Ronnie Drew was one of the worlds bet singers and he at best a unique voice. I think Iris Dement has a perfect voice for the songs she writes. The same is said of Malvina Reynolds.

Singing is more than knowing the rules. And it is also very simple.   When you just sing spontaneously, with out an instrument do you start at a note and stay in relation to that note through out the song? Neil Young songs don't count.

And when you sing a song you last heard on the car radio or as a CD do you automatically sing in the same key you last heard the song in?

I think you are over thinking this. Find a folk song club and slip in to a song circle. Sing along until you feel comfortable enough to take a lead.


Don