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The facial contortions are the first thing you notice about the "Jodelking", Franzl Lang. When asked about his facial movements he said, its just part of the art.

I chose to include Franzl Lang in my Yodel Course site because his songs have been so much fun. He recorded over 40 albums beginning in 1957 with "Der Königsjodler".

His songs speak of nature and an unbridled love of the mountains. All his song are in German and many are sung in the Bavarian dialect, a kind of country German. Franzl Lang performs on television, at regional festivals,in his hometown of Munich, Germany, and around the world. He has since retired from performing and occasionally records.

Franzl on YouTube, Yes

Thanks to Joe C., a fellow FL fan, Franzl has finally made it to YouTube with the tune "Einen Jodler hor i gern". Translated it means "I love to hear a yodel". The lip syncing in a bit cheezy, but you get a sense of his technique. Well here it is Franzl Lang on a folkmusic show:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67rc96joOz8

Must Have's from Franzl Lang

The Königsjodler	This is the album to have from the other King. this is a double CD with great reviews from people on Amazon. All the best tunes are here: Der Königsjodler Bergvagabunden Mei Vater is a Appenzeller

Kamaraden der Berge	Many titles on this album are from the mountains. The title roughly translates to Friends of the Mountains. So for more yodel practice grab both of these titles.

It was 1978 when I first heard The Yodel King (Der Jodlerkönig) Franzl Lang. I was visiting my relatives in Munich, Germany, when I heard a sound I had not heard before. The music made me smile and reinforced my love for the Alps. Most of Franzl Lang's music speaks of his love of Bavaria and the mountains.

When I returned home I began accordion lessons and secret yodel lessons in the privacy of my car. Hey, why not? Everybody picks the piano or guitar, but I have been living the classic Apple Computer ad theme "Think Different."

Franzl Lang live in Allenbach, Germany 1990

I have tried to sing Franzl Lang's music well. Thanks to him I began a German band and featured my yodeling. I ran the band for about ten years.

In past trips to Bavaria I have had the opportunity to meet with Franzl Lang. On one occasion I asked him "Do you give yodel lessons?" He responded "No, you either can do it or you can't."

Just the Facts:

Born: December 28, 1930
Height: 1744 mm without hat and socks
Weight: 80kg and holding
Hair Color: dark blond
Eyes: light blue
Favorite Food: Gebratene Schweinshax'n und Kartoffelknödelnnnnn
Favorite Drink: free beer: all kinds
Hobbies: Works around the house