What is yodeling, anyway? Some consider it singing, some say it's an ululation, and still others consider it merely a means to herd animals. Whatever yodeling is, one's thing clear: Yodeling has been around for thousands of years and shows no signs of disappearing.
This hour we speak with a musicologist, a DJ, and a professional singer about this age old vocal practice. We'll trace yodeling's history from its humble, utilitarian roots to its place in modern day pop music and beyond.
GUESTS:
- Bart Plantenga - Amsterdam based writer, radio DJ and expert on yodeling; author of several books including Yodel in Hi-Fi: From Kitsch Folk to Contemporary Electronica
- Timothy Wise - Senior lecturer in musicology at the University of Salford, England; author of Yodeling and Meaning in American Music
- Roger Tincknell - Massachusetts based cowboy yodeler, musician, and traveling performer
- Chion Wolf - WNPR’s technical producer, announcer, and on-air personality
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Colin McEnroe and Chion Wolf contributed to this show, which originally aired on October 10, 2017.
