The ukulele, a small four-stringed instrument with roots in Hawaii, has captivated musicians and audiences alike with its cheerful, melodic sound and portability. Over the years, numerous talented ukulele players have left their mark on the world of music, showcasing the instrument’s versatility and charm. From traditional Hawaiian music to contemporary pop, these musicians have pushed the boundaries of what can be achieved with the ukulele. In this article, we will explore the top 15 most popular ukulele players of all time, celebrating their unique styles, influences on the instrument, and the lasting impact they have made on the ukulele community and music world as a whole.
1. Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, affectionately known as “IZ,” was a Hawaiian musician whose soulful voice and virtuosic ukulele playing earned him international acclaim. Born in Honolulu in 1959, Kamakawiwo’ole’s music blended traditional Hawaiian sounds with contemporary influences, creating a unique and captivating style. His most famous recording, a medley of “Over the Rainbow” and “What a Wonderful World,” showcased his incredible vocal range and ability to convey deep emotion through his ukulele playing. The song became a global sensation, featured in numerous films, television shows, and commercials. Throughout his career, Kamakawiwo’ole used his music to promote Hawaiian culture, language, and sovereignty, becoming a beloved figure in the islands and beyond. Despite his struggles with obesity and health issues, Kamakawiwo’ole’s talent and charisma shone through in his performances, and his legacy as one of the greatest ukulele players and Hawaiian musicians of all time continues to inspire new generations of musicians. With his gentle spirit, powerful voice, and masterful ukulele playing, Israel Kamakawiwo’ole left an indelible mark on the world of music and the hearts of his fans.
2. Jake Shimabukuro
Jake Shimabukuro, a Hawaiian-born ukulele virtuoso, has revolutionized the way the world perceives the ukulele, transforming it from a simple, Hawaiian folk instrument to a vehicle for complex, dynamic musical expression. Born in Honolulu in 1976, Shimabukuro began playing the ukulele at the age of four and quickly developed a passion for the instrument. His innovative approach to ukulele playing, which incorporates elements of jazz, rock, and classical music, has earned him international acclaim and a devoted following. Shimabukuro’s breakout moment came in 2006 when a video of him performing George Harrison’s “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” on the ukulele went viral on YouTube, garnering millions of views and exposing his talent to a global audience. Since then, he has released numerous critically acclaimed albums, showcasing his virtuosic technique, creative arrangements, and ability to push the boundaries of what is possible on the ukulele. Shimabukuro’s live performances are equally impressive, featuring his signature blend of technical mastery, emotional depth, and engaging stage presence. With his unwavering dedication to his craft and his ability to connect with audiences across genres and generations, Jake Shimabukuro has established himself as one of the greatest ukulele players of all time and a true ambassador for the instrument.
3. Eddie Kamae
Eddie Kamae, a Hawaiian musician, composer, and educator, was a pioneering figure in the Hawaiian cultural renaissance of the 1970s and a master of the ukulele. Born in Honolulu in 1927, Kamae’s musical journey began with the ukulele, which he learned to play as a child. He went on to become a prolific composer, creating hundreds of songs that celebrated Hawaiian culture, language, and history. Kamae’s music was characterized by its authenticity, storytelling, and the seamless integration of traditional Hawaiian instruments like the ukulele, slack-key guitar, and steel guitar. As a member of the legendary Hawaiian music group Sons of Hawaii, Kamae helped to revive interest in traditional Hawaiian music and inspire a new generation of musicians. He was also a passionate educator, teaching ukulele and Hawaiian music to countless students and working to preserve and promote Hawaiian culture through his music and activism. Kamae’s contributions to Hawaiian music and culture were recognized with numerous awards and honors, including a National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts. With his deep knowledge of Hawaiian music, his virtuosic ukulele playing, and his commitment to perpetuating Hawaiian culture, Eddie Kamae left an indelible mark on the world of Hawaiian music and the ukulele.
4. Ohta-San
Ohta-San, born Herb Ohta in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1934, is a ukulele virtuoso known for his innovative playing style and his role in popularizing the ukulele in Japan and beyond. Ohta-San’s musical journey began at a young age, and he quickly developed a reputation as a prodigy on the ukulele. His unique playing style, which incorporated elements of jazz, classical, and Hawaiian music, set him apart from his contemporaries and earned him a devoted following. In the 1960s, Ohta-San began performing and teaching in Japan, where he played a crucial role in sparking a ukulele boom and inspiring a new generation of Japanese ukulele players. His performances and recordings showcased his incredible technical skill, musicality, and ability to adapt the ukulele to a wide range of musical genres. Throughout his career, Ohta-San released numerous albums, instructional books, and videos, cementing his status as one of the most influential and respected ukulele players of all time. With his virtuosic playing, innovative techniques, and dedication to sharing his love of the ukulele with the world, Ohta-San has made an indelible mark on the history of the instrument and inspired countless musicians to pick up the ukulele.
5. Roy Smeck
Roy Smeck, born in Reading, Pennsylvania, in 1900, was a vaudeville performer and multi-instrumentalist known for his virtuosic ukulele playing and his role in popularizing the instrument in the early 20th century. Nicknamed “The Wizard of the Strings,” Smeck was a master of many stringed instruments, including the banjo, guitar, and Hawaiian guitar, but it was his ukulele playing that truly set him apart. His lightning-fast fingers, innovative techniques, and showmanship made him a sensation on the vaudeville circuit and earned him a place in the history books as one of the greatest ukulele players of all time. Smeck’s performances often featured a mix of popular songs, novelty tunes, and original compositions, showcasing his incredible technical skill and ability to entertain audiences. He also played a crucial role in the development of the ukulele as a recording artist, releasing numerous albums and instructional materials that helped to spread the popularity of the instrument. Throughout his long and prolific career, Smeck’s influence on the ukulele and popular music cannot be overstated, and his legacy continues to inspire and delight ukulele enthusiasts around the world.
6. James Hill
James Hill, a Canadian ukulele virtuoso, composer, and educator, has been hailed as one of the most innovative and influential ukulele players of his generation. Born in 1980, Hill’s musical journey began at a young age, and he quickly developed a passion for the ukulele and its possibilities. His unique playing style, which incorporates elements of classical music, jazz, and world music, has pushed the boundaries of what is possible on the instrument and inspired countless players around the world. Hill’s performances and recordings showcase his incredible technical skill, musicality, and ability to create complex, emotionally resonant compositions on the ukulele. He is also a sought-after educator, known for his engaging teaching style and his ability to make the ukulele accessible to players of all levels. In addition to his work as a performer and teacher, Hill is also a prolific composer, creating works for ukulele that range from solo pieces to concertos and symphonies. With his virtuosic playing, innovative compositions, and dedication to spreading the joy of the ukulele, James Hill has made an indelible mark on the world of ukulele music and inspired a new generation of players to explore the full potential of this remarkable instrument.
7. Lyle Ritz
Lyle Ritz, an American jazz ukulele player, is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of the jazz ukulele movement and a master of the instrument. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1930, Ritz began his musical career as a bassist in the Los Angeles jazz scene of the 1950s and 60s, playing with such luminaries as Barney Kessel and Shelley Manne. However, it was his discovery of the ukulele in the late 1950s that would change the course of his musical journey and earn him a place in the history books. Ritz’s approach to the ukulele was unique, applying the vocabulary and techniques of jazz bass playing to the small, four-stringed instrument. His virtuosic playing, characterized by intricate chord melodies, walking basslines, and improvisations, demonstrated the ukulele’s potential as a serious jazz instrument and inspired a new generation of players. Throughout his career, Ritz released numerous acclaimed albums, showcasing his mastery of the jazz ukulele and his ability to swing with the best of them. With his innovative approach, virtuosic technique, and dedication to the ukulele as a jazz instrument, Lyle Ritz has left an indelible mark on the world of ukulele music and inspired countless players to explore the jazz possibilities of this remarkable instrument.
8. Brittni Paiva
Brittni Paiva, a Hawaiian ukulele virtuoso and composer, is widely regarded as one of the most talented and innovative players of her generation. Born in Hilo, Hawaii, in 1988, Paiva’s musical journey began at a young age, and she quickly developed a passion for the ukulele and Hawaiian music. Her unique playing style, which incorporates elements of jazz, classical, and Hawaiian music, has earned her international acclaim and a devoted following. Paiva’s performances and recordings showcase her incredible technical skill, musicality, and ability to push the boundaries of what is possible on the ukulele. She is equally adept at playing traditional Hawaiian tunes, jazz standards, and her own original compositions, all with a level of virtuosity and emotional depth that sets her apart from her peers. In addition to her work as a performer, Paiva is also a sought-after educator, known for her ability to inspire and guide students of all levels. With her virtuosic playing, innovative approach, and dedication to perpetuating Hawaiian music and culture, Brittni Paiva has established herself as one of the most important and influential ukulele players of her generation, and a true ambassador for the instrument and its possibilities.
9. Taimane
Taimane, a Hawaiian ukulele virtuoso, composer, and performer, is known for her electrifying stage presence, genre-bending compositions, and fearless approach to the ukulele. Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, Taimane began playing the ukulele at the age of five and quickly developed a reputation as a prodigy on the instrument. Her unique playing style, which incorporates elements of flamenco, classical, rock, and Hawaiian music, has earned her international acclaim and a devoted following. Taimane’s performances are a thrilling mix of virtuosic playing, theatrical elements, and storytelling, showcasing her incredible technical skill, creativity, and charisma. Her original compositions, which range from intricate instrumentals to songs with vocals in multiple languages, demonstrate her versatility as a musician and her ability to push the boundaries of what is possible on the ukulele. In addition to her work as a performer and composer, Taimane is also a passionate advocate for music education and environmental conservation, using her platform to inspire and empower others. With her electrifying performances, genre-defying compositions, and commitment to making a positive impact through her music, Taimane has established herself as one of the most exciting and influential ukulele players of her generation.
10. Daniel Ho
Daniel Ho, a Hawaiian-born musician, composer, and producer, is a leading figure in the world of ukulele music, known for his virtuosic playing, innovative compositions, and dedication to perpetuating Hawaiian culture. Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, Ho’s musical journey began with the ukulele, which he learned to play at a young age. He went on to study jazz guitar and piano, honing his skills as a multi-instrumentalist and composer. Ho’s music is characterized by its blend of traditional Hawaiian sounds with contemporary influences, creating a unique and captivating style that has earned him international acclaim. His performances and recordings showcase his incredible technical skill, musicality, and ability to create lush, immersive soundscapes using the ukulele and other instruments. As a composer, Ho has written music for film, television, and stage, as well as numerous solo and collaborative albums that have garnered him multiple Grammy Awards. He is also a sought-after producer, working with a wide range of artists to create music that celebrates Hawaiian culture and the ukulele. With his virtuosic playing, innovative compositions, and dedication to promoting Hawaiian music and culture, Daniel Ho has established himself as one of the most important and influential figures in the world of ukulele music.
11. Kris Fuchigami
Kris Fuchigami, an American ukulele virtuoso and composer, is known for his innovative playing style, genre-spanning repertoire, and dedication to pushing the boundaries of what is possible on the ukulele. Born and raised in Hawaii, Fuchigami’s musical journey began with the ukulele, which he learned to play at a young age. He quickly developed a reputation as a prodigy on the instrument, and his unique approach to playing, which incorporates elements of classical music, jazz, and rock, has earned him international acclaim. Fuchigami’s performances and recordings showcase his incredible technical skill, musicality, and ability to seamlessly blend disparate genres into a cohesive and captivating whole. He is equally adept at playing intricate fingerstyle arrangements, high-energy strumming patterns, and improvising in a variety of styles. As a composer, Fuchigami has written music for solo ukulele, as well as for various ensembles and collaborations with other artists. His original compositions demonstrate his versatility as a musician and his ability to create music that is both technically challenging and emotionally resonant. With his virtuosic playing, genre-defying approach, and commitment to expanding the possibilities of the ukulele, Kris Fuchigami has established himself as one of the most exciting and influential players of his generation.
12. Victoria Vox
Victoria Vox, an American ukulele player, singer, and songwriter, is known for her enchanting voice, clever lyrics, and masterful ukulele playing. Born and raised in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Vox’s musical journey began with the piano and French horn, but it was the ukulele that truly captured her heart. Her unique playing style, which incorporates elements of jazz, pop, and folk music, has earned her a devoted following and critical acclaim. Vox’s performances and recordings showcase her incredible musicality, her ability to craft catchy, memorable songs, and her skills as a storyteller. Her lyrics are witty, insightful, and often deeply personal, touching on themes of love, loss, and the human experience. As a vocalist, Vox possesses a warm, expressive voice that perfectly complements her ukulele playing and brings her songs to life. In addition to her work as a solo artist, Vox is also a sought-after collaborator, working with a wide range of musicians and artists to create music that spans genres and styles. With her enchanting voice, masterful ukulele playing, and gift for songwriting, Victoria Vox has established herself as one of the most talented and captivating ukulele players and singer-songwriters of her generation.
13. Aldrine Guerrero
Aldrine Guerrero, a Filipino-American ukulele virtuoso, educator, and arranger, is widely regarded as one of the most influential and respected figures in the ukulele community. Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Guerrero’s musical journey began with the ukulele, which he learned to play at a young age. He quickly developed a passion for the instrument and began exploring its possibilities, incorporating techniques from other stringed instruments like the guitar and bass. Guerrero’s playing style is characterized by its precision, speed, and musicality, and he is equally adept at playing intricate fingerstyle arrangements, jazz chord melodies, and high-energy strumming patterns. As an educator, Guerrero is known for his ability to break down complex techniques and concepts into accessible, easy-to-understand lessons, and his online ukulele courses and instructional videos have helped countless players around the world improve their skills. He is also a prolific arranger, creating ukulele arrangements of popular songs and classical pieces that showcase the instrument’s versatility and potential. With his virtuosic playing, dedication to education, and tireless efforts to promote the ukulele, Aldrine Guerrero has made an indelible mark on the ukulele world and inspired countless players to explore the full range of the instrument’s possibilities.
14. Kalei Gamiao
Kalei Gamiao, a Hawaiian ukulele virtuoso and composer, is known for his innovative playing style, genre-bending compositions, and dedication to pushing the boundaries of what is possible on the ukulele. Born and raised on the island of Oahu, Gamiao’s musical journey began with the ukulele, which he learned to play at a young age. He quickly developed a reputation as a prodigy on the instrument, and his unique approach to playing, which incorporates elements of jazz, classical, and Hawaiian music, has earned him international acclaim. Gamiao’s performances and recordings showcase his incredible technical skill, musicality, and ability to create complex, emotionally resonant compositions on the ukulele. He is known for his use of extended techniques, such as percussive hits, harmonics, and tapping, which expand the sonic possibilities of the instrument. As a composer, Gamiao has written music for solo ukulele, as well as for various ensembles and collaborations with other artists. His original compositions often blend traditional Hawaiian melodies with contemporary harmonies and rhythms, creating a sound that is both rooted in tradition and forward-looking. With his virtuosic playing, innovative compositions, and commitment to honoring Hawaiian culture while pushing the ukulele in new directions, Kalei Gamiao has established himself as one of the most exciting and influential ukulele players of his generation.
15. Cynthia Lin
Cynthia Lin, a Taiwanese-American ukulele player, singer, and songwriter, is known for her warm, expressive voice, intricate fingerstyle playing, and heartfelt original songs. Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Lin’s musical journey began with the piano and guitar, but it was the ukulele that ultimately captured her heart. Her unique playing style, which incorporates elements of folk, pop, and classical music, has earned her a devoted following and critical acclaim. Lin’s performances and recordings showcase her incredible musicality, her ability to create lush, immersive soundscapes with the ukulele, and her skills as a songwriter. Her original songs are deeply personal, exploring themes of love, identity, and the search for belonging, and her lyrics have a poetic, introspective quality that resonates with listeners. As a vocalist, Lin possesses a gentle, emotive voice that perfectly complements her ukulele playing and brings her songs to life. In addition to her work as a solo artist, Lin is also a sought-after educator, known for her ability to inspire and guide students of all levels. With her heartfelt songwriting, intricate ukulele playing, and warm, expressive voice, Cynthia Lin has established herself as one of the most talented and compelling ukulele players and singer-songwriters of her generation.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
