The Most Famous Ukulele Player: Recognizing a Global Icon

Choose the ukulelist you think is the most famous!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Jun 16, 2023 10:18 (Updated on Nov 30, 2023 11:35)
Welcome to StrawPoll, where your opinion matters! We've strummed together a harmonious ranking of the most famous ukulele players from around the world, and now it's your turn to pluck your favorite. Will you choose the iconic Jake Shimabukuro, the innovative Taimane Gardner, or the legendary Israel Kamakawiwo'ole? No matter your musical taste, our diverse list of ukulele virtuosos is sure to strike a chord. So, don't fret – cast your vote for the most famous ukulele player, and if your favorite strummer isn't on our list, simply suggest a missing option. Together, let's create the ultimate ranking that celebrates the joy and passion of ukulele music!

Who Is the Most Famous Ukulele Player?

  1. 1
    68
    votes
    Jake Shimabukuro - known for his virtuosic playing style and innovative use of the ukulele, he has become one of the most recognizable names in the world of ukulele.
    Jake Shimabukuro in other rankings
  2. 2
    29
    votes
    Israel Kamakawiwo'ole is famous for his rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," he is widely regarded as a cultural icon in Hawaii and a pioneer of the Hawaiian ukulele sound.
    Israel Kamakawiwo'ole in other rankings
  3. 3
    25
    votes
    James Hill is a Canadian musician known for his impressive fingerstyle technique and ability to blend various genres of music with the ukulele.
  4. 4
    14
    votes
    Taimane is a Hawaiian-born musician who has gained popularity for her interpretation of traditional Hawaiian music, as well as her covers of popular songs.
  5. 5
    17
    votes
    Eddie Kamae is a musician and filmmaker who is considered one of the most influential figures in the history of Hawaiian music. He was a master of the ukulele and introduced many innovations to the instrument.
  6. 6
    23
    votes
    Lyle Ritz is a jazz bassist and ukulele player who developed a unique style of playing known as "jazz ukulele." He was also a prolific studio musician and arranger.
  7. 7
    6
    votes
    Roy Smeck
    Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domain
    Roy Smeck is a multi-instrumentalist who was known for his virtuosic playing on the ukulele, as well as his skills on other instruments such as the banjo and steel guitar.
  8. 8
    6
    votes
    Herb Ohta is a Hawaiian musician who is regarded as one of the greatest ukulele players of all time. He has released over 50 albums and has won numerous awards for his playing.
  9. 9
    6
    votes
    Aldrine Guerrero is a musician and educator who has gained a large following on YouTube for his ukulele tutorials and performances. He is known for his impressive technique and ability to play a wide range of styles.
  10. 10
    9
    votes
    Daniel Ho is a Grammy-winning musician and producer who has released numerous albums featuring the ukulele. He is known for his innovative approach to the instrument and his ability to blend various musical styles.

Missing your favorite ukulelist?

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Ranking factors for famous ukulele player

  1. Skill and Technique
    The mastery of the ukulele instrument is an essential factor. This includes proficiency in playing chords, strumming, fingerpicking, and overall technical ability.
  2. Musical Creativity
    The ability to bring innovation and uniqueness to the ukulele playing style. This includes creativity in composing songs, creating arrangements, and exploring different genres and playing techniques.
  3. Impact and Influence
    The player's impact on the ukulele community and the wider music world. This may include contributions to the instrument's popularity, inspiring and influencing other players, and making a significant impact on the instrument's evolution.
  4. Discography and Performances
    The number and quality of albums, recordings, and performances by the player. This may involve solo work, collaborations, live performances, and any notable achievements in their musical career.
  5. Reputation and Recognition
    The recognition, awards, and reputation the player has gained throughout their career. This includes accolades, critical acclaim, fan following, and overall recognition within the ukulele community and music industry.
  6. Cultural Contribution
    The player's contribution to the cultural significance and representation of the ukulele. This may include promoting the instrument's heritage, exploring traditional styles, or incorporating cultural elements into their music.

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

  • 1066 views
  • 203 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.

Categories

More information on most famous ukulele player

The ukulele is a small, four-stringed instrument that originated in Hawaii in the late 19th century. It gained popularity in the United States in the early 20th century and has since become a beloved instrument for music lovers all around the world. While it may not be as popular as a guitar or a piano, there are still many talented ukulele players out there who have made a name for themselves in the music industry. From Jake Shimabukuro to Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, there are countless ukulele players who have gained fame and recognition for their unique style and skillful playing. In this article, we'll be exploring the question of who is the most famous ukulele player and taking a closer look at some of the most notable players in the industry.

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