Yodel

(Ger. Jodel). A type of rural singing in the European Alps, especially in Switzerland, characterized by the frequent alternation of FALSETTO tones with chest tones. Its effect is that of a kind of expanded warble. The earliest yodel call is found in a collection entitled Bicinia Gallica, Latina, Germanica, published in 1545. A similar technique is used by various groups in Africa.

Yodeling is related to the field holler of the American South. It eventually found its way into country music through the singing of JIMMIE RODGERS.