Originally Posted By: Charlie Fogle
"Runaway" by Del Shannon was number #1 from four weeks in 1961. His song was 'pitch corrected'


This is a great story. Thanks!

But just so those new to the topic aren't confused, this isn't what is meant today by 'pitch correction.'

Whatever key Del sang this in his relative pitch was fine. The overall pitch of his vocal was simply raised. Which begs the question, what about the back up music? I imagine the entire original production was simply sped up, not just the vocal.

'Pitch correction,' as currently used, is used when a singer does not have correct relative pitch across a performance even if most notes as sung are correct.

The famous introduction of auto tune by Cher in 'Believe' was actually a deliberate misuse of the software's purpose for an exaggerated effect. I'm sure Cher has more than acceptable pitch control.

Help! I've fallen up and can't get down!