The Reasoning Behind The Growing Popularity Of Ukuleles In The Previous Decade
The growing popularity of ukuleles; one of the best success stories for music in the last few years. But from whence did the instrument come? Why has the demand for them outstripped their production? Why do people love playing them?
The first ukuleles were made in 1880s Hawaii as adaptations of Portuguese traditional instruments. The name translates to "the gift that came here, " said Queen Lili'uokalani. After the 1915 Panama Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco, the instrument was introduced the the public at large. The unique sound was used by Tin Pan Alley song writers and spread exponentially.
Later, after World War II, the instrument became a toy. Cheap, mass produced ukuleles were fashionable amongst kids for a time. And thanks to entertainers such as George Formby and Tiny Tim, they became a joke.
But the ukulele's salvation was to come through its cheap nature. As recession and inflation rear their ugly heads, people have flocked to the ukulele as an alternative to costlier instruments. Also to its benefit is the ease and speed with which you can learn to play it.
Several sources cite Paul McCartney performing at the "Concert For George" memorial as the resurgence of the instrument. But he's not alone in sporting one these days. Stephen Merritt, Gothic Archies and Magnetic Fields front man, uses them often on his releases. The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain has performed to enthusiastic audiences and sold out shows across Europe since the late eighties. Both Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam and Amanda Palmer have released ukulele albums with Palmer's consisting solely of covers of Radiohead. Of course Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's version of 'Over the Rainbow" is accountable as anything for bringing attention to the pint sized four string.
The real mark of success for the ukulele, though, is on YouTube. At last count, there were over eighty four thousand videos on the web site. Ranging from how to videos, to indie originals, to cover songs played in a teenager's bedroom and running the gamut from highly professional to the poorest quality you could imagine. But what they all have in common is a love of the instrument.
The growing popularity, or should that be rebirth, of ukuleles can be summated quite easily: they are fun. One cannot help but smile as they pluck the strings. Although easy to acquire the skills, it never fails to be amusing for both player and listener alike.
The first ukuleles were made in 1880s Hawaii as adaptations of Portuguese traditional instruments. The name translates to "the gift that came here, " said Queen Lili'uokalani. After the 1915 Panama Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco, the instrument was introduced the the public at large. The unique sound was used by Tin Pan Alley song writers and spread exponentially.
Later, after World War II, the instrument became a toy. Cheap, mass produced ukuleles were fashionable amongst kids for a time. And thanks to entertainers such as George Formby and Tiny Tim, they became a joke.
But the ukulele's salvation was to come through its cheap nature. As recession and inflation rear their ugly heads, people have flocked to the ukulele as an alternative to costlier instruments. Also to its benefit is the ease and speed with which you can learn to play it.
Several sources cite Paul McCartney performing at the "Concert For George" memorial as the resurgence of the instrument. But he's not alone in sporting one these days. Stephen Merritt, Gothic Archies and Magnetic Fields front man, uses them often on his releases. The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain has performed to enthusiastic audiences and sold out shows across Europe since the late eighties. Both Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam and Amanda Palmer have released ukulele albums with Palmer's consisting solely of covers of Radiohead. Of course Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's version of 'Over the Rainbow" is accountable as anything for bringing attention to the pint sized four string.
The real mark of success for the ukulele, though, is on YouTube. At last count, there were over eighty four thousand videos on the web site. Ranging from how to videos, to indie originals, to cover songs played in a teenager's bedroom and running the gamut from highly professional to the poorest quality you could imagine. But what they all have in common is a love of the instrument.
The growing popularity, or should that be rebirth, of ukuleles can be summated quite easily: they are fun. One cannot help but smile as they pluck the strings. Although easy to acquire the skills, it never fails to be amusing for both player and listener alike.
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Gain insight into growing popularity of Ukuleles. You can get more information about the lanikai tenor ukulele in our guide to where to buy ukuleles at a great price online.