A study conducted by researchers at Vanderbilt University has identified the falsetto of up-and-coming country star Chris Young as the number three cause of death among women between the ages of 18 and 55, said a spokesman for the school.
Although it’s still ranked well behind heart disease and cancer, Young’s falsetto has finally outpaced stroke and various chronic lower respiratory diseases to take over the third slot.
“This has really taken us by surprise,” commented head researcher Brad Fletcher. “We saw the beginnings of the epidemic in March 2006, when women started turning up dead in their homes and, more often, trailers on Wednesday mornings, their TVs still tuned to the USA Network from the night before. At first, it was mostly obese women and mostly in the South, but by original song night – when he performed ‘Drinking Me Lonely’ – it was happening everywhere.”
“The problem seemed to subside when that season of Nashville Star ended in May, but it has really flared back up within the past year, as more people have been exposed to Young via that radio hit about taking the black dress off the tuxedo waiter, or whatever it is.”
Mr. Fletcher added: “Sorry, I’m more of a rock ‘n’ roll fan.”
Last month, The Tennessean ran a story about one of the few women who has lived to tell the tale after being taken to the brink of death by Young’s falsetto. Identified only as Marge, the woman told the paper: “I was at a show and he started singing an old Marty Robbins song. Next thing I knew, I felt my heart start to a-pitter-patter in my throat, and I saw a light, real bright-like, in my face. I thought sure I was going to the angels right then and there. Some way, the feeling passed over me and I made it through that night. I was one of the lucky ones.”
The experience left Marge alive, but conflicted: “I want to support Chris any way I can, going to shows and all, but my heart can’t stand any more of them sexy notes. Not until they find a pill or an antidote or something.”
Commentators are calling the findings of the Vanderbilt study the most significant to come out of Nashville since June 2008, when the music of Bucky Covington proved a more potent sleep aid than Lunesta and Ambien in clinical trials conducted at Belmont.
Dan says
It is a pretty fantastic falsetto. I was already super-impressed by it in “Drinkin’ Me Lonely,” but he blew me away covering “Devil Woman,” which I’m guessing is the Marty song the article references. I’m really excited his career is taking off.
Good stuff as always. Wish Belmont actually did publish Bucky-related studies. Or any studies. Maybe we have them and you just never hear about it above all the music-fame-chasing hubbub.
C.M. Wilcox says
I was thinking “Begging to You,” but I’m sure “Devil Woman” works too.
Sharon says
I was thinking it was “Beggin’ to You” also but I loved it when he did “Devil Woman”!!
Kari says
I know you secretly like Chris! LOL! If this is your way then so be it. Chris has the BEST country voice out there. His Falsetto is just one of the many things he can do with his beautiful vocal instrument. Lucky for us.
I will say, the fan base is really all ages. Do a bit more research and you will see fans vary from ages 3-100!
Not Trailer says
Thank U for mentioning Bucky in this article! It’s just good to keep his name out there! Bucky is so sweet and talented and forgiving that he wouldn’t hold any hard feelings towards U despite U besmirching him. But I must say: jealiousy is unbecoming.
Kimberly says
Chris is a great man with an amazing talent! I fell HARD for him! He’s also VERY easy on the eyes! His voice is pure country and it’s one of the best I have heard in a long time! Those of you that have actually MET Chris know that one of his famous hugs will make anyone go weak in the knees! If his falsetto is really “The number 3 cause of death”, all I can say is what a way to go!!
Rick says
This syndrome was also reported years ago when Chris Isaak first hit it big with “Wicked Games” but since Chris was labelled an “Americana Format” artist at the time researchers at Belmont had absolutely no interest…
PS to C.M. and Leeann – Chris is no Jimmy Elledge! (lol)
Michael says
Thank you C.M. I love this site. :)
Beth says
I agree “Not Trailer”!! Bucky’s name in print, be it good or bad, is always GREAT!! Fortunately, not all feel the same way about his music as does C.M and Dan….many of us love, love, love us some Bucky! : )
Leeann says
Click on “Not Trailer’s” link, Beth.
Marianne Halfmann says
How’s your concert doing?