The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #1649   Message #3581828
Posted By: GUEST,Paul Hazell
05-Dec-13 - 04:34 PM
Thread Name: Origin: Yodeling
Subject: RE: Origin: Yodeling
there is a whole thread somewhere dealing with Slim Whitman as compared to Frank Ifield. Each admired the other but neither was inspired by the other. Rather they shared the same influences in Elton britt, Wilf Carter, Sons Of the Pioneers, etc.

Karl Denver was different. He had a musical history that combined African rhythms with country music. He was a lover of Hank Williams' music and was also influenced by Slim Whitman. He was however a balladeer with a hard, somewhat coarse falsetto but not a yodeller, unlike Whitman and Ifield who both had sweet, clear falsettos and were adept at yodelling.

Denver's voice seemed to lose the break towards the end of his career but he retained the ability to hit high notes. Personally I loved his music - he was a really charming man too. So was Slim Whitman - a real Christian gentleman with strong principles. Frank is a really great guy - not been singing for many years but still very active in the business as a mentor and talent scout.

I have recent interviews with both from my radio show and you can listen to them if you go to www.uckfieldfm.co.uk and put my name in the search box at the bottom right. There are 2 x 3 hour shows with Frank and one x 95 minute interview with Slim and son Byron.