Singing along with records is what helped me get started. Pick songs you know well and that are in your range (where you can hit the high notes without straining) and sing along with them A LOT! (The same method helped me hear and sing harmonies.) I had about a one octave range when I started, and through practising a whole lot it's now up to about 2 1/2 octaves.

I do believe, however, that some people are "tone deaf". Sure, they can sing, but you wouldn't want to listen...

Cheers,
Michae;