Jim, sorry, we do disagree. The assumption that a trained voice employing head tones is a "funny" one is not true.

The so-called natural voice is often an affectation indicating a misuse of the voice.

The best of singers always tell the story but the better ones have a good vocal quality as a fine instrument which sounds better than a cheap one. The so-called head voice is not a theatrical device that is unnatural but is quite effective as the full range of the human voice is capable of telling a more complete story. The best singers contain a "natural" voice, one that is expressive and easy to listen to.

The idea that there is a limitation placed on a vocal style for the singing of traditional songs is an academic imposition on the role of a singing artist. The true interpreter never substitutes technique for content as the best of any kind of singer can attest. The notion of a traditional singer has been somehow staged for an audience that accepts a voice that conforms to their stereotype.

Breathing, punctuation and length of tone is an artistic choice made by the singer.
The best singers are those who will choose in their interpretation the full expressive range of their voices without sacrificing content for technique.