An often neglected reason for the success of Classic Van Halen may be Dave's unique singin' style and diverse musical tastes. As you can tell by his book, Dave is into alot of black R&B artists from the 50's up til the 70's. He admitted his unique sound was partly attributed to his tryin' to sound like old blues singers. I recently downloaded (via Napster) a bunch of funk R&B groups from the 70's. Among them Kool & the Gang's "Jungle Boogie" "Hollywood Swingin'" and some tunes by the Ohip Players'. In listenin' to many of these songs, you can tell where Dave acquired some of his singin' influence. One song is particular, "Jungle Boogie" I think it is, has the part that sounds exactly like Dave's yelps and screams in the intro to "Everybody Wants Some". This would all be consistent considering that Van Halen covered many of the R&B groups of the day including The Ohio Players, KC and the Sunshine Band and others.

I read an interview with him from a 1982 Hit Parader where he talks about the origin of his yelps and screams in songs. I was shocked to learn that it is a tribute to James Brown. Who would have thought? He talks about his influences growing up in great detail in his book. My girlfriend, who is a minor Halen fan, borrowed it from me and was impressed with the way he absorbed his influences. I told her if she wants to really be impressed she should borrow my albums.

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Pistons poppin', ain't no stoppin' now....

I have an interview with Dave saying he doesn't have musical influences. His heroes are like Muhammed Ali, Gangas Kahn, and the guy who invented McDonald's hamburgers.

http://208.50.7.95/vhlforum/smilies/biggrin.gif

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"Take it off, Take it off, Yeah!"

E.B.A.S

Oh yeah Dave has always been into the R & B sound. In fact, "Runnin' With The Devil" was inspired by the Ohio Players' song, "Running From The Devil."

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VHLinks.com - Your Van Halen Internet Resource Guide
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[This message has been edited by Brett (edited September 08, 2000 at 03:52 PM).]

...i hear alot of bob seger, and neil diamond in daves voice or i hear alot of dave in bob seager and neil diamond....u make the call ! http://208.50.7.95/vhlforum/smilies/biggrin.gif

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IN 1984 VH JUMPED PANAMA TOPPED JIMMY AND DROPPED DEAD LEGS?..I'LL WAIT.

Dave is Soul Brother #2! I've heard him cite Isley Brothers,John Lee Hooker,Leadbelly,and Doc Watson as influences,too.

Apparantly as a youngster he would gig alone in the blues clubs around LA,including some jams with West Coast blues shouter Top Jimmy(the dude dat inspired the tune). Can you imagine Diamond Dave(around or before his Red Ball Jettin' days)carousing blues juke joints with the Davesyckle?

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Eat Us and Smile ONE TIME!!!!!!

Montrose is DEFINITELY not one of Roth's musical influences. :D

Black Oak Arkansas, John Brim, and Steve Marriott should be listed as influences...as well as ZZ Top, The Beach Boys, Roy Orbison(K-Pax), Louis Prima, Joe Frazier, Edgar Winter, an' Robin Trower.

Montrose is DEFINITELY not one of Roth's musical influences. :D

If this is serious, I disagree completely. Listen to "On Fire" and then listen to "Space Station No. 5."

I have an interview with Dave saying he doesn't have musical influences. His heroes are like Muhammed Ali, Gangas Kahn, and the guy who invented McDonald's hamburgers.

http://208.50.7.95/vhlforum/smilies/biggrin.gif

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"Take it off, Take it off, Yeah!"

E.B.A.S

LOL McDonalds hamburgers suck. I hate McDonalds.

Offtopic, but I just felt like saying it=)

Grand Funk Railroad!

Muddy Waters! Robert Johnson! Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee! Robert Plant! Stevie Wonder!