Voice Branding – Page 3

OPRAH WINFREY:
THE QUEEN OF ALL MEDIA

MICHELE J MARTIN

Is there anyone who doesn't know who Oprah Winfrey is? At this point, she no longer needs to use her surname; she is one of the founding members of the single name icon club: Bowie, Prince, Madonna, Gaga, and Oprah.

FROM POVERTY TO PHILANTHROPY

Oprah has come a long way from her beginnings; born into poverty in rural Mississippi to a single mother and raised in Milwaukee's inner city. She overcame severe trauma and tragedy before the age of 15. Despite the otherwise overwhelming obstacles, she seized an opportunity during high school that would alter her course and forever change her life.

"The great courageous act that we must all do, is to have the courage to step out of our history and past so that we can live our dreams.”

DON LEMON:
A VOICE TO LEAD THE WAY

MICHELE J MARTIN

As a CNN broadcaster, Don Lemon has been a familiar member of our households for ~20 years. He's been with us through the best and the worst of times — a trusted, consistent source of news we could look to when we need a calm and rational voice through the noise.

A VOICE FOR EQUALITY

Since joining CNN, Don Lemon has not shied away from controversy. He has vowed to live authentically, coming out as a survivor of childhood abuse by a neighbor in 2010 and as a proud gay Black man in 2011. Ten years later, he is still one of the few openly gay Black men in journalism.

He calls things as he sees them, and sometimes that means calling out his network or colleagues. He ruffles feathers. A lot of them. This has won him awards and, in October 2017, death threats. But, he stays true to his course and remains outspoken, using his platform as a journalist and his voice as a gay Black man to amplify stories of injustice and call loudly for change. Read more about Don Lemon.

"You don't have true freedom until you allow a diversity of opinion and a diversity of voices."

WHOOPI GOLDBERG:
HERE FOR A REASON

MICHELE J MARTIN

For the younger generation, Whoopi Goldberg might be ... the co-host of The View. For my generation, she has been the comedic genius to blame for a lifetime of stomach stitches from laughing too much and too hard. But Whoopi hasn't been just trying to make us laugh, she also has been trying to use humor as a way to change the world.

Have a listen to Whoopi Goldberg explaining how she got her big break thanks to her first one-woman show in the early 1980s:

LENDING HER VOICE

As an award-winning comic and actress, Whoopi Goldberg has made her mark on history, but being famous was never what it was about for Ms. Goldberg. It's always been about much more than just fame.

“I fear waking up one morning and finding out that my life was for nothing. We’re here for a reason. I believe a bit of the reason is to throw little torches out to lead people through the dark.”

Since 1986, when she began by hosting the Comic Relief television specials she has sought out and supported charitable organizations whose ethos she believed deeply in. Along the way, she has received awards for her work as an advocate, philanthropist, and spokesperson.

Whoopi received the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation Vanguard Award for her dedication and support of the gay and lesbian community in 1999. In 2003, she was named a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and in 2013 she joined the board of Garden of Dreams, an organization that helps bring life-changing opportunities to young people in need.

Below are just some of the charities that Whoopi Goldberg is involved with and offers her support to:

21st Century Leaders
AIDS LIFE
American Foundation for AIDS Research
American Humane Association
American Wild Horse Preservation Campaign
Bob Woodruff Foundation
Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS
Cancer Research Institute
Comic Relief
Communities in Schools
Declare Yourself
DonorsChoose.org
Elevate Hope Foundation
Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation
Elton John AIDS Foundation
Exploring The Arts
FilmAid International

Garden of Dreams
Hope North
Human Rights Campaign
Legacy of Hope Foundation
Nelson Mandela Children's Fund
New York Cares
Peace Over Violence
Red Cross
Save the Children
Society for Animal Protective Legislation
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
True Colors Fund
UNICEF
V-Day
Volunteers of America
Whatever It Takes
World Vision

COMIC RELIEF USA

Undoubtedly one of her most well known charitable affiliations has been Comic Relief. Based on the U.K. Comic Relief that was founded to help with the famine in Africa, Comic Relief USA was created in 1986 to focus on issues within the United States, particularly the homeless epidemic. Launched on March 29, 1986, the first special was a 4-hour long telethon premiering on HBO and co-hosted by comic geniuses, and best friends, Whoopi Goldberg, Robin Williams, and Billy Crystal.

That show raised $2.5M. Between 1986 and 2011, Comic Relief USA telethons made and distributed over $50M to provide health care and assistance to the homeless in this country. Learn more about Comic Relief USA and their work today.

WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT HER VOICE

Whoopi Goldberg's vocal style is so distinctly hers. It has this soft rumble to it and when she tells a joke, it takes you on a journey. While it has a wide range, it always maintains that hearty breathy essence. It's the voice of the friend we always want programmed into our phones when we need someone who can make us feel comforted and supported or cheer us up. And if you've heard her get fierce on The View... it is the voice we want standing up for us. It is the voice we want with us in the best and worst of times. We just absolutely love Whoopi's voice.

In the voice and speech technology industry, her voice style is NOT represented in the digital voices currently dominating the markets. We would like that to change. Imagine the possibilities, if the world of digital voice matched the world of human voice. If it was as dynamic and expressive? Representative? Guess what, our advances in speech synthesis mean that now they can be — learn more about AI-Voice.

VOCALiD VOICE TYPE

Cushy Sofa voices are defined as Soft, Deep, Breathy, and Nasal. Learn more about the unique characteristics that make up our voices and voice types here: VOCALiD Voice Types.

This is the seventh in our Iconic Black Voices series. Make sure to come back to our blog every day this month as we highlight more iconic Black voices in celebration of Black History Month.

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LEVAR BURTON:
YOU DON'T HAVE TO TAKE HIS WORD FOR IT

MICHELE J MARTIN

While LeVar Burton's first big break was playing the character of Kunta Kinte in 1977's Roots, it would be his later roles that embedded him in the hearts and minds of the viewing public. As longtime host of children's show Reading Rainbow, visor wearing Geordi La Forge on Star Trek, and more, Burton has been a regular on our television sets for over four decades. But more than an actor, it is for his ongoing quest to democratize reading and education that we celebrate him as one of the great Black Iconic Voices for Black History Month.

A PATH TO SELF-EDUCATION

In July, 1983 PBS premiered Reading Rainbow, a half hour show to excite kids about reading and to help encourage them to read more. It was groundbreaking at the time for its choices in diverse multicultural reading materials, giving kids of all backgrounds an ability to see themselves reflected back on television. His famous catchphrase, "You don't have to take my word for it." ringing in the minds of all who grew up watching Reading Rainbow from 1983-06.

LeVar began as the host and Executive Producer until the show ended in 2006. In 2011, he launched a reboot of the series as RRKids after obtaining rights to the name and branding. Due to legal challenges in 2017, Burton rebranded his reboot as LeVar Burton Kids and created Skybrary, an ad-free virtual library containing 1,800 digital books and videos aimed at children ages two to nine. Skybrary is not only accessible as an app through smartphones, tablets, and gaming consoles, but Burton has also made it available to low-income Title I schools for free.

“We are failing to teach our children how to read and write coherently, and it is my hope that I can be part of the solution by continuing to advocate for children to become more than simply people who know how to read. I want them to become readers for life. Because readers for life tend to be self-educators.”

During LeVar Burton's time with Reading Rainbow it received an unprecedented amount of awards and recognitions. Nominated for 73 Daytime Emmys, the show won 17, several for LeVar's work as host. It received 6 NAACP Image Awards, 3 ACT Awards, and was nominated for countless others. It was the third longest-running children's show in PBS history — outlasted only by Sesame Street and Mister Rogers.

PODCASTER & AUDIO NARRATOR

While LeVar Burton has gone on to act, direct, and produce countless television and film projects over the years, it is his newest focus on voice acting and audiobooks that we are especially enthralled by. In 2017 Levar Burton partnered with Stitcher to create the podcast LeVar Burton Reads - where he releases a new audiobook each week. His voice is perfect for this purpose, engaging and delightful. Have a listen below to one of our favorites, Ray Bradbury's "The Great Wide World Over There".

WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT HIS VOICE

LeVar Burton's vocal style is perfect for storytelling, for engaging and inspiring any age, but also for encouraging the rapt attention of children. We love how dynamic range of expressivity and how his smooth deep voice makes listening and learning a joy.

Voice styles such as his would be amazing in educational applications using digital voice. However, voices such as his aren't currently represented in the digital voices dominating the markets. But, imagine the possibilities, if the world of digital voice matched the world of human voice. If it was as dynamic and expressive? More representative? Guess what, now it can be — learn more about AI-Voice and what we are doing to democratize digital voice in 2021.

VOCALiD VOICE TYPE

Windmill voices are defined as Low, Deep, Breathy, and Nasal. Learn more about the unique characteristics that make up our voices and voice types here: VOCALiD Voice Types.

This is the sixth in our Iconic Black Voices series and a special post for World Cancer Day. Make sure to come back to our blog every day this month as we highlight more iconic Black voices in celebration of Black History Month.

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STACEY ABRAMS:
A WOMAN WHO SPEAKS FOR THE VOICELESS

MICHELE J MARTIN

As the valedictorian of Avondale high school in 1991, Stacey Abrams had earned an invitation to the Governor's mansion — an opportunity to meet him and celebrate her accomplishments with other valedictorians from around her state. Because she was poor and her family could not afford a car, they took MARTA (public bus system) and got off at the bus stop outside the mansion. After walking up the long driveway to the gates of the property, and being passed by cars of students driving in with their families, they stood before the guard station.

As Stacy Abrams has told the story over the years, "the guard looked at my parents, then he looked at me, and he said, “This is a private event, you don’t belong here.”

My parents pushed back, and I got in."

When Abrams looks back on that day she doesn't remember meeting the Governor of Georgia or celebrating her accomplishments with valedictorians from 159 counties and 180 school districts. What she remembers is a man blocking the gates of the most powerful place in Georgia, telling her that she did not belong. "He looked at the MARTA bus driving away and told himself a story about who would be on that bus – and that they did not belong in the Governor’s mansion." she said.

OPENING THOSE GATES

Now, it is her mission to be the one to open those gates. To welcome everyone in. Not just young black women like herself who had were told they didn't or don't belong. It is Stacey Abrams' mission to open those gates wide for everyone in Georgia, because they all belong there.

Because I know we have to have women who speak for the voiceless. I know we have to have people of good conscience who stand up against oppression. I know we have to have people who understand that social justice belongs to us all. And that wakes me up every morning, and that makes me fight even harder. Because I am moving forward, knowing what is in my past.

By 2018 Stacey Abrams was a lawyer, the former Minority Leader of the Georgia House of Representatives, and would soon became the first Black female major-party gubernatorial nominee.

A HISTORIC RACE FOR GOVERNOR

In 2019 she started Fair Fight an organization that helped build voter protection teams in not just her own state of Georgia, but in 20 states across the country. The 2020 Gubernatorial race in Georgia has gone down in history as the closest race since 1966. The final results of the race — Republican Secretary of State Brian Kemp with just 50.2% of the vote. While she didn't win this race, this is just the beginning for Stacey Abrams and her mission to open those gates.

I know what I want, and that is justice. I know why I want it, because poverty is immoral, and it is a stain on our nation. And I know how I'm going to get it: by moving forward every single day.

WHAT NOW?

It was announced on February 1, 2021 that Stacey Abrams had been nominated for The Nobel Peace Prize by Lars Haltbrekken, a Norwegian lawmaker.

Haltbrekken credits voting rights activist and politician Abrams with playing a critical role in helping to register thousands of voters for the 2020 presidential election and Senate runoff election in Georgia. He nominated her for her work to “promote nonviolent change via the ballot box.”

“Abrams’ work follows in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s footsteps in the fight for equality before the law and for civil rights,” said Lars Haltbrekken.

WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT HER VOICE

Stacey Abram's vocal style is warm, friendly, and relatable. She sounds like that respected friend, family member, or teacher that you go to for advice. Her voice sounds confident in whatever she says. It motivates and inspires. Her voice sounds like trust and humility. We love that.

Voice matters to us. As speech scientists and technologists that work in voice technology, we spend a lot of time listening to voices and thinking about what the voice is saying, beyond the words themselves. Whether we are making cutting edge digital voices available to businesses that need voiced content that scales or building AI-voices for individuals living with loss of speech — our goal is to for a world of digital voice that is truly representative of the world of human voice.

Imagine the possibilities, if the world of digital voice matched the world of human voice. If it was as dynamic and expressive? If it was representative of the world we hear everyday. If digital voice could sound authentic and nuanced and express everything that voices like Stacey Abram's voice does, rather than the flat text-to-speech voices of yesterday. Guess what, it can — learn more about AI-Voice.

VOCALiD VOICE TYPE

Beach Ball voices are defined as Soft, High, Modal, and Nasal. Learn more about the unique characteristics that make up our voices and voice types here: VOCALiD Voice Types.

This is the fifth in our Iconic Black Voices series. Make sure to come back to our blog every day this month as we highlight more iconic Black voices in celebration of Black History Month.

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MICHAEL COOPER:
PROFESSIONAL BASKETBALL'S GREATEST DEFENSIVE PLAYER

MICHELE J MARTIN

Drafted in 1978 to the Los Angeles Laker, Michael Cooper became legendary #21. A defensive guard who would go on to play 12 seasons with the Lakers, Cooper helped them get to 11 play-offs and to win 5 championship games. To this day Michael Cooper is considered one of the greatest defensive players in the history of the NBA.

After leaving the Lakers, Cooper would go on to coach across the NBA, WNBA, and varsity circuits. In 2018 he was named coach for 3's Company and in 2019 he joined the Chadwick School as head coach for their championship winning boy's varsity basketball team.

Listen to this podcast from the NBA's 2017-18 season where Michael Cooper breaks down the season, the Lakers, talks about Kobe Bryant, and discusses his early-stage oral cancer diagnosis in 2014.

Scroll down for more information about Michael Cooper's oral cancer diagnosis and his cancer advocacy work since.

THE HALL OF FAME

Michael Cooper was nominated for the Basketball Hall of Fame this past December for his achievements as a player AND as a coach. We wish him the best for September's 2021 Enshrinement ceremony.

PLAYER ACHIEVEMENTS

1979-80

1980-81

1981-82

1982-83

1983-84

NBA Championship - LA Lakers

NBA Championship - LA Lakers
All-Defensive Second Team

NBA Championship - LA Lakers
All-Defensive First Team

All-Defensive Second Team

All-Defensive First Team

NBA Championship - LA Lakers
All-Defensive First Team

All-Defensive Second Team

NBA Championship - LA Lakers
Defensive Player of the Year
All-Defensive First Team

All-Defensive First Team

COACHING ACHIEVEMENTS

2000-01

2001-02

2005-06

WNBA Championship - LA Sparks

NBA D-League Championship - Albuquerque Thunderbirds

I am so honored and excited to be nominated to the @Hoophall class of 2021! #LakersNation #HOF pic.twitter.com/J2HoqTAryj
— Michael Cooper (@ShowtimeCooper) December 22, 2020

ORAL CANCER SURVIVOR

Since his diagnosis with early stage oral cancer in 2014, Michael Cooper has been a staunch advocate for screenings and early detection. He has been a spokesperson for the Head and Neck Cancer Alliance and helps promote the cause whenever possible.

“When I was first diagnosed in the summer of 2014, I had never heard of tongue cancer and I was stunned when I was told that the sore on my tongue was early stage cancer and I needed surgery immediately. Like with all cancers, early detection is key, and I urge everyone to get screened for oral, head and neck cancers by taking advantage of the free screenings offered during OHANCAW [Oral Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week] at hundreds of local facilities throughout the country listed on www.headandneck.org. The good news is that new medical advances, such as recent development in immunotherapy, are improving the chances for a full recovery but early detection is still critical. The ball is in your court…get yourself screened!”

While the Black community does not have higher rates of head and neck cancer, they do statistically face worse outcomes due to a lack of early screenings, detection, and access to treatments. If you or someone you know is at risk to head and neck cancer, get screened by your doctor and consider voice banking as a form of voice preservation in case you require surgery that may impact your ability to speak. Learn more about head and neck cancer in the Black community and about Vocal Legacy, voice preservation for those facing the potential loss of speech.

WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT HIS VOICE

Michael Cooper's vocal style is approachable and welcoming, friendly and open, yet has the ability to command attention when projected. We love that. We haven't heard a similar style represented in the digital voices currently dominating the markets. Imagine the possibilities, if the world of digital voice matched the world of human voice. If it was as dynamic and expressive? Guess what, now it can be — learn more about AI-Voice.

VOCALiD VOICE TYPE

Brook voices are defined as Soft, Deep, Modal, and Oral. Learn more about the unique characteristics that make up our voices and voice types here: VOCALiD Voice Types.

This is the fourth in our Iconic Black Voices series and a special post for World Cancer Day. Make sure to come back to our blog every day this month as we highlight more iconic Black voices in celebration of Black History Month.

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JAMES AVERY:
ONE OF TV'S GREATEST DADS

MICHELE J MARTIN

Little did we know when Will Smith and James Avery walked onto that sound stage that Uncle Phil would soon become one of America's favorite TV dads, let alone... who Will Smith would become!

"What you find in the theatre is that if you're good, no matter what color you are, the audience will buy that - whoever you are."

A RENAISSANCE MAN?

James Avery was more than just Uncle Phil. He was an accomplished scriptwriter, poet, film actor, and voice actor. He was also a veteran of the U.S. Navy, having served in the Vietnam War from 1968-1969.

After the war he relocated to San Diego, where he began a short stint as a TV scriptwriter for PBS before getting a scholarship to UCSD. One of his very first acting jobs was as an extra, uncredited... dancing in this scene outside Ray's Diner.

UNCLE PHIL

After graduation, James Avery would go on to appear in shows such as Hill Street Blues, Brothers, Simon & Simon, Cagney & Lacey, and L.A. Law, but it would be his role as Uncle Phil on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air that would make him a household name. The show ran for six seasons — 148 episodes in total, from 1990 to 1996. Watch the video below for some of his best scenes as Uncle Phil:

BRINGING CHARACTERS TO LIFE

Both during and after Fresh Prince's run, James Avery would continue to appear in a variety of other television and films, as well as voice acting for animated series. His unique voice provided the perfect personality to give these characters dimension and bring them to life.

As the voice of R.L Stine in The Nightmare Room, Keewazi in Disney's The Legend of Tarzan, Gor-illa in Captain Simian & The Space Monkeys, War Machine in Iron Man, or Shredder in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles — his range took him from America's beloved Dad to evil villain Shredder.

Have a listen to the many voices of James Avery:

A CAST REMEMBERS

James Avery passed away on December 31, 2013 following complications from heart surgery. In 2020, Will Smith gathered the remaining cast members for a 30th Anniversary of the Fresh Prince of Bel Air. During this reunion they toured the old set, talked about their experiences, reconciled old grievances, and ... shared an emotional moment, reminiscing about their former cast member — James Avery and his impact on them.

WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT HIS VOICE

His unique characteristic vocal style, while versatile, was truly suited for that role as confident father AND judge - Uncle Phil. It was a voice that emanated trust, stern but empathetic. This isn't a voice we hear represented in the digital voices currently dominating the markets. Imagine the possibilities, if the world of digital voice matched the world of human voice. It can — learn more about AI-Voice.

VOCALiD VOICE TYPE

Motorcycle voices are defined as Loud, Deep, Modal, and Oral. Learn more about the unique characteristics that make up our voices and voice types here: VOCALiD Voice Types.

This is the third in our Iconic Black Voices series. Make sure to come back to our blog every day this month as we highlight more iconic Black voices in celebration of Black History Month.

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SHIRLEY CHISHOLM:
THE FIRST BLACK WOMAN FOR PRESIDENT

MICHELE J MARTIN

On January 25th, 1972 Shirley Chisholm cemented her place in history with a speech:

"I stand before you today as a candidate for the Democratic nomination for the presidency of the United States of America.

I am not the candidate of black America, although I am black and proud.

I am not the candidate of the women's movement of this country, although I am a woman and I'm equally proud of that.

I am not the candidate of any political bosses or fat cats or special interests.

I stand here now without endorsements from many big-name politicians or celebrities or any other kind of prop. I do not intend to offer to you the tired and glib clichés, which for too long have been [an] accepted part of our political life.

I am the candidate of the people of America. "

—Shirley Chisholm

ALREADY AN ICON

By the time she ran for the presidential nomination, Shirley Chisholm was already historic. Before jumping into politics herself, she was a voice for change and action. An educator and leader in League of Women Voters, National Association for the Advancement for Colored People (NAACP), Urban League and Democratic Party Club in Brooklyn.

She was elected to the New York State Legislature in 1964, in 1968 she ran for House of Representatives, winning her seat in the 12th Congressional District without the support of party leadership. With this win, she became the first Black U.S. Congresswoman, and went on to become co-founder of the National Women’s Political Caucus and, in 1971, the Congressional Black Caucus. But that wasn't enough.

In 1972, fed up with the direction the country was going, she got up on stage and in front of the media and the public, she declared her presidential bid. While she ultimately did not win the nomination, she would continue to serve for seven terms in the House, becoming the first Black woman to serve on the powerful Rules Committee.

A VOICE FOR WOMEN, CHILDREN, & IMMIGRANTS

Shirley Chisholm used her lived experiences to influence Congress, introducing over 50 pieces of legislation focused specifically on the needs of women, children, immigrants, those with low income, and people of color.

RETIREMENT?

After retiring from Congress in 1983, Mrs. Chisholm resumed her educational career that she put aside when entering politics. As the Purington Chair at Mount Holyoke, she taught courses in both sociology and political science. In 1984 she would co-founded the National Congress of Black Women with C. Delores Tucker. In 1990, along with 15 other Black women and men, she would go on to form the group: African-American Women for Reproductive Freedom.

RESPECT & RECOGNITIONS

During her life and after, she impacted the lives of countless people, earning her lifelong respect. She has continued to inspire the political careers of many, including our first woman Vice President and first Black Vice President, Kamala Harris, who not only designed her campaign logo to honor Shirley Chisholm but also wore purple at her inauguration which Mrs. Chisholm was famous for wearing throughout her own presidential campaigning in 1972.

Lifetime Recognitions:

Posthumous Recognitions:

UNBOUGHT AND UNBOSSED

Shirley Chisholm passed away on January 1, 2005. She was laid to rest in the Birchwood Mausoleum at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Buffalo, New York. Her vault inscription reads: "Unbought and Unbossed".

WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT HER VOICE

Her unique characteristic vocal style - soft, yet grabs your attention . It projects expertise, instills calm, and the blend of accents from her immigrant parents and diverse neighborhood create a voice that was perfect for a politician for the people. Imagine the possibilities, if the world of digital voice matched the world of human voice. It can — learn more about AI-Voice.

VOCALiD VOICE TYPE

Beach Ball voices are defined as Soft, High-pitched, Modal, and Nasal. Learn more about the unique characteristics that make up our voices and voice types here: VOCALiD Voice Types.

This is the second in our Iconic Black Voices series. Make sure to come back to our blog every day this month as we highlight more iconic Black voices in celebration of Black History Month.

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JAMES EARL JONES:

THE MAN BEHIND THE MASK

MICHELE J MARTIN

Born in 1931, James Earl Jones has been an actor for nearly 70 years. His face is known around the world, his voice, even more so.

AN ICON THAT ALMOST WASN’T

In order to become the man we all know today, James Earl Jones had to overcome something that plagued his childhood and left him nearly mute for his first 8 years. He stuttered. You can read about his struggle on the Stuttering Foundation website.

“Stuttering is painful,” Jones said of his childhood struggle. “In Sunday school, I’d try to read my lessons and the children behind me were falling on the floor with laughter… by the time I got to school, my stuttering was so bad that I gave up trying to speak properly.”

ON STAGE, SCREEN, & THE RECORDING STUDIO

The winner of over 26 awards, including three Tonys, one Grammy, and two Emmys— there is no doubt to James Earl Jones’ wide reaching talent. In addition to his screen roles in Driving Miss Daisy, Cry, the Beloved Country, Coming to America, (and many more) he has voiced some of the most well loved, and feared, characters of all time — from Mufasa in Lion King, Santa Claus, and yes, Darth Vader.

THE POWER OF VOICE — “I AM YOUR FATHER”

James Earl Jones wasn’t originally meant to voice Darth, but could we imagine anyone else doing it? Check out the story behind Darth’s voice below:

Darth Vader’s story is one profound example of how a voice helped define and create a character and shape the audience’s emotional reactions to said character. What do you think? Would Darth Vader be the same powerful figure without James Earl Jones’ great baritone?

WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT HIS VOICE

His unique characteristic vocal style – booming and intense, yet soft. It makes you stand up and listen, but also has the ability to comfort you. Imagine the possibilities, if the world of digital voice matched the world of human voice. It can — learn more about AI-Voice.

VOCALiD VOICE TYPE

Cocoa voices are defined as Soft, Deep, Breathy, and Oral. Learn more about the unique characteristics that make up our voices and voice types here: VOCALiD Voice Types.

Make sure to come back every day this month as we highlight iconic Black voices in celebration of Black History Month.

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WHAT IS VOICE PRESERVATION?

MICHELE J MARTIN

Voice is more than a means to communicate information. It connects us in a deep and powerful way. The sound of a voice, like a perfume, can transport the listener to a time, place, and person in ways that words or images alone can not.

THE ULTIMATE FAMILY HEIRLOOM

This ability to transport us is why we save voicemail messages and videos of our loved ones to listen to when they are away or no longer with us — to archive the memory of their voice.

Voice preservation is the same concept, but with the protection against accidental deletion or technology obsolescence — advances that make that recording or video no longer accessible.

VOICE INSURANCE

Voice preservation isn’t only for preserving the voices and stories of our loved ones. It is also a powerful way to preserve one’s own vocal identity in case of illness or accident. Your vocal identity is the unique way in which you sound, unlike anyone else —like a vocal thumbprint.

Whether you are at risk for head and neck cancer or other degenerative illnesses which may lead you to loss of speech or not, consider banking your voice today as insurance should you need it later. One you bank (or record) your voice in VocaliD’s Human Voicebank, you can rest assured that it will be there for you, should you ever need to have your recordings transformed into an AI-voice. Your AI-voice acts as a custom voice prosthesis allowing you to retain your vocal identity on an assistive communication device or our text-to-speech communication app, MyVocaliD.

Learn more about our AI-voice prosthesis Vocal Legacy and discover how you can retain your vocal identity after speech loss.

VOCALiD — PIONEERS IN CUTTING-EDGE VOICE PRESERVATION

VocaliD brings diverse voice to everyone. We believe in the power of one’s unique individuality and that everyone should have the ability to choose a voice that fits their personality.

Based on the discovery that a single vowel contains enough “vocal DNA” to seed the voice personalization process, VocaliD was founded by speech scientist Dr. Rupal Patel, with a strong social mission to create the first-ever custom voices for those living with speechlessness.

Today, as recognized experts in human speech and voice technology visionaries, our work has expanded beyond the healthcare realm, offering our services to brands, voice talent, and individuals seeking a way to preserve their voice for themselves or their loved ones.

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OPRAH WINFREY: THE QUEEN OF ALL MEDIA

MICHELE J MARTIN

Is there anyone who doesn't know who Oprah Winfrey is? At this point, she no longer needs to use her surname; she is one of the founding members of the single name icon club: Bowie, Prince, Madonna, Gaga, and Oprah.

Interested in what a professional voice coach thinks of her voice? British vocal coach Darren McStay breaks down the magic behind of Oprah Winfrey's voice in this video:

Oprah's vocal style is that of a storyteller — deep and rich, it is engaging and inspiring. She also has the ability to access a dynamic range of expressivity. It is so pleasing to the ear, but it is also evocative and motivating. It makes us want Oprah to be our life coach!

Windmill voices are defined as Low, Deep, Breathy, and Nasal. Learn more about the unique characteristics that make up our voices and voice types here: VOCALiD Voice Types.

This is the ninth in our Iconic Black Voices series. Make sure to come back to our blog every day this month as we highlight more iconic Black voices in celebration of Black History Month.

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DON LEMON: A VOICE TO LEAD THE WAY

MICHELE J MARTIN

As a CNN broadcaster, Don Lemon has been a familiar member of our households for ~20 years. He's been with us through the best and the worst of times — a trusted, consistent source of news we could look to when we need a calm and rational voice through the noise.

Since joining CNN, Don Lemon has not shied away from controversy. He has vowed to live authentically, coming out as a survivor of childhood abuse by a neighbor in 2010 and as a proud gay Black man in 2011. Ten years later, he is still one of the few openly gay Black men in journalism.

The following list is by no means exhaustive, as Don Lemon has also earned recognition for his work covering Hurricane Katrina and other breaking news stories around the United States and abroad.

AWARDS

2002

2006

2006

2006

Edward R. Murrow Award - Coverage of D.C. snipers

Emmy Award - Specialty Report - Consumer "Life on Craigslist"

Emmy Award - News Feature Series "Journey to Africa" (AIDS Pandemic)

Emmy Award - Alternate Media / New Media "Journey to Africa" (AIDS Pandemic)

RECOGNITIONS

2009

2014

2016

2017

2019

150 Most Influential African Americans — Ebony Magazine

50 Most Influential LGBTQ People in Media — Advocate

Native Son Award

Power 50 "Most Influential LGBTQ People in the USA" — Out

Pride 50 "trailblazing individuals who actively ensure society remains moving towards equality, acceptance and dignity for all queer people"— Oueerty

Anchor voices are defined as Loud, Deep, Modal, and Oral. Learn more about the unique characteristics that make up our voices and voice types here: VOCALiD Voice Types.

This is the eighth in our Iconic Black Voices series and a special post for World Cancer Day. Make sure to come back to our blog every day this month as we highlight more iconic Black voices in celebration of Black History Month.

Spread the word

WHOOPI GOLDBERG:HERE FOR A REASON

MICHELE J MARTIN

As an award-winning comic and actress, Whoopi Goldberg has made her mark on history, but being famous was never what it was about for Ms. Goldberg. It's always been about much more than just fame.

Below are just some of the charities that Whoopi Goldberg is involved with and offers her support to:

That show raised $2.5M. Between 1986 and 2011, Comic Relief USA telethons made and distributed over $50M to provide health care and assistance to the homeless in this country. Learn more about Comic Relief USA and their work today.

Cushy Sofa voices are defined as Soft, Deep, Breathy, and Nasal. Learn more about the unique characteristics that make up our voices and voice types here: VOCALiD Voice Types.

This is the seventh in our Iconic Black Voices series. Make sure to come back to our blog every day this month as we highlight more iconic Black voices in celebration of Black History Month.

Spread the word

LEVAR BURTON: YOU DON'T HAVE TO TAKE HIS WORD FOR IT

MICHELE J MARTIN

Windmill voices are defined as Low, Deep, Breathy, and Nasal. Learn more about the unique characteristics that make up our voices and voice types here: VOCALiD Voice Types.

This is the sixth in our Iconic Black Voices series and a special post for World Cancer Day. Make sure to come back to our blog every day this month as we highlight more iconic Black voices in celebration of Black History Month.

Spread the word

STACEY ABRAMS:A WOMAN WHO SPEAKS FOR THE VOICELESS

MICHELE J MARTIN

As Stacy Abrams has told the story over the years, "the guard looked at my parents, then he looked at me, and he said, “This is a private event, you don’t belong here.” My parents pushed back, and I got in."

Now, it is her mission to be the one to open those gates. To welcome everyone in. Not just young black women like herself who had were told they didn't or don't belong. It is Stacey Abrams' mission to open those gates wide for everyone in Georgia, because they all belong there.

By 2018 Stacey Abrams was a lawyer, the former Minority Leader of the Georgia House of Representatives, and would soon became the first Black female major-party gubernatorial nominee.

It was announced on February 1, 2021 that Stacey Abrams had been nominated for The Nobel Peace Prize by Lars Haltbrekken, a Norwegian lawmaker.

Beach Ball voices are defined as Soft, High, Modal, and Nasal. Learn more about the unique characteristics that make up our voices and voice types here: VOCALiD Voice Types.

This is the fifth in our Iconic Black Voices series. Make sure to come back to our blog every day this month as we highlight more iconic Black voices in celebration of Black History Month.

Spread the word

MICHAEL COOPER: PROFESSIONAL BASKETBALL'S GREATEST DEFENSIVE PLAYER

MICHELE J MARTIN

After leaving the Lakers, Cooper would go on to coach across the NBA, WNBA, and varsity circuits. In 2018 he was named coach for 3's Company and in 2019 he joined the Chadwick School as head coach for their championship winning boy's varsity basketball team.

Michael Cooper was nominated for the Basketball Hall of Fame this past December for his achievements as a player AND as a coach. We wish him the best for September's 2021 Enshrinement ceremony.

PLAYER ACHIEVEMENTS

1979-80

1980-81

1981-82

1982-83

1983-84

NBA Championship - LA Lakers

NBA Championship - LA LakersAll-Defensive Second Team

NBA Championship - LA LakersAll-Defensive First Team

All-Defensive Second Team

All-Defensive First Team

NBA Championship - LA LakersAll-Defensive First Team

All-Defensive Second Team

NBA Championship - LA LakersDefensive Player of the YearAll-Defensive First Team

All-Defensive First Team

COACHING ACHIEVEMENTS

2000-01

2001-02

OPRAH WINFREY:
THE QUEEN OF ALL MEDIA

DON LEMON:
A VOICE TO LEAD THE WAY

Emmy Award - Specialty Report - Consumer
"Life on Craigslist"

Emmy Award - News Feature Series
"Journey to Africa" (AIDS Pandemic)

Emmy Award - Alternate Media / New Media
"Journey to Africa" (AIDS Pandemic)

150 Most Influential African Americans
— Ebony Magazine

50 Most Influential LGBTQ People in Media
— Advocate

Power 50 "Most Influential LGBTQ People in the USA"
— Out

Pride 50 "trailblazing individuals who actively ensure society remains moving towards equality, acceptance and dignity for all queer people"
— Oueerty

WHOOPI GOLDBERG:
HERE FOR A REASON

LEVAR BURTON:
YOU DON'T HAVE TO TAKE HIS WORD FOR IT

STACEY ABRAMS:
A WOMAN WHO SPEAKS FOR THE VOICELESS

As Stacy Abrams has told the story over the years, "the guard looked at my parents, then he looked at me, and he said, “This is a private event, you don’t belong here.”

My parents pushed back, and I got in."

MICHAEL COOPER:
PROFESSIONAL BASKETBALL'S GREATEST DEFENSIVE PLAYER

NBA Championship - LA Lakers
All-Defensive Second Team

NBA Championship - LA Lakers
All-Defensive First Team

NBA Championship - LA Lakers
All-Defensive First Team

NBA Championship - LA Lakers
Defensive Player of the Year
All-Defensive First Team