Ukulele G.O.A.T.
Greatest Of All Time. From Hawaiian legends to YouTube virtuosos. Meet the musicians who shaped the ukulele's global journey.
Contemporary Virtuosos
Jake Shimabukuro
1976–present
Hawaii, USA
Hawaiian virtuoso known for fast, complex fingerwork and genre-blending style. His 2006 YouTube video of 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps' was one of the platform's first viral hits. Nominated to the National Council on the Arts in 2021.
"The ukulele is a simple instrument, but it can express so many complex emotions."
Israel 'IZ' Kamakawiwoʻole
1959–1997
Hawaii, USA
Legendary Hawaiian musician whose 1993 medley of 'Over the Rainbow' and 'What a Wonderful World' became a global phenomenon, introducing millions to the gentle sound of the ukulele.
"In life, I just want to be happy. Music is my life."
Jacob Collier
1994–present
UK
English multi-instrumentalist and harmony prodigy. Known for his custom 5-string and tenor ukuleles, often using them to explore complex microtonal movements and dense harmonic arrangements in his Djesse project.
"The ukulele is a gateway to a world of harmony that is as deep as you want it to be."
Taimane Gardner
1989–present
Hawaii, USA
Hawaiian ukulele virtuoso known for her fiery performances blending rock, flamenco, and classical styles. Her Train Medley video has millions of views.
Grace VanderWaal
2004–present
Kansas, USA
Rose to fame after winning America's Got Talent in 2016 with original songs and ukulele. Signed to Columbia Records and has released multiple albums.
Eddie Vedder
1964–present
Illinois, USA
Pearl Jam frontman who released a solo ukulele album 'Ukulele Songs' in 2011, showcasing the instrument's crossover appeal into rock.
James Hill
1980–present
Canada
Canadian virtuoso known for his experimental techniques, including playing the ukulele with chopsticks and his electronic 'Uke & Drum' project. A leading educator and advocate for the instrument.
Brad Bordessa
1990–present
Hawaii, USA
Creator of Ukulele Notes, Brad is highly respected for his deep technical knowledge of the instrument and his focus on traditional Hawaiian styles. His instructional content is considered some of the best in the community.
Tobias Elof
1987–present
Denmark
Danish ukulele pioneer known for blending Nordic folk music with the ukulele. His clean, precise style and use of the instrument in traditional European folk settings have won him international acclaim.
The Aloha Spirit
Eddie Kamae
1927–2017
Hawaii, USA
Hawaiian icon who revolutionized ukulele playing, elevating it from backup to solo instrument. Founding member of The Sons of Hawaii and crucial figure in the Hawaiian Renaissance.
Queen Liliʻuokalani
1838–1917
Kingdom of Hawaii
The last sovereign monarch of the Hawaiian Kingdom was also an accomplished musician and composer who played the ukulele and helped establish it as a cultural symbol.
"Aunty" Genoa Keawe
1918–2008
Hawaii, USA
True icon in Hawaiian music. Performed Hawaiian standards and hapa haole tunes for over 60 years. Received a National Heritage Fellowship in 2000.
Daniel Ho
1967–present
Hawaii, USA
Multiple Grammy Award-winning Hawaiian artist known for his skill on the ukulele and contributions to Hawaiian slack-key guitar and contemporary Hawaiian music.
Peter Moon
1943–present
Hawaii, USA
Founding member of The Sunday Manoa, instrumental in sparking the Hawaiian Renaissance in the 1970s. Released numerous albums as solo artist and with his band.
Herb Ohta Jr.
1970–present
Hawaii, USA
Master of the 'Ohta-san' style, known for his incredible precision and sweet, melodic tone that carries on his father's legendary legacy.
Vaudeville to Television
George Formby
1904–1961
England
Influential English entertainer popular from the 1930s-1950s. Known for comedic songs and the 'split stroke' technique. One of the highest-paid entertainers of his era.
Cliff "Ukulele Ike" Edwards
1895–1971
Missouri, USA
Jazz Age star who voiced Jiminy Cricket in Disney's Pinocchio. Frequently performed with his ukulele and was one of the first to record scat singing.
Arthur Godfrey
1903–1983
New York, USA
Radio and TV broadcaster who popularized the ukulele in 1950s America. His promotion of Mario Maccaferri's plastic ukuleles led to over 9 million sales.
May Singhi Breen
1891–1970
New York, USA
Known as 'The Original Ukulele Lady.' Had a decades-long career starting in the early 20th century, hosting radio shows and arranging ukulele music for Tin Pan Alley songs.
Roy Smeck
1900–1994
Pennsylvania, USA
Nicknamed 'The Wizard of the Strings.' Highly skilled multi-instrumentalist who showcased the ukulele's virtuosic potential in vaudeville and early film.
John King
1953–2009
USA
A classical ukulele pioneer and respected historian. He was known for his campanella style of playing and for elevating the instrument through his arrangements of classical works, particularly those of J.S. Bach.
Famous Fans
George Harrison
1943–2001
England
The Beatles guitarist was a devoted ukulele enthusiast who gave away ukuleles to friends and promoted the instrument until his death.
Zooey Deschanel
1980–present
California, USA
Actress and musician known for her work with the duo She & Him, where she often plays the ukulele alongside M. Ward.
Tiny Tim
1932–1996
New York, USA
American singer best known for his novelty hit 'Tiptoe Through the Tulips' performed with his signature falsetto voice and ukulele.
Joe Brown
1941–present
England
British rock and roll singer and guitarist. Performed a moving ukulele rendition at George Harrison's memorial concert.
Billie Eilish
2001–present
California, USA
Alt-pop superstar who started her career playing the ukulele. Her signature Fender ukulele and stripped-back performances have inspired a new generation of players.
Ryan Gosling
1980–present
Canada
Acclaimed actor who famously performed 'You Always Hurt the One You Love' on ukulele in Blue Valentine, contributing to the instrument's indie-cool resurgence.