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99% Invisible
99% Invisible

Tootle of a Devilish Song

September 29, 2026 • 32m

Summary

⏱️ 8 min read

Overview

This episode explores the fascinating journey of yodeling from its origins in the Swiss Alps to becoming a foundational element of American country music. The story traces how a centuries-old cattle herding technique transformed into a global musical phenomenon, profoundly influencing American music through artists like Jimmy Rogers while experiencing a modern renaissance back in Switzerland.

Introduction: Jodlerfest in Basel

Reporter Gabe Bullard attends Jodlerfest, a celebration of Swiss folk music held every three years in Basel, Switzerland. The festival showcases traditional yodeling in an idealized Alpine setting, complete with traditional outfits, melted cheese, and the omnipresent sound of yodeling echoing through the streets. Attendees include lifelong yodelers like Anita Fieliger and first-timers taking yodeling classes, all gathered to celebrate this beloved Swiss tradition.

  • Jodlerfest is a three-year celebration of Swiss folk music held in Basel
  • The festival presents an idealized, snow globe vision of Switzerland with traditional clothes and melted cheese despite a heat wave
  • Anita Fieliger is a mountain girl from a family of eight siblings who yodeled together
  • First-time participants like Franziska and Gabriela attended yodeling classes at the festival
" Jodlerfest is what I imagine people outside of Switzerland think the country is like every day. It's like a snow globe idea of Switzerland. "

The Anatomy and Origins of the Yodel

The yodel is created by rapidly switching between head voice and chest voice registers, a technique practiced worldwide under different names. The origins of Alpine yodeling are shrouded in mystery with no definitive documentation, though early references date back to around 400 CE. Most experts believe yodeling developed among Alpine cattle herders for communication across long distances, religious ceremonies, or simply for entertainment in isolated mountain settings.

  • Yodeling involves switching between head voice and chest voice registers
  • Similar vocal techniques exist worldwide: Tahrir in Iran, Cremantuli in Georgia
  • Earliest possible reference to yodeling dates to around 400 CE describing Alpine singing
  • Cattle herders likely used yodeling to communicate across distances and call animals
  • The yodel could have served religious or magical ritual purposes
" History is just a loose end. It's in the dark. We cannot say it goes back to this and that century because we don't have written documents about it. "

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