When the audience is leaving the auditorium after a show or contest, what will they be humming? The

melody, of course (music judges excluded, for reasons we can't explain here.).

It is the lead singer's job to execute (no pun intended) each melody line with precision and flair. It is

this "recognizable line that is familiar to audiences and puts them at ease. Although this makes the

lead part the easiest to learn, it also means that the lead singer is the most vulnerable. When you

sing melody, you can run, but you can't hide.

So, what does it take to be an awesome lead singer? Let's take a look at three of my personal

favorites, and observe what I consider to be their most outstanding qualities. (Keep in mind that these

all-time greats were blessed with phenomenal harmony-part singers who helped support and

showcase their talents.)

• RICH KNAPP-- 1980 International Champion Boston Common. Rich embodies the very best of

singing naturally and believably from the heart. Listeners fall in love with his no-nonsense delivery.

We can all learn from Rich to trust our feelings and emotions when we perform each and every song.

• KEN HATTON -- 1978 International Champion Bluegrass Student Union. Never before or since has

there been a lead singer who commands the stage with more vocal energy and visual excitement

than Kenny. His stage personality also evokes a positive rapport with any audience. We can all learn

from Kenny to sing and perform every note with intensity and a commitment to be the best.

• BOB FRANKLIN --1961 International Champion Suntones. Bob is the consummate professional

showman. He is always prepared and always disciplined in his performance. He is also extremely

adept at singing harmony when called upon to do so. We can all learn from Bob to be aware of our

vocal role in every tune we present to an audience, and to strive to perform it flawlessly.

• Learn basic barbershop chord structures to be aware of proper balance.

• Diligently study successful leads' strengths and adapt them to your own voice and personal style.

• Plan ahead for maximum mental focus in each rehearsal and performance.

• Be fully prepared in every aspect of your music.

• Be consistent -- sing each song the same way every time.

• Practice singing the melody against a continual fixed tonal center -- an electronic pitch pipe works

great.

• Always rehearse as though in front of an audience.

• Develop a physical exercise plan that works for you.

• Drink a lot of water every day to keep your body and vocal cords hydrated.

• Find a great bass, baritone and tenor whom you trust musically, and who in return, have faith in you

to lead them onward and upward.