Where did the ukulele come from? Most of us think it is a Hawaiian instrument and we would be almost right. Actually, the ukulele was introduced to Hawaii by Portuguese sailors around 1879.
A boat arrived with over 400 immigrants from the island of Madeira. Three immigrants, one a master instrument maker, came to work in the sugar cane fields. They began entertaining the islanders with a four stringed "little guitar" constructed on basic designs from their native home. Enchanted by the little instrument, the islanders renamed it....oo-koo-le-le, the Hawaiian name for jumping fleas. Soon the Hawaiians were making their own "little guitars" and the uke was off and strumming.
At the 1915 Panama Pacific Exposition in San Francisco, the Hawaiian Pavilion acquainted America with the ukule music for the first time.
In 1916 Victor Recording Company sold more Hawaiian music than any other kind. Of course, Hollywood recognized the popularity of the uke and featured it in a good number of movies. Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Doris Day, Van Johnson, Mel Torme, Charles Durning, Steve Martin, Tom Hanks, Marilyn Monroe, Jason Robards, Betty Grable and Elvis Presly, all played the "little guitar" in their movies, believe it or not!
Today, the uke is enjoying a resurge in popularity. We hope that is why you are here! As strummer Lou says "music will make your heart sing!".
A boat arrived with over 400 immigrants from the island of Madeira. Three immigrants, one a master instrument maker, came to work in the sugar cane fields. They began entertaining the islanders with a four stringed "little guitar" constructed on basic designs from their native home. Enchanted by the little instrument, the islanders renamed it....oo-koo-le-le, the Hawaiian name for jumping fleas. Soon the Hawaiians were making their own "little guitars" and the uke was off and strumming.
At the 1915 Panama Pacific Exposition in San Francisco, the Hawaiian Pavilion acquainted America with the ukule music for the first time.
In 1916 Victor Recording Company sold more Hawaiian music than any other kind. Of course, Hollywood recognized the popularity of the uke and featured it in a good number of movies. Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Doris Day, Van Johnson, Mel Torme, Charles Durning, Steve Martin, Tom Hanks, Marilyn Monroe, Jason Robards, Betty Grable and Elvis Presly, all played the "little guitar" in their movies, believe it or not!
Today, the uke is enjoying a resurge in popularity. We hope that is why you are here! As strummer Lou says "music will make your heart sing!".