**Who is the first singer in the world?** Introduction: Music has been an integral part of human civilization since time immemorial. Singing, one of the fundamental elements of music, has evolved over centuries to become a cherished art form enjoyed by people worldwide. The question of who the first singer in the world was might seem perplexing, considering how ancient the origins of singing are. In this article, we will delve into the history of singing, explore early forms of vocal expression, highlight notable singers throughout different eras, and ultimately address the elusive query of who can be identified as the first singer in the world. Early Forms of Singing: Singing is believed to have existed long before the advent of written language. **Archaeological findings** suggest that our ancestors communicated through various vocalizations, utterances, and melodic patterns. These early forms of singing were closely intertwined with human rituals, ceremonies, and social interactions. For instance, in ancient tribal communities, singing played a significant role in religious ceremonies, storytelling, and the preservation of cultural heritage. Furthermore, it is important to note that early singing might have had different purposes and techniques than contemporary singing. The vocalizations were probably less refined and more instinctive, as they primarily aimed to convey emotions, express primal instincts, and communicate basic needs. Ancient Singers and Vocal Traditions: As human civilizations began to emerge and flourish, singing took on a more structured and nuanced form. We can find evidence of ancient singers and vocal traditions in various cultures worldwide. **Indian Classical Music**: One of the oldest surviving vocal traditions is Indian classical music. It traces its origins back to the Vedas, ancient sacred texts from around 1500 BCE. The Rigveda, for example, contains hymns composed in specific melodies and is considered one of the earliest references to singing in written form. **Ancient Greek and Roman Singers**: Ancient Greece and Rome also showcased significant advancements in music and singing. The Greeks celebrated vocal performances through choral singing, often accompanied by instruments like the lyre. Prominent Greek singers included Sappho, known for her lyric poetry, and Terpander, credited with introducing the seven-stringed lyre to Sparta. Similarly, Roman vocal music was popular during social gatherings, theatrical performances, and religious ceremonies. **Chinese Court Singers**: China has a rich history of vocal traditions, particularly during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE). Singing at the imperial court was highly esteemed, and accomplished singers were revered. The famous court singer Gao Jichang is remembered for his extraordinary range and ability to sing multiple notes simultaneously. **Medieval Troubadours**: The medieval era witnessed the rise of troubadours, poet-musicians who sang about chivalry, courtly love, and other subjects. Troubadours played a vital role in spreading songs and influencing musical developments in Europe. **Religious Singers**: Throughout history, religious institutions have contributed significantly to the development of singing. Religious singers, such as Gregorian chanters in Christianity or the muezzins in Islam, played crucial roles in worship and religious rituals. Vocal Techniques and Innovations: As centuries passed, vocal techniques and innovations shaped the art of singing. Different cultures and music traditions contributed their unique styles of singing. **Noteworthy achievements and techniques** include: **Bel Canto Technique**: Originating in Italy during the 17th century, the bel canto technique emphasized combining beauty of tone, agility, and expression in vocal performance. Singers like castrati Farinelli and sopranos like Maria Callas brought this technique to prominence. **Yodeling**: Yodeling, a vocal technique characterized by rapid switches between chest and head voice, has its roots in the mountainous regions of Europe. This unique style of singing is prominent in Swiss, Austrian, and Bavarian folk music. **Throat Singing**: Throat singing, also known as overtone singing, is a remarkable technique where individuals produce multiple pitches simultaneously. This extraordinary vocal technique originated in Central Asia among nomadic communities and is still practiced in regions like Tuva and Mongolia today. **The First Singer - A Perception Challenge**: Addressing the question of who the first singer in the world was becomes increasingly challenging as we explore the diversity of vocal traditions and the early origins of singing. It is important to note that **there is no definitive answer** to this question. Singing has evolved as an innate aspect of human culture, adapting and developing in various forms across different societies and eras. While we cannot identify an individual as the absolute first singer, it is safe to say that the first singer was likely an ancient human who instinctively used vocalizations to express emotions, communicate with fellow beings, and engage in communal activities. Singing, in its primitive form, predated the establishment of civilizations and the recording of historical events. It emerged as a natural and universal means of human expression. Conclusion: Singing, with its diverse traditions and ever-evolving techniques, has captivated humanity throughout history. Although we cannot pinpoint the first singer in the world, we recognize the enduring significance of singing as a collective human experience. To this day, singers continue to enchant us with their melodies, carrying forward a timeless tradition born in our ancient past.