The Most Famous Ukulele Player, Ranked

Choose the ukulele player you think is the most famous!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 28, 2024 07:58
Finding the most celebrated ukulele player can be a spirited adventure, filled with unexpected musical discoveries. Everyone has different criteria for what makes a ukulele player truly stand out—be it their skill, the uniqueness of their sound, or the emotional depth of their music. This variety in opinion makes a collective ranking both significant and informative, providing a broader perspective on what resonates with audiences. By participating in the voting process, you contribute to a dynamic, crowd-sourced ranking that reflects diverse tastes and preferences. This ranking is not just a list; it's a reflection of the community's collective voice, showcasing which artists capture the hearts of fellow enthusiasts. Each vote helps to shape an authentic snapshot of who is leading in the world of ukulele music today.

Who Is the Most Famous Ukulele Player?

  1. 1
    69
    votes

    Jake Shimabukuro

    A virtuoso on the ukulele, Jake Shimabukuro gained international fame for his complex finger work and covers of popular songs, including a renowned version of 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps' by The Beatles.
    • Notable Cover: 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps'
    • Technique: Complex finger work
  2. 2
    30
    votes

    Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

    Famous for his medley of 'Somewhere over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World', Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, also known as Iz, brought a heartfelt and soulful sound to the ukulele, making him an iconic figure in Hawaiian music.
    • Notable Song: 'Somewhere over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World'
    • Influence: Hawaiian Music
  3. 3
    26
    votes

    James Hill

    Canadian ukulele player James Hill has been praised for his innovative approach to the ukulele, incorporating various genres into his playing and pushing the boundaries of what the instrument can do.
    • Nationality: Canadian
    • Approach: Innovative
  4. 4
    6
    votes

    Herb Ohta

    Also known as Ohta-San, Herb Ohta is a Japanese American ukulele player whose influence spans decades. He is credited with transforming the ukulele into a globally recognized instrument through his jazz-influenced performances.
    • Alias: Ohta-San
    • Genre: Jazz-influenced
  5. 5
    0
    votes

    Taimane Gardner

    Hawaiian ukulele virtuoso Taimane Gardner is known for her energetic performances and wide-ranging musical influences, from classical to flamenco, and her ability to captivate audiences with her dynamic playing.
    • Style: Energetic performances
    • Influences: Classical to flamenco
  6. 6
    0
    votes

    Grace VanderWaal

    Winner of 'America's Got Talent' Season 11, Grace VanderWaal started her music career at a young age, captivating audiences with her ukulele performances and original songs.
    • Achievement: 'America's Got Talent' Season 11 Winner
    • Start: Young age
  7. 7
    0
    votes

    George Formby

    A British actor, singer-songwriter, and comedian, George Formby was one of the UK's most well-known and highest-paid entertainers. His performances on the banjolele, a hybrid between the banjo and the ukulele, brought the instrument into the limelight in the UK.
    • Instrument: Banjolele
    • Profession: Actor, Singer-Songwriter, Comedian
  8. 8
    0
    votes

    Eddie Vedder

    The lead vocalist of Pearl Jam, Eddie Vedder, has incorporated the ukulele into rock music, showcasing the instrument's versatility. His solo album 'Ukulele Songs' features original songs and covers performed on the ukulele.
    • Album: 'Ukulele Songs'
    • Band: Pearl Jam
  9. 9
    0
    votes

    Bill Tapia

    A professional musician for over eight decades, Bill Tapia, also known as 'The Duke of Uke', played with many jazz legends and was still performing into his 100s, showcasing the timeless appeal of the ukulele.
    • Nickname: 'The Duke of Uke'
    • Career Span: Over eight decades
  10. 10
    0
    votes

    Cliff Edwards

    Also known as 'Ukulele Ike', Cliff Edwards was a prominent figure in the early 20th century, known for his ukulele playing and singing voice. He is most famous for voicing Jiminy Cricket in Disney's 'Pinocchio'.
    • Alias: 'Ukulele Ike'
    • Famous Role: Voice of Jiminy Cricket in 'Pinocchio'

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About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous ukulele player. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or ukulelist is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1426 views
  • 131 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each ukulelist once every 24 hours. The rank of each ukulelist is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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Additional Information

More about the Most Famous Ukulele Player

Jake Shimabukuro
Rank #1 for the most famous ukulele player: Jake Shimabukuro (Source)
The ukulele is a small, guitar-like instrument. It has a rich history and a unique sound. Many people love its cheerful tunes. Over the years, some players have stood out and become famous. These players have brought the ukulele into the spotlight.

The ukulele first gained popularity in Hawaii. It was introduced by Portuguese immigrants in the late 19th century. The instrument quickly became a symbol of Hawaiian music. Its bright sound fit well with the island's culture.

In the early 20th century, the ukulele made its way to the mainland United States. It became a hit at the Panama-Pacific International Exposition in 1915. From there, its popularity spread. Many people began to play the ukulele. It was easy to learn and affordable.

During the jazz age, the ukulele found its place in popular music. Many musicians began to include it in their performances. Its small size made it easy to carry around. This helped it become a favorite among traveling musicians.

In the mid-20th century, the ukulele saw another surge in popularity. This was due in part to television and film. Some players became household names. They appeared on TV shows and in movies. Their performances captivated audiences. This helped keep the ukulele in the public eye.

The ukulele experienced ups and downs over the years. In the late 20th century, it saw a decline. Many people viewed it as a novelty. However, it never completely disappeared. Dedicated players kept the tradition alive.

In recent years, the ukulele has made a strong comeback. The internet played a big role in this revival. Videos and tutorials made it easier for people to learn. Social media helped players share their music with a wide audience. This led to a new wave of interest in the instrument.

Many modern musicians have embraced the ukulele. They use it to create fresh, innovative music. This has helped the instrument gain respect in the music world. It is no longer seen as just a novelty. It is now recognized as a versatile and expressive instrument.

The most famous ukulele players have inspired many people. They have shown what the instrument can do. Their skill and creativity have pushed the boundaries of ukulele music. They have also helped keep the tradition alive for future generations.

These players often start young. They practice hard and develop their own style. Many of them write their own music. They also perform covers of popular songs. This helps show the ukulele's versatility.

Live performances are a big part of their success. They connect with audiences and share their love of the instrument. Their energy and passion are contagious. This inspires others to pick up the ukulele and start playing.

The ukulele has a bright future. Its unique sound and rich history continue to attract new players. Famous ukulele players have paved the way. They have shown that this small instrument has a big voice.

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