by How Songs Shaped Michael Bublé into a Great Performer
When singer Michael Bublé first emerged on the music scene in the early 2000s, he was quickly labeled a “throwback” artist for his tribute-style performances of classic jazz and swing era songs. While Bublé’s love and respect for the music of icons like Frank Sinatra was certainly a driving force behind his career, it would be reductive to say that is all there was to his success. A deeper look reveals how mastering those classic songs served as Bublé’s musical education and training ground, shaping him into the skilled vocalist and captivating live entertainer he is today.
From a young age, Bublé was enamored with the music and style of Rat Pack performers like Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr. He spoke of listening to their records endlessly as a child growing up in Burnaby, British Columbia [1]. Those early exposures introduced Bublé to a specific vocal technique and phrasing approach that became the foundation for his own singing. Rather than just being a fan, Bublé immersed himself in studying every nuance of how the greats delivered their material. He broke down phrasing, breath control, dynamics, and emotional expression found in their recordings.
In his early club performances, Bublé began putting those lessons to use by covering songs from his heroes. This allowed him an opportunity to not just sing the songs, but to intimately dissect them. He had to analyze lyrics, melody, arrangement, and storytelling elements to recreate an authentic performance. In the process, Bublé was honing his raw vocal talent through repetitive practice. He worked to match the ease and control exhibited by his idols, pushing himself to smoothly navigate their intricate melodic lines and rhythmic sensibilities.
This period of intense study and imitation was Bublé’s musical training ground. He used classic songs as his curriculum, learning technique through each new interpretation. Beyond just replicating what he heard on record, Bublé also started developing his own artistic perspective. He made subtle interpretive choices to put his own stamp on songs while still paying homage to the originals. Gradually, Bublé’s singing evolved from mimicry into genuine artistry as he organically blended outside influence with his personal style.
As Bublé’s skills progressed through mastering more complex songs, he was ready to take his shows to a higher level. While the music provided the core of his early performances, Bublé recognized the need to also captivate audiences physically and emotionally. He began focusing on stage presence, pacing, and audience engagement techniques. Bublé started incorporating more movement and facial expressions and learning how to better connect with crowds between songs through casual banter.
These efforts transformed Bublé from a talented singer to a true entertainer. He brought a lively energy and charm to each show that kept people entertained from start to finish. Whether delivering soaring vocals or joking with fans, Bublé displayed a magnetic charisma. Audiences could sense his pure joy and passion for the music, drawing them further into each performance. It was this added dimension of showmanship, built upon his musical studies, that truly set Bublé apart from other retro-styled artists.
By his 2005 self-titled breakthrough album, Bublé had cemented his status as a modern-day crooner [2]. While paying tribute to the great American Songbook, he infused performances with his own personality. Bublé’s technical singing was now matched by captivating stage presence. He seamlessly blended musical mastery with genuine showmanship. Each new album cycle found Bublé stretching creatively while still honoring his influences. His concerts became full-fledged productions that transported audiences back in time.
Over a decade later, Bublé has solidified his place among the elite vocalists and entertainers in pop music. He continues honing his craft with each new album, effortlessly gliding between genres. Bublé’s live shows are massive spectacles that sell out arenas worldwide. Far beyond being a mere “tribute act”, he has truly made the music his own through dedication to his art. Bublé has also given back by introducing new generations to the timeless songs that first inspired him.
In the end, it is reductive to say that songs alone shaped Michael Bublé into a great performer. Yes, those classic tunes exposed him to invaluable vocal and interpretive lessons from the greats. But it was Bublé’s passionate study and mastering of techniques through songs that allowed his raw talent to blossom. He then built upon that musical foundation by cultivating his own charismatic stage presence. Through years of refining his skills both in and out of the recording studio, Bublé has emerged as one of the premier live entertainers today. His career exemplifies how fully immersing oneself in the music of masters can serve as the ultimate training ground for artistic growth.
In conclusion, while songs played a pivotal role in Michael Bublé’s development, to say they solely made him a great performer neglects his dedication and hard work. The classics introduced him to time-tested performance styles and pushed him to constantly improve. By relentlessly practicing and analyzing those songs, Bublé honed his technical singing and emotional delivery. He then brought his own exuberant personality to elevate performances into riveting live shows. Through passionate study and lifelong refinement of his multi-dimensional talents, Bublé has more than earned his place among the elite entertainers who first inspired him.
