Twenty Thousand Hertz Yahoo! The Yodel Heard Around the World
58 snips
Aug 27, 2025 
Wylie Gustafson, a musician and renowned yodeler from Montana, shares the fascinating backstory of the iconic Yahoo! Yodel. He recounts its roots in the Swiss Alps and how it became a defining sound of the ‘90s internet era. The conversation explores the cultural resurgence of yodeling, its unexpected fame through branding, and a high-stakes legal battle over its ownership. Gustafson reflects on the joy yodeling brings and its emotional ties, highlighting its surprising impact on modern culture.
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Yodeling's Roots And Musical Identity
- Yodeling began as a practical mountain call and evolved into a musical technique defined by rapid voice-to-falsetto shifts.
- Its distinct sound made it portable into vaudeville and early recorded music, planting seeds for later cultural revivals.
Growing Up With Yodeling On A Ranch
- Wylie Gustafson grew up on a Montana ranch where his veterinarian father yodeled for joy and while skiing.
- He imitated his dad and began yodeling seriously once his voice matured around age 12 or 13.
Stage Yodel Turns Into Signature Move
- In Los Angeles Wylie formed Wiley and the Wild West Show and resisted mainstream country trends, favoring traditional country and Western swing.
- One night he yodeled onstage and the audience reaction turned yodeling into his signature.
