in the case of lead singer-guitar virtuoso Jimi Hendrix ). The lead singer also typically guides the vocal ensemble and band with visual cues to indicate changes of tempo or dynamics, stops or pauses, and
1560-403: The starts of new sections (unless there is also a conductor onstage, as with a big band or unless an instrumentalist bandleader is providing this role). The lead vocalist also typically speaks to the audience between songs, to give information about a song (such as who wrote it or why it was chosen), introduce the band members, and develop rapport with the audience. The lead vocalist may also play
1600-455: Was previously dominated by solo vocals. The practice of using a lead singer in vocal groups, however, has a longer history: an early form is the " call and response " found in work songs and spirituals sung by African-American slaves. Songs of the late nineteenth century frequently used a leading solo voice (or "call"), followed by a choral response by other singers. As the style developed through early commercial recordings and performances in
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