Why Scottish solo pop music artist and session singer Eliza Janet Thomson, known as her stage name, Barry St. John, sang solo and backup for other people like an American singer without the strange Scottish accents
There could be a few reasons why Eliza Janet Thomson, also known as Barry St. John, sang without a Scottish accent while working as a solo pop music artist and session singer. Here are a few possible explanations:
1. Musical style: It is common for musicians to adapt their vocal style and accent to fit the genre and style of music they are performing. In the case of Barry St. John, who in 1968 released her only one album, "According to St. John", she had been singing in a more mainstream pop soul style, which typically does not require a strong Scottish accent.
2. Audience appeal: As a Scottish artist, Barry St. John may have wanted to appeal to a broader audience, and singing without a strong accent could make her music more accessible to listeners outside of Scotland.
3. Studio recordings: When recording in a professional studio, artists often have the opportunity to re-record and perfect their vocals. This may have allowed Barry St. John to fine-tune her accent and vocal delivery to fit the desired sound for a particular song or project.
4. Personal preference: Some artists choose to sing without a strong regional accent because they feel it allows them to express themselves more freely and connect with their music on a deeper level. This could have been the case for Barry St. John.
Overall, there could be a variety of reasons why Barry St. John chose not to use a strong Scottish accent in her music. Ultimately, it may have been a personal decision based on her musical style, audience appeal, or personal preference.
Eliza Janet Thomson, also known as Barry St. John, was a Scottish singer and session vocalist who rose to fame in the 1960s. Despite being born and raised in Scotland, Barry St. John's singing style was heavily influenced by American pop and soul music.
There are a few reasons why Barry St. John may have learned to sing like an American pop soul singer without the distinct Scottish accents. Firstly, during the 1960s, American pop and soul music was hugely popular worldwide, and many singers tried to emulate the style and sound of these artists. As a session vocalist, Barry St. John, would have been expected to adapt her singing style to fit the popular music trends of the time.
Additionally, Barry St. John may have consciously worked on her singing style to appeal to a wider audience. Singers from the UK often faced criticism for their accents, as the American music industry was dominant at the time. By singing without a strong Scottish accent, Barry St. John may have hoped to appeal to a broader audience and gain more success.
It's also possible that Barry St. John simply had a natural talent for mimicking different singing styles and was able to adapt her voice to sound like an American pop soul singer. Many singers have the ability to imitate different accents and styles, and it's likely that Barry St. John was one of them.
Ultimately, Barry St. John's decision to sing without a Scottish accent may have been a strategic choice to fit in with the popular music trends of the time and appeal to a wider audience. However, regardless of her accent, her powerful and soulful voice remains a testament to her talent and success as a singer.
Check out her American singing on her songs like:
Cry Like a Baby
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