torch song: Definition from Answers.com

For other uses, see Torch song (disambiguation).

A torch song is a sentimental love song, typically one in which the singer laments an unrequited or lost love, where one party is either oblivious to the existence of the other, or where one party has moved on.^[1]^[2] Female singers of the pop vocal tradition are referred to as "torch singers" when their repertoire consists predominantly of such material. Torch singing is more of a niche than a genre, and can stray from the traditional jazz-influenced style of singing, although the American tradition of the torch song typically relies upon the melodic structure of the blues.^[2]

Torche rock is a term that refers to a heavier version of the traditional jazz or blues structured style, such as a female fronted Stoner rock style band.^{[citation needed]}

The term comes from the saying, "to carry a torch for someone", or to keep aflame the light of an unrequited love.

List of noted torch singers

References

^ Smith, L: Elvis Costello, Joni Mitchell, and the Torch Song Tradition, page 9. Praeger Publishers, 2004
^ ^a ^b Allan Forte, MR: Listening to Classic American Popular Songs, page 203. Yale University Press, 2001

This article about a music genre is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.

This entry is from Wikipedia, the leading user-contributed encyclopedia. It may not have been reviewed by professional editors (see full disclaimer)

Donate to Wikimedia

	torchy
	Fierstein, Harvey (American playwright and actor)
	Torch Song Trilogy (Sources) (play)

	How tall is the torch? Read answer...
	Where was Operation Torch? Read answer...
	What rhymes with torch? Read answer...

	What are some song titles containing the word Torch?
	What song is played in the promo for the Rescue you episode entitled Torch?
	What is the song that is played in fantastic four when the human torch catches on fire on the mountain?

		Dictionary. The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. Read more
		WordNet. WordNet 1.7.1 Copyright © 2001 by Princeton University. All rights reserved. Read more
		Wikipedia. This article is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Torch song". Read more