Origins: The Birth of the Ukulele (1880s-1900)
1879
Portuguese Immigration to Hawaii
Portuguese immigrants, primarily from Madeira and the Azores, arrived in Hawaii to work on sugar plantations. They brought with them small guitar-like instruments called "machetes" (also known as braguinha or cavaquinho).
1880
The First Hawaiian Adaptations
Hawaiian craftsmen began adapting the Portuguese machete, making modifications to suit local musical styles and materials. These early adaptations laid the groundwork for what would become the ukulele.
1886
The Name "Ukulele" Emerges
The instrument was given the name "ukulele," which translates to "jumping flea" in Hawaiian. Legend has it that the name was inspired by the quick finger movements of Edward Purvis, a British army officer who was skilled at playing the instrument and whose nimble fingers reminded Hawaiians of jumping fleas.
1889
Royal Endorsement
King Kalākaua, a proponent of Hawaiian culture, became an enthusiastic supporter of the ukulele. His endorsement played a crucial role in establishing the ukulele as a symbol of Hawaiian identity. The king often featured the instrument at royal gatherings and festivities.
Early Popularity: Spreading Beyond Hawaii (1900-1930)
1915
Panama-Pacific International Exposition
The ukulele gained significant mainland U.S. exposure at the Panama-Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco. The Hawaiian Pavilion, featuring ukulele performances, became one of the most popular attractions, igniting the first major ukulele craze in the United States.
1916
Commercial Production Begins
Major musical instrument manufacturers, including C.F. Martin & Company and Gibson, began mass-producing ukuleles to meet the growing demand. This marked the transition of the ukulele from a primarily Hawaiian instrument to a commercial product for the masses.
1920s
The Roaring Twenties Ukulele Boom
The ukulele became a symbol of the Jazz Age and the carefree spirit of the 1920s. Its portability, affordability, and relatively easy learning curve made it immensely popular among young people. Sheet music publishers often included ukulele chord diagrams on popular songs.
1925-1930
Cliff Edwards ("Ukulele Ike") and Mainstream Fame
Performers like Cliff Edwards, known professionally as "Ukulele Ike," brought the ukulele into the spotlight in vaudeville, early sound films, and radio. Edwards's 1925 recording of "I'll See You in My Dreams" became a major hit and showcased the ukulele to a national audience.
The Golden Age of Ukulele (1930-1960)
1930s
Depression Era Popularity
During the Great Depression, the ukulele remained popular due to its affordability. Many families who couldn't afford more expensive instruments turned to the ukulele for home entertainment.
1935-1945
Harmony Ukulele Production
The Harmony Company became one of the largest producers of ukuleles in the United States, manufacturing inexpensive instruments that were sold through mail-order catalogs like Sears, Roebuck & Co., making the instrument accessible to people across America.
1946-1950s
Post-War Hawaii Tourism and Arthur Godfrey
After World War II, increased tourism to Hawaii and the popularity of entertainers like Arthur Godfrey, who regularly played the ukulele on his radio and television shows, helped maintain the instrument's visibility in American culture. Godfrey is credited with teaching millions of Americans to play the ukulele through his broadcasts.
Revival Period (1960-2000)
1960s
Decline and Novelty Status
The rise of rock and roll saw the ukulele's popularity wane, though it maintained a presence through novelty acts and as a symbol of Hawaiiana. The instrument came to be sometimes viewed as a toy rather than a serious musical instrument during this period.
1968
Tiny Tim's "Tiptoe Through the Tulips"
Performer Tiny Tim's rendition of "Tiptoe Through the Tulips," featuring his distinctive falsetto voice and ukulele accompaniment, became a hit and brought the instrument back into the public consciousness, albeit as something of a novelty.
1970s-1980s
Hawaiian Renaissance
The Hawaiian cultural renaissance of the 1970s saw renewed interest in traditional Hawaiian music and instruments, including the ukulele. Artists like Israel Kamakawiwo'ole began incorporating the ukulele into contemporary music, paving the way for its later revival.
1990s
Seeds of the Modern Revival
The release of Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's medley of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World" in 1993 introduced millions to the soulful possibilities of the ukulele. Though it would take several more years to reach mainstream popularity, this recording planted the seeds for the instrument's 21st-century revival.
Modern Era: The Global Ukulele Renaissance (2000-Present)
2000-2005
Early Revival Signs
A growing community of ukulele enthusiasts began to emerge, particularly in Hawaii, Japan, and parts of the mainland United States. Small manufacturers started producing higher-quality instruments, responding to increasing interest in the ukulele as a serious instrument.
2006
Jake Shimabukuro's YouTube Breakthrough
Jake Shimabukuro's virtuosic rendition of "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" went viral on the then-new YouTube platform, demonstrating the ukulele's potential as a versatile and expressive instrument capable of complex music. This video has been viewed millions of times and inspired countless people to take up the ukulele.
2008-2012
Mainstream Pop Culture Resurgence
The ukulele became increasingly prominent in popular music, with artists like Jason Mraz, Eddie Vedder, and Train incorporating it into hit songs. Eddie Vedder's 2011 album "Ukulele Songs" particularly highlighted the instrument's emotional range.
2010-Present
Digital Age Ukulele Community
The internet has fostered a global community of ukulele enthusiasts, with online tutorials, forums, and social media groups making it easier than ever to learn the instrument. Annual ukulele festivals now take place worldwide, from Hawaii to England, Japan, and beyond.
2020-Present
Pandemic-Era Growth
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the ukulele saw another surge in popularity as people sought accessible musical instruments to learn while staying at home. Sales of ukuleles increased significantly during this period, continuing the instrument's remarkable 21st-century renaissance.