I once early in my career, had to visit a throat specialist. I was a soloist, one man, one guitar, who played 6 nights a week, eventually I started getting soar throats and losing my voice. If I was going to continue singing for a living I needed answers right away.

Here's a few of the things he turned me on too, and following them I never had a problem again.

First, and most importantly, don't scream, or do things that aggravate your vocal chords. I use to do a Louis Armstrong impression of "Hello Dolly"...very gruff...had to stop that.

Second , never drink anything shortly before or during a show that has ice in it , or is extremely cold, including water.

Third, if i began to get hoarse, or my throat felt sore, swallow a teaspoon of honey a couple times a day till it went away. Honey is very medicinal, coats the vocal chords, reduces inflamation, and inhibits infections.

Last and the most effective was don't drink any type of alcohol!! I laughed when he said it , and he told me if you have to drink, there's a product called Rock N Rye...its a drink made from fruits,is very medicinal, it's kind of syrupy in substance, get a shot and sip it during your show or while on break. The stuff was a miracle worker! Not too hard on the palette either.

I sang 5 or 6 days a week for 35 years and never had a throat problem again.

Billy Darnell

http://www.billydarnell.com

http://www.songwriterservices.biz