ABSTRACT
With an understanding of paralanguage, the methodology, and The Beatles as a research topic, Chapter 2 examines paralinguistic vocal styles in early American popular song. This is foregrounded in The Beatles’ early setlist songs, cover songs, and outtakes from their formation as The Quarrymen to their split in 1970. The cover song provides a framework for understanding the lineage of paralinguistic influence in The Beatles’ stylistic forebears. Several vocal techniques developed in early American popular song are examined in relation to influences from The Beatles’ most frequently covered artists. This includes Elvis’ use of alternants; Little Richard’s vocal fry, falsetto, and stop time; Chuck Berry’s stop time and falsetto; Buddy Holly’s multisyllables, glottal-stops, and intonation; The Shirelles’ stop time; and so on. This develops an understanding of popular song as a series of overlapping influences, for in each artist one can use a different set of influences to explain stylistic traits heard in their songs.
