From aunties playing the ukulele at parties to Taylor Swift and Eddie Vedder embracing it in music videos, the ukulele is clearly enjoyed by everyone from experienced musicians to average Joes alike. Even those unfamiliar with its history can find acceptance within local uke groups.
Jake Shimabukuro has quickly earned recognition for his ukulele performances that fuse together various genres and styles. Some have even called him the Jimi Hendrix of ukulele!
Taimane Gardner
Taimane Gardner is an award-winning composer, ukulele virtuoso and performer who began her career performing street concerts with the Beach Boys on Waikiki streets. Later discovered by Don Ho as one of his featured performers. Dubbed by Don as “a performer who shines bright like a diamond (her Samoan name translation), she has taken the ukulele to new heights, defying traditional Hawaiian music limits while simultaneously showing its versatility across genres such as rock n metal; Bach or flamenco inferno performances while showing her unique talent.
Zooey Deschanel, known for her talent as both singer and songwriter, has played the ukulele since she was young and is one of her main instruments during live performances. Since releasing multiple albums and appearing on various television shows and films such as Forgetting Sarah Marshall she has used this instrument extensively as one of her primary instruments.
Daniel Ho is a Grammy Award winner and Hawaiian legend Genoa Keawe is known for her exceptional ukulele playing skills, having performed with various popular artists as well as winning several awards for them. They are known for creating their own music as well as mastering the instrument in different styles.
Joao Tostes is making waves in the music world as an impressive ukulele player and composer, musical educator, and ukulele guru. Known for his remarkable performances on this instrument, he has amassed an extensive following online due to his superb renditions such as Bohemian Rhapsody; furthermore he has recorded multiple songs featuring this instrument while offering comprehensive ukulele lessons.
Jake Shimabukuro
Jake Shimabukuro has transformed the four-stringed instrument since his teenage years in Hawaii. A composer, his fingers can play intricate melodies while emoting through string strums; his rendition of George Harrison’s “Something” remains one of the most moving ever recorded.
Shimabukuro first learned the ukulele at age 4 and has performed with various groups until being asked to join Pure Heart band which later released two albums and won a Hoku award. Since then he has collaborated with Jimmy Buffett, Bela Fleck and Ziggy Marley; furthermore his solo career began after an online video was posted of him performing “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” in Central Park of New York.
His YouTube fame propelled his fan base and since then, he has been touring and recording. Additionally, he incorporated his musical expertise into music education, creating Ukuletropolis as an online learning resource for ukulele players.
Jake has also made appearances at schools to introduce children to music through an innovative and accessible instrument. Additionally, he works as director for Music Is Good Medicine non-profit organization and produced one hour documentary film called Jake & Friends: Life on Four Strings.
The ukulele is an incredible instrument to teach young people. Even beginners can easily pick up basic chords within hours and teachers are easily found online. Many children love learning the ukulele as it helps develop creativity and focus, as well as being an excellent way to express themselves while having fun! Plus, its versatile nature enables it to fit in seamlessly into various genres like pop rock blues.
Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish is an internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter, first coming into prominence as a performer in 2015 when she released Ocean Eyes as her debut single and quickly becoming a viral hit. Since then, she has released several more incredible tracks and toured extensively, becoming one of the most beloved ukulele players worldwide.
Eilish was born and raised in Los Angeles with a musical upbringing. Home-schooled and taking part in the Los Angeles Children’s Chorus were pivotal experiences in her development; these programs helped shape her vocal style as well as songwriting style. Her songs “Bored” and “Lovely” appeared on Netflix series 13 Reasons Why while “When I Was Older” featured in Alfonso Cuaron’s 2018 drama Roma as musical selections.
Eilish has made the ukulele an integral component of her music across many genres and performances. She describes its simplicity and portability as making it ideal for beginners as well as those seeking self-expression through musical expression. Furthermore, the instrument serves as an ideal sing-along instrument and Eilish frequently performed alongside other musicians using this instrument.
Fender has unveiled a limited edition ukulele designed by Billie Eilish that draws upon her distinct musical career. This stage-ready instrument boasts Sapele wood top, back, and sides; known for its similar tonal characteristics to mahogany with vibrant resonance properties and tonal characteristics similar to mahogany wood types like Sapele. Furthermore, there is also an onboard Fishman Kula preamp system as well as integrated tuner. Preorders are now being accepted with deliveries beginning February.
Christine Fellows
Christine Fellows is renowned as both an accomplished ukulele player and experienced singer-songwriter with deep ties to Winnipeg history. Her music oscillates between dreamlike piano pop and historical detail, setting her apart in Canadian music scene. Christine’s two previous concept albums focused on specific historical figures: Femmes de chez Nous was inspired by a research residency at Le Musee de Saint-Boniface museum of Winnipeg while Burning Daylight explored Manitoba’s northern landscape, drawing heavily upon stories written by Jack London.
Fellows’ latest album, Roses on the Vine, tells the tale of Manitoba riverboat captain James Hall, who famously saved three people from drowning during his lifetime but struggled with homelessness, mental illness and alcoholism – yet had an immense positive influence on others he saved from drowning. Fellows’ lyrics capture these final moments in Hall’s life with its juxtaposed optimism of music’s light-hearted musical palette.
Taimane Gardner of Hawaii is another highly esteemed ukulele player, having studied under Jake Shimabukuro. Her unique technique combines fingerpicking and strumming techniques with individual melody playing on her instrument. A prolific performer, Gardner has released multiple albums such as two Christmas records and a Beach Boys tribute record; additionally she collaborates with M. Ward under She & Him name and performed at NPR Tiny Desk Concert series events.
Zooey Deschanel, best known for her role on New Girl, can play banjo ukulele with impressive skill. Additionally, she and partner M. Ward recorded several albums as She & Him and sing in various styles from pop vintage standards to original material.
Thomas Fersen
The ukulele is an easy, accessible instrument to learn for all ages and skill levels, regardless of age or experience. Many famous musicians, from rockers such as Paul McCartney to classical composers like Grace VanderWaal and Joao Tostes have employed the ukulele in creating various musical genres from rock to classical – an example being Paul McCartney’s use of it on Eleanor Rigby; other musicians who include it in their repertoire include Joao Tostes and Billy Joel among many others.
Ukulele players employ various chord structures when performing songs on the ukulele. Some require alternated upward and downward strokes in a steady rhythm while others need more intricate patterns. Its melodies provide great opportunities for creating unique melodies; its versatility also lends itself well to jazz or other genres of music improvisation.
Billie Eilish has quickly become one of the world’s premier ukulele performers in recent years. Her remarkable voice and exquisite playing style have charmed audiences worldwide, while her renditions of classic songs as well as original compositions have garnered critical acclaim. Aside from her impressive talent, she also exudes charisma on stage.
George Harrison enjoyed playing his beloved ukulele at parties. He owned an impressive collection, which he gave away as gifts. Furthermore, George was an exceptional singer/songwriter whose songs remain immensely popular even today.
IZ Kamakawiwo’ole was an accomplished Hawaiian musician and entertainer widely recognized as “the world’s best ukulele player.” Hailing from Ni’ihau Island, his family were the founding members of Sons of Hawaii (later Sons of Hawaii II). As one of its members he greatly influenced Ni’ihau Island musical culture as well as touring extensively while recording several albums – becoming both an entertainer and teacher of Hawaiian history.