Ukulele Ike was the first "eefer" to record, and, though he didn't originate it, is the one who named it. He said that he learned it from street singers in his home town of St. Louis--His style was more developed than Jimmy Riddle's--anyway,as one of the top selling recording artists of his time, one is inclined to think that he influenced its spread.

As an unashamed fan of "Hee Haw", I have to say that I don't remember either Stringbean or The Hagars doing either eefing or hamboning--I do remember Jimmy Riddle and Jackie Phelps' many performances very well--