Comments and Critiques

Michael Johnathon

What is unexpected is she’s only 12 years old.

When WoodSongs did our 1000th broadcast, RIDERS IN THE SKY were my special guests. I like to have kids on every broadcast, but what kid could perform on the same stage as a major American act on a huge event like a 1000th broadcast of a syndicated, live audience radio and TV program? We found a little Kentucky girl in the foothills of Appalachia that could hold her own, keep her composure and yodel like Ranger Doug.

It was Phoebe White.

When I was asked to help produce Phoebe’s album we wanted songs that did more than reveal her obvious talent, we wanted songs that would place a 12 year in the same historic stature of the legends that came before her. We needed an album that would present her as a musical princess of America’s front porch.

What is unexpected is a youngster from the foothills of Appalachia could passionately reintroduce the music of America’s cowboy past with the same elegance and power of Roy & Dale, Patsy Cline, Jimmy Rogers and Patsy Montana.

What is unexpected is the Grammy winning stars of stage, screen and the Grand Ole Opry, RIDERS IN THE SKY would immediately agree to be part of this album. What is unexpected was their genuine kindness, even changing the lyric of their big “Toy Story” hit, from “Jesse …” to “Phoebe, the Yodeling Cowgirl”.

What is unexpected is a legacy bluegrass group like the McLAIN FAMILY BAND would jump on board and perform so seamlessly alongside Riders In The Sky.

What is unexpected is a 12 year old girl can sing these complicated yodeling songs … her solo performance of most of these songs were done virtually in one take. Her solo piece of “If I Could Only Learn to Yodel” was done with one mic, one track, one take, no edits.

What is unexpected is how effortlessly a 12 year old can go from the “BOO HOO BLUES” to a banjo rendition of Uncle Dave Macon’s “OVER THE MOUNTAIN” and then completely shock you with her vocal texture on a historic piece like PRAIRIE WOMAN (originally titled Black Woman but I changed the lyrics because, well, she’s 12).

It was more than amazing … it was unexpected.

Michael Johnathon
folksinger, producer, friend

Wide Open Country

A 12-year-old yodeling Queen from London, Phoebe White is a country darlin' who will make your jaw drop to the floor with her incredible vocal gymnastics, at least that's what happened in March when she shared the stage of Woodsongs Old-Time Radio Hour in Lexington with members of The Black Opry. Deeply rooted in the tradition of country and old-time music from artists like Roy and Dale, Patsy Cline, Jimmie Rogers, White's youthful charm and indelible yodeling are unmatched and sure to carry her on to a prosperous career.

Matt Wickstrom

journalist

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Best of the West Reviews

Phoebe White – UnXpected, The speed yodeling phenom Phoebe White recorded this CD at the tender age of twelve! Recently turned thirteen, she proceeded to set the IWMA 2022 audience on its collective ear in Albuquerque. She has attracted obviously outstanding musical support for her project (Riders In The Sky, The McLain Family and Michael Johnathon).

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Blessed with an exceptionally strong voice for her age, White stands ready to follow in the footsteps of similarly bestowed “kids” like Tanya Tucker and Leann Rimes. Hopefully she will be mentored by some of our outstanding interpreters of Western songs to help build on her song selling talents. It’s only natural that she currently tends to handle non-yodel songs with full yodel force, but the yodel tracks she offers are solid and very worth the price of admission. These include the specially rechristened “Phoebe The Yodeling Cowgirl,” “Yodeling Blues (Down In The Valley),” “I Want To Be A Cowboys Sweetheart” and “Whatever Happened To The Yodeling Cowgirls?”

Overall, Phoebe White may be able to be listed as Western’s latest gift to the world’s airwaves (and ear waves)!

Ten tracks, highly recommended.

– by Rick Huff