Wayne Newton and K.D. Lang -- the eerie similarities

[Auggie27]

Posted: 12/25/07 at 12:01pm

Nothing new here, but every Christmas -- the only time I really hear Wayne -- I notice how much Ms. Lang's homage to Mr. Newton's smoother than a baby's bottom legato almost becomes imitation. She has famously listed his vocal style as an influence (along with Karen Carpenter and Johnny Mathis), so I'm hardly making a startling observation. But this morning, hearing Wayne warble "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" the similarity to K.D. was just uncanny. Take a new listen if you haven't for a while.

It's always revelatory how many performers whose style is perceived to be kitche made indelible impact on others. As Rolling Stone notes, The Carpenters' vocals influenced indie rock style like that of The Cardigans and Stereolab.

[supportivemom]

Posted: 12/25/07 at 12:14pm

Personally, I think kd's voice is MUCH better. I once heard her sing Roy Orbison's Crying and it was absolutely amazing! I can understand why she liked Karen Carpenter because Karen had a pure, rich voice.

[misschung]

Posted: 12/25/07 at 5:08pm

I thought you were going to discuss the similarities in their appearance.

[DMsquared2]

Posted: 12/25/07 at 9:30pm

I thought that too but then I remembered this guy:

[Jane2]

Posted: 12/25/07 at 9:47pm

I definitely hear the similarity. But only in Wayne Newton's very early singing, like in Danke however you spell the rest. KD's voice far transcends the barely speaking that Newton does on stage now!

[misschung]

Posted: 12/26/07 at 9:34am

very true, DM

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 12/26/07 at 9:56pm

"I once heard her sing Roy Orbison's Crying"

Who hasn't? Seriously.