What Is It With All The Hand Movements And Gestures?

[dave50]

It's become something of a habit amongst young male singers when performing to constantly do hand movements and gestures as they are singing. Has anyone else noticed this? I think it's only a recent phenomenon.

[B00]

Examples?

[factor-fiction]

I thought it had always gone on, but it doesn't annoy me

[factor-fiction]

Gary Glitter used to do it, and Alvin Stardust, and probably singers long before that

[douglas9401]

Joe Cocker, he's the daddy. :)

[rojash]

... Mick Jagger, Rod Stewart, Pavarotti...

[Canary42]

Al Jolson

[society]

Expression?

[TheOtherHalf]

Tom Jones has always done it and hips too (swoon...........)

[aelmpvw]

Andrea Bocelli proves that it isn't necessary

[andy-hughes]

Most rock and pop singers use body language to enhance the appeal of their performance - if it fits with the style they are singing.

Andrea Bocelli doesn't do it because he has never seen it done since he was a child, so it won;t be learned behaviour. Stevie Wonder who plays and sings far more rhythmically is never still, but without sight, he does not tailor his movements to standard forms, he simply moves as he feels, which looks different to our eyes, but is utterly spontanious.

Some young singers being trained to perform on TV rather than on stage may be encouraged to make more hand movement - a small gesture is more effective on a TV screen - unless you are going for the full-on diva approach a la Dusty Springfield.

[bazwillrun]

Oh, you mean the gangsta rap garbage all the wannabees do....pretty pathetic, but dey fink dey iz kool doin it innit