Yodel-ay-ee-oooo: The Secret History of Yodeling Around the World

Yodel-ay-ee-oooo: The Secret History of Yodeling Around the World

Did a centuries-old, Swiss mountain tradition make its way into American country music? As this fascinating book reveals; yodelling is not just a Swiss thing - everyone from Central African pygmies, Nashville hunks-in-hats, avant-grade tonsil-twisters like Meredith Monk, hip-hop stars De La Soul, and pop stars like Jewel have been known to kick back and release a yodelling refrain. Along the way, we encounter a gallery of unique characters, ranging from the legendary, such as country singer Jimmie Rodgers, to the definitely different, including Mary Schneider 'the Australian Queen of Yodeling' who specialises in yodelling Mozart, Beethoven, and Brahms, and the Topp Twins, a yodelling lesbian duo who employ the sound in their songs aimed at battling homophobia. The book is both a serious study of the history of yodelling around the world and a fun look at how this unique sound has worked its way into popular culture.

Bart Plantenga

Routledge

2004

Book

English

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