Now, the uke may be the most popular instrument. It is floating on an unprecedented wave of success. The fascination with this enjoyable instrument is unquestionable, and almost we all know about it. There’re a lot of fun stories and legends surrounding this remarkable instrument. Indeed, we have summarized some of those fun ukulele facts in this article.
The ukulele is a lively instrument that lends an unparalleled and adventurous air to any tune. Its Hawaiian origins, cheerful melodies, and closest company with the mellow songs of famous uke players have certainly contributed to that pulse.
This little wonder instrument that seems a lot like a guitar-looking, as you might guess, pertains to the lute family. Also, it has only four strings plucked in fast patterns to enjoy a lively tone.
If you intend to know more about this instrument, below are some fun ukulele facts you should know about them now.
14 Fun And Interesting Ukulele Facts
Now, keep reading this article on ukulele facts to know fun things.
1. The original inventor of the ukulele is still unknown
By the end of the eighteenth century, the smaller uke gained excellent fame and recognition in Hawaii.
However, while the uke is well regarded as a Hawaiian musical instrument, most historical accounts get consented this instrument did not get invented there.
The definitive roots of the first uke get ascribed to Portuguese immigrants who toured Hawaii in groups in search of better living.
In Hawaii, during that time, sugarcane plantations and sugar-based industries were flourishing. On the other hand, the economic system collapsed while staying in Portugal.
It is customary that a party of Portuguese laborers came to that instrument with them to Hawaii.
Three, especially, were so genius at playing the uke, which in their culture was named the machete or braguinha.
2. The translation of Ukulele as The ‘Jumping Flea’
Joao Fernandes launched from his hometown of Funchal, the port city of Madeira, to Honolulu on August 23, 1879.
As soon as Fernandez stepped into the port, he brought out his bragging and started singing with joy.
The Hawaiians in attendance at that place liked the show, the new instruments, and the music.
The Hawaiians also pondered that Fernandes’ arms ran as fast on the fretboard as a ‘ukulele,’ which implies jumping flea in Hawaiian!
3. A regal welcome for the ukulele
King David Kalakaua, like many Hawaiians, loved uke music and accompanying songs.
Within a short time, he became quite fond of these melodies, and a ukulele performance got foremost at all royal assemblages.
Above all, enthusiastic royal support of the uke aided it in making it a part of Hawaiian heritage and culture and increasing its recognition.
4. A large ukulele collection by George Harrison
George Harrison was a renowned uke player who was called the Quiet Beatle as a nickname. Indeed, he was very cheerful and fun-loving.
Harrison had an adventurous soul who loved to enjoy novel tastes in life, especially in music.
A tour to Hawaii with George Formby’s show was adequate for him to fall in love with the uke.
Playing the uke was frequently included in George Harrison’s solos, and he rarely left it out.
In the 1980s, his obsession with miniature instruments reached the top. Over the years, he accumulated an astonishing collection of ukes.
5. Neil Armstrong’s deep fondness for Ukulele
The first man to walk on the moon was Neil Armstrong, who had a special appreciation for the uke few people were aware of it.
Anyway, as soon as he returned from his interstellar tour, the whole world became informed of his affinity for the uke.
This reason is that during his quarantine after the Apollo 11 mission, an iconic photo of him and his colleague was brought out. In that photograph, he was profoundly engrossed in playing the uke.
6. Versions from vintage wood to commercial plastic
As a versatile and easy-to-learn instrument, the uke has obtained worldwide popularity.
But its purchase cost was beyond the reach of beginners.
For this reason, manufacturers like Mario Maccaferri betook to manufacturing plastic ukes to sell at affordable costs.
In the 1940s, they made about 9 million ukes.
Indeed, the best and finest ukes have remained the wood species, although.
Some prominent uke manufacturers in its latest form are Harmony, Regal, and Martin.
Moreover, they also developed some variations that combined the uke with other stringed instruments, such as the banjolele and tipple.
7. Better Instrument for newbies
The uke contains only four strings and a liberal fretboard. Its size is compact, so carrying it becomes simple.
Now players can find plenty of mid-priced brands, so buying one is not a hassle.
All these factors have turned the uke into perhaps the most preferred instrument for newbies.
Musicians have also noticed that beginning with the uke becomes much less overwhelming for someone who is just about to start.
Moreover, it turns learning guitar and even violin much easier in the next because you’re accustomed to playing chords and strumming.
8. The ukulele was shown in Elvis Presley’s biggest movies
The warm voice of the king blended excellently with the soft melodies of the uke.
In his movie Blue Hawaii, he performed the song Ku-u-i-po on a ukulele, which was not a big surprise in those days.
Elvis Presley was not regarded as the only superstar who plucked the melodic chords of a uke.
You’ll find many movies where a song needs the use of that cute small instrument.
9. The ukulele Created its way into Japanese music
Many people visiting Japan are affected by the ukulele’s popularity at all levels.
Some call Japan “the second home of ukulele.”
In Hawaii in 1885, the story starts when Japanese immigrants began arriving in groups.
There was a time when Hawaii’s economy was booming, and businesses elsewhere were floundering. At the time, when the Portuguese were bringing their small musical instruments.
Japanese immigrants felt some inconvenience communicating with others, and the music of the uke seems to have been a fantastic means of bonding.
They went back to Japan with it, and by 1920, it had become a too popular instrument in Japan among amateurs and pro performers alike.
10. A Record-breaking Ukulele Song
Very few songs arrive on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and staying there for 76 weeks is a rare occurrence for any tune.
The pompous thing is a uke song that attained that big feat.
The best-seller “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz was that song, and that event occurred in 2008.
11. Different Types of Ukuleles
The running form of the ukulele is made up depending on four Portuguese instruments that migrants fetched with them to Hawaii.
Portuguese folk instruments that spurred the uke were the Timple, Machete, Rajão, and Cavaquinho.
The instrument’s mixed origins and constant development have naturally led it to various directions, each with different shapes, tones, and ranges, hugely depending on the type of song and music performed in several places.
Resulting, you’ll find many different types of ukulele, such as soprano, concert, tenor, baritone, bass ukulele, as well as banjolele and Guitalele!
12. The Ukulele contains only four strings
The uke is frequently likened to the guitar and some trust that its size is the only difference between them.
However, many other fundamental points remain, and it is the number of strings.
Guitars bring six strings, whereas ukes contain only four. It turns learning, tuning, and playing the ukulele easy.
The G4–C4–E4–A4 is the standard uke tuning, but it naturally varies with the larger sizes because their tuning becomes separate.
13. Entertainers & Comedians favor the ukulele
Ukulele melodies and songs might be so simple, light, and silly in terms of playing!
This instrument produces the sound of so much fun, so it does not get too astonishing that many entertainers and comedians have applied it to create the perfect mood.
The star performers are Cliff Edwards, Tiny Tim, and Bette Midler, who have carried the uke wherever they have performed.
14. Marylin Monroe Played the Ukulele Once
The epic film “Some Like It Hot,” acted by Marylin Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemon, was released in 1959.
Anyway, the movie was made with a romantic comedy and talked about the world of female music bands.
Monroe performed as a singer, dancer, and uke player in the movie.
Final Note: The Ukulele Facts
Finally, the uke remains among the few instruments, singing exclusively for bliss and almost unable to play sad melodies.
It might become a bit of nostalgia for a memorable time, a beautiful place, or an unforgettable person.
The Hawaiian and Portuguese beginnings of that little instrument and the way it assembled people from all over the world can probably be thanked for that spirited atmosphere.
Hopefully, you’ve enjoyed our article about fun ukulele facts.
