There is something truly special about the voices of families who harmonise, and who often grow up together, sharing tunes and learning their craft. As usual, I don’t want the usual suspects like the Jacksons, so here are some lesser known family harmonies.
Possibly the most famous and significant singing family are the Copper Family, who are English folk singers who can trace their traditions back at least 7 centuries. Here are 3 generations of them singing unaccompanied with Adieu Sweet Rose
This features aging belter Jimmy Barnes of Australian band Cold Chisel. I can’t find any decent recordings of him with his older brother John Swan, so here is Jimmy doing the band’s anti Vietnam war song Khe Sanh :
this is his older brother John Swann belting out ‘If I was a carpenter’
This is a lovely tune, ‘Walking Song’ by Kate and Anna McGarrigle. It is often covered by Kate’s son Rufus.
The Proclaimers are not really my taste, but they were the first group I ever heard singing in proper broad Scottish accents. This is a song about their accents. They are also twins.
This is a clip of two of the sweetest voices and most talented songwriters – Paul Simon and son Harper. A bit rough, but still worth listening to.
This is one of the finest pop videos ever. Simple but surreal, by Split Enz, with the voices of brothers Tim and Neil Finn. ’I Got YOu’ Neil later founded Crowded House
The Handsome Family are married Mr & Mrs Sparkes, but they are wonderful so this is their ‘My Friend’
like like and double like.
I love to sing. The other day one of my dear sons said to me “Mom, you’re just going to have to get over the fact that none of your children can sing. I’m sorry. But it’s true.” I refuse to admit it! I will get one of them to start a family group with me damn it!
Just get a tv show going – worked for the Partridge family and most of them were not musical. Just as long as you’ve got a David Cassady in your brood.
nothing is more beautiful than the bond they share. thanks for sharing them with us.
We frequently sing together daftly at home.
Singing daftly is where it’s at!
It’s not about what it sounds like. Singing is a form of bonding.