One of the best success stories in music in the last decade has been the growing popularity of ukuleles. By exploring the history of the instrument, the reasons behind the ukulele’s resurgence in sales and repute becomes clear.

An adaptation of traditional Portuguese instruments, the ukulele was first made in Hawaii in the 1880s by Manuel Nunes, Jose do Espirito Santo, and Augusto Dias. The name ukulele roughly translates as “the gift that came here, ” according to Hawaiian Queen Lili’uokalani. Their fame spread after the Panama Pacific International Exposition held in San Francisco in 1915. The sound was taken up by song writers of the day and spread across the world.

After the second World War, the fortunes of the ukulele waned. Mass produced, cheap instruments made their way into the hands of children, turning them into toys. With so called entertainers like Tiny Tim and George Formby making ukuleles into a punchline, there was never a less fashionable time to play the ukulele.

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 most successful sign for ukuleles, however, is on YouTube. There are almost eighty five thousand videos on there. They vary from how to instructional videos, to original indie songs, to covers played by teenyboppers in their bedrooms and going from official high quality dvd style releases to the blurriest video you could think of. But what they all share is a deep seated affection for the instrument.

The growing popularity of ukuleles is summed up very simply: it is a fun instrument. One cannot help but smile as they pluck the strings. Though easy to learn, it never ceases to be entertaining. And that also applies to the listening as well.

Gain insight into the reasons behind the growing popularity of Ukuleles. You can get more information about the lanikai tenor ukulele in our article on where to buy ukuleles at a great price on the Internet.