the.com/vocalist
The one band member who can't hide behind an instrument.
means A singer, especially one performing with a band or group rather than solo.
from Traces back to the Latin 'vox' (voice), via 'vocalis' meaning 'speaking' or 'sounding.' The '-ist' suffix got tacked on in the 19th century, English's favorite way of turning any activity into a job title — same pattern as 'pianist' or 'cyclist.' So a vocalist is, quite literally, 'one who voice.'
- not just singer
- implies control, range, and showing off
- job hazard
- nodules, from using the voice as instrument
- stage position
- front and center, literally and existentially
- band currency
- usually gets the most fan mail, least songwriting credit