The long-running country variety show Hee Haw (1969–1993) is credited with popularizing eefing and hamboning through the performances of Jimmie Riddle and Jackie Phelps.
The Performers, known as “The Hambone Brothers” on the show, Riddle (eefing) and Phelps (hamboning) became a semi-regular, iconic feature.
Vic and Ken were so impressed with Riddle and Phelps’ talents that they wanted to try their hand (and mouth and thigh) at it. Who do you think hambone and eef the best?
Hamboning is a percussive dance involving slapping the thighs, chest, and cheeks to create rhythms, originating from enslaved people forbidden from using drums. Eefing is an Appalachian vocal technique similar to “hillbilly beatboxing,” characterized by a rhythmic, hiccupping, and wheezing sound used in rural music since the late 1800s.
