WATCH: Three of the biggest ukulele stars, and five classic ukulele tracks
You don’t have to be Hawaiian to play the ukulele, but it helps
These players are among the stars of the ukulele world.
Jake Shimabukuro
This Hawaiian ukulele player became world famous after uploading a video of him playing a cover version of George Harrison’s While My Guitar Gently Weeps lin New York’s Central Park. He is currently on a world tour, introducing audiences to the beautiful music he makes with his tenor ukulele.
Eddie Kamae
Kamae is another renowned Hawaiian ukulele player who regularly performs live with his band Sons of Hawaii. He learned to play ukulele by ear while listening to radio shows. Kamae possesses an exceptional musical talent and has mentored other famous ukulele players such as American Herb Ohta.
James Hill
This classically trained Canadian musician tours the world playing blues and folk tunes on his ukelele, and since 2006, he’s been performing with his wife, cellist Anne Davison. When touring internationally, he also conducts workshops and has taught throughout North America, Europe and Asia.