The History of the Ukulele
There have been many types of popular musical instruments in history; the drums, the guitar, the recorder and the piano to name a slim few. One such instrument that has remained in the hearts of many for generations in the ukulele.
Originally introduced in the 1880s in Hawaii, it was the Hawaiian interpretation of a small guitar like instrument, the cavaquinho. However, it wasn’t until the 20th century that it became popular in the United States of America, although once the Americans decided they liked the ukulele, it’s popularity grew from there.
The original makers of the ukulele are credited as three Portugese immigrants, Manuel Nunes, Augusto Dias and José do Espírito Santo. Cabinet makers by trade, they arrived in Hawaii in August 1879 on the Ravenscrag and were soon entertaining the locals with evening street concerts. King David Kalakaua was a big fan of the instrument and played a leading role in its promotion by incorporating its music into royal gatherings.
Since then, the popularity of the ukulele has spread across the world. In 1915, a ukulele and guitar ensemble called George E.K. Awai and his Royal Hawaiian Quartette played at the Panama Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco, alongside Jonah Kumalae, a maker and player of the instrument. Such was the enthusiastic reaction to the ukulele, it became an icon of the Jazz Age. Since then, it has been on shows such as The Arthur Godfrey Show and played on hit music records including Tiny Tim’s ‘Tiptoe Through The Roses’ (1968).
The advent of World War Two seemed to put a temporary decline in the popularity of the ukulele; from approximately 1960 to the late 1990s ukulele music was not featured prominently in the charts. However, George Harrison, former Beatles member became a large fan, and gave them as presents to people. Other famous names to play in the instrument include Jake Shimabukuro and Israel Kamakawiwo’ole. Indie bands such as Noah and the Whale have also used in the ukulele in their music.
As the ukulele remains popular in today’s ever changing music culture, many retailers are beginning to find it on their best selling product list. As it is classed as an ‘easy to play’ instrument, it is popular in places such as schools and youth groups as a way of encouraging children and/or young adults to be develop their skills in the reading and performing of music. A lot of shops sell it with an accompanying guide, which can be purchased either as a book or a DVD to suit all needs. Relatively inexpensive to buy, parents also find this an ideal present for their child for occasions such as birthdays or Christmas, or just as a way of introducing a musical instrument into their life. Indeed, adults may choose to buy one for themselves, and either pay for lessons or aim to teach themselves to play.
The ukulele is well known as being a beautiful instrument, and can be purchased in either wood or plastic (wood is the original material and much more commonly found). Many consider them an excellent buy and will proudly display them in the home when not in use.
