The Ultimate Jazz Anthem
"Feeling Good" is a masterclass in vocal attitude. Originally written for the musical *The Roar of the Greasepaint – The Smell of the Crowd*, it was transformed by Nina Simone into a standard of liberation and joy. The song demands a rich chest voice and the ability to hold back power until the perfect moment.
To sing this well, you need to be comfortable in your lower register. Nina’s version is iconic because of its slow build—starting with a stark a cappella intro and ending with a full big-band explosion. Here is how to navigate the vocal map.
AI Coach Tip: Don't Rush the Silence
The silence between phrases in the intro is as important as the notes. Our timing analysis shows users often come in too early on "Sun in the sky." Count the beats carefully, or better yet, feel the pulse.
Phase 1: The A Cappella Intro (0:00 - 0:45)
The song begins with "Birds flying high, you know how I feel." This section is typically sung *rubato* (free tempo). There is no drum beat to guide you. You must rely on your internal clock.
The Trap: Making it sound too mechanical. Aim for a conversational tone. Keep the volume mezzo-piano (medium soft) but maintain a focused, forward tone so the pitch doesn't sag.
Phase 2: The Groove (0:46 - 2:00)
The bassline drops, and the brass kicks in. Now you must lock into the rhythm. The vocal delivery should become punchier. On lines like "Dragonfly out in the sun," emphasize the consonants to cut through the heavy instrumentation.
- Resonance: Keep the sound in your chest. If you switch to head voice too early, you lose the "soul" quality of the track.
- Vibrato: Use terminal vibrato—hold the note straight, then add vibrato at the very end of the phrase for style.
Phase 3: The Climax (2:00 - End)
The final section is pure power. The line "Freedom is mine" is often improvised or belted. Nina Simone uses a mix of shouting (controlled vocal distortion) and singing to convey raw emotion.
The final "I'm feeling good" usually involves a vocal run or a scat. Ensure your diaphragm is fully engaged to support these long, sustained notes (up to D5) without straining your throat.
Frequently Asked Questions
In Nina's standard version, the highest belted notes hit around D5, though she often improvised. The song is heavily weighted in the C3-C4 range.
Yes, absolutely. Michael Bublé and Muse have famous covers. Men can sing it in the original key (singing an octave lower) or transpose it to suit a Tenor range.
That "growl" is often false-fold distortion. It requires good breath support. Start by trying to clear your throat gently on a pitch, then add more air. Do not push if it hurts.
