Brian Littrell’s Vocal Condition (Spasmodic Dysphonia) & What Singers Can Learn From It
- Emmett Hayes
- Mar 3
- 4 min read
Brian Littrell has been a powerhouse vocalist with the Backstreet Boys for decades, but over the years, fans noticed a change in his voice. It turns out he was diagnosed with spasmodic dysphonia, a condition that affects the way his vocal cords function. On top of that, Brian also underwent open-heart surgery in 1998 for a congenital heart defect, which further complicated his vocal health.
Why does Brian Littrell’s voice sound different now?
His higher range is still intact, but his chest voice triggers vocal spasms. To work around this, he now sings primarily in his head voice and brings it down into the lower part of his range. This allows him to continue performing without triggering the spasms.
So, why does his head voice still work when his chest voice doesn’t? Let’s break it down.
What is Spasmodic Dysphonia?
Brian Littrell's Vocal Condition, Spasmodic dysphonia, is a neurological disorder that causes involuntary spasms in the vocal cords. Basically, when you try to sing or speak, your vocal folds don’t behave the way they should—they tighten up, causing your voice to break, crack, or sound strained.
Some common symptoms:
Voice cracking or breaking unexpectedly
A strained or tight vocal sound
Difficulty projecting your voice
Feeling like your throat is squeezing when you try to sing
This isn’t just a case of losing your voice after a long gig—it’s a long-term condition that requires specific treatment.
Why Does Brian Littrell’s Head Voice Work, But His Chest Voice Doesn't?
The reason Brian’s head voice works while his chest voice doesn’t comes down to how the vocal cords function in each register.
Chest Voice vs. Head Voice – What’s the Difference?
Chest voice engages the thyroarytenoid (TA) muscles, which cause the vocal cords to thicken and vibrate more slowly. This is why chest voice has a fuller, deeper sound.
Head voice relies more on the cricothyroid (CT) muscles, which stretch and thin the vocal cords, allowing them to vibrate faster and produce higher pitches.
Since spasmodic dysphonia primarily affects the TA muscles, Brian experiences vocal spasms when he tries to engage his chest voice. The cricothyroid muscles (which control head voice) aren’t as affected, allowing him to sing higher notes more freely.
How is Brian Adjusting His Singing?
To avoid triggering spasms, he’s using a lighter mix and head voice, even on lower notes. Instead of relying on chest voice for power, he thins out the vocal folds and lets head voice carry more of his range.
If you listen carefully, you’ll notice:
✅ His higher range is still strong
✅ His voice sounds lighter overall
✅ He’s avoiding deep, full-chest tones
It’s a smart vocal workaround that lets him keep performing despite his condition.
How Did Brian Littrell’s Heart Surgery Affect His Voice?
In 1998, Brian underwent open-heart surgery to correct a congenital heart defect (a hole in his heart). While this saved his life, it also had an unexpected impact on his voice.
Surgery—especially one that involves intubation (having a breathing tube down your throat)—can irritate or damage the vocal cords. Some singers experience long-term vocal changes after being intubated, including:
Increased vocal tension (leading to spasmodic dysphonia in Brian’s case)
Loss of range or vocal endurance
Scar tissue on the vocal cords
Breathiness or weak phonation
For Brian, the combination of spasmodic dysphonia + post-surgery vocal challenges made it even harder for him to control his voice the way he used to.
What Can Singers Learn From Brian Littrell’s Vocal Condition Spasmodic Dysphonia?
Even if you don’t have spasmodic dysphonia or a history of surgery, there’s a lot to learn from Brian’s vocal struggles.
1. Your Voice is a Muscle—Train It Correctly
Many singers push their voices too hard, which can lead to muscle tension and vocal problems. The solution? Proper technique. If your voice feels tight or strained, focus on relaxation, low breathing, and vocal exercises that reduce tension.
2. Pay Attention to Vocal Fatigue
Brian’s struggles didn’t happen overnight—his voice gradually changed over time. If you’re noticing your voice getting tired faster than usual, don’t ignore it. That’s your body’s way of telling you something needs to change.
3. Work with a Specialist If You’re Struggling
If your voice isn’t cooperating, don’t wait until it’s too late. Work with a vocal coach (yes, that’s me!) or a speech therapist to correct bad habits before they turn into real vocal damage.
How to Protect Your Voice from Vocal Strain
Use Low Breathing: If your voice is tight, you’re probably not breathing correctly. Focus on low breathing—your breath should come from your stomach, not your throat.
Stay Hydrated: Dry vocal cords are unhappy vocal cords. Drink water like it’s your job.
Warm Up & Cool Down: You wouldn’t run a marathon without stretching first, right? The same goes for singing. Start with gentle exercises before jumping into full voice.
Reduce Vocal Tension: If your throat feels tight, STOP pushing. Try gentle humming or lip trills instead of forcing high notes.
Rest When Needed: If your voice is hoarse or fatigued, take a break. Pushing through can make things worse.
FAQ: Spasmodic Dysphonia, Surgery, & Vocal Health
Q: Why does Brian Littrell’s head voice still work, but not his chest voice?
Spasmodic dysphonia affects the thyroarytenoid (TA) muscles, which are used in chest voice. Head voice relies on the cricothyroid (CT) muscles, which aren’t as affected—allowing him to sing higher notes more freely.
Q: Can spasmodic dysphonia be cured?
There’s no cure, but treatments like speech therapy, Botox injections (yes, really), and vocal training can help manage symptoms.
Q: Can surgery affect a singer’s voice long-term?
Absolutely. Intubation during surgery can irritate or damage the vocal cords, sometimes causing long-term vocal issues like increased tension, loss of range, or chronic hoarseness.
I’m Emmett Hayes, a vocal coach with over 20 years of experience helping singers unlock their full vocal potential. I’ve trained in industry techniques used by Grammy-winning artists and have worked with American Idol finalists, The Voice contestants, and major recording artists. My focus is on building strong, healthy voices using the same methods that top singers rely on.
If you’re struggling with vocal strain, tension, or just want to take your voice to the next level, I can help. Ready to train like the pros? Book a low pressure voice consultation and let's make a plan to get your voice working at its best.