The growing popularity of ukuleles; one of the best success stories for music in the last few years. But from whence did the instrument come? Why has the demand for them outstripped their production? Why do people love playing them?
Adaptated from two traditional instruments from Portugal, the first ukuleles were made in Hawaii in the 1880s by Manuel Nunes, Augusto Dias and Jose do Espirito Santo. The name comes from one of the queens of Hawaii, Lili'uokalani, and translates roughly to "the gift that came here." San Francisco's 1915 Panama Pacific International Exposition introduced ukuleles to the public for the first time. This led to Tin Alley song writers to picking up the sound and quickly spreading across the world.
Later, after World War II, the instrument became a toy. Cheap, mass produced ukuleles were fashionable amongst kids for a time. And thanks to entertainers such as George Formby and Tiny Tim, they became a joke.
And yet, it is the cheapness of the ukulele has been its salvation. With recession and inflation all over the world, people have rushed to the intsrument as an alternative to more costly instruments. That it is easy to learn is another point in its favor.
Several sources cite Paul McCartney performing at the "Concert For George" memorial as the resurgence of the instrument. But he's not alone in sporting one these days. Stephen Merritt, Gothic Archies and Magnetic Fields front man, uses them often on his releases. The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain has performed to enthusiastic audiences and sold out shows across Europe since the late eighties. Both Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam and Amanda Palmer have released ukulele albums with Palmer's consisting solely of covers of Radiohead. Of course Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's version of 'Over the Rainbow" is accountable as anything for bringing attention to the pint sized four string.
But the real sign for the instrument's popularity is YouTube. There nearly eighty five thousand videos on the site, at last look. Going from covers to indie originals and more than a few instructional videos, they range in quality from highly polished to blurry, out of tune garbage. What they all share is a love for ukuleles.
The growing popularity, or should that be rebirth, of ukuleles can be summated quite easily: they are fun. One cannot help but smile as they pluck the strings. Although easy to acquire the skills, it never fails to be amusing for both player and listener alike.
Adaptated from two traditional instruments from Portugal, the first ukuleles were made in Hawaii in the 1880s by Manuel Nunes, Augusto Dias and Jose do Espirito Santo. The name comes from one of the queens of Hawaii, Lili'uokalani, and translates roughly to "the gift that came here." San Francisco's 1915 Panama Pacific International Exposition introduced ukuleles to the public for the first time. This led to Tin Alley song writers to picking up the sound and quickly spreading across the world.
Later, after World War II, the instrument became a toy. Cheap, mass produced ukuleles were fashionable amongst kids for a time. And thanks to entertainers such as George Formby and Tiny Tim, they became a joke.
And yet, it is the cheapness of the ukulele has been its salvation. With recession and inflation all over the world, people have rushed to the intsrument as an alternative to more costly instruments. That it is easy to learn is another point in its favor.
Several sources cite Paul McCartney performing at the "Concert For George" memorial as the resurgence of the instrument. But he's not alone in sporting one these days. Stephen Merritt, Gothic Archies and Magnetic Fields front man, uses them often on his releases. The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain has performed to enthusiastic audiences and sold out shows across Europe since the late eighties. Both Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam and Amanda Palmer have released ukulele albums with Palmer's consisting solely of covers of Radiohead. Of course Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's version of 'Over the Rainbow" is accountable as anything for bringing attention to the pint sized four string.
But the real sign for the instrument's popularity is YouTube. There nearly eighty five thousand videos on the site, at last look. Going from covers to indie originals and more than a few instructional videos, they range in quality from highly polished to blurry, out of tune garbage. What they all share is a love for ukuleles.
The growing popularity, or should that be rebirth, of ukuleles can be summated quite easily: they are fun. One cannot help but smile as they pluck the strings. Although easy to acquire the skills, it never fails to be amusing for both player and listener alike.
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Gain insight into the reasons behind the growing popularity of Ukuleles. You can get more information about the lanikai tenor ukulele in our review on where to buy ukuleles at a great price on the Internet.
