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.

Five classic ukulele songs

The ukelele may be a small instrument but it had a big influence on the music of the 20th century. Here are five powerhouse performances featuring the four-stringed wonder you should look up.