The first ukuleles were made in Hawaii. They weren't really invented so much as evolved from guitar like instruments. They were made by Portuguese immigrants as early as 1879. They were based on a similar instrument, the machete, that is found in Portugal.
Three Madeiran (Portuguese) immigrants immigrants, cabinet makers Manuel Nunes, José do Espírito Santo, and Augusto Dias are believed to be the first Ukulele makers.
The instrument evolved over time. It is a member of the stringed lute family. The Portuguese brought instruments when they migrated to Hawaii and these were changed to create what we know as the ukulele.
Many different people contributed to the popularity of the ukulele at different times in its history:
The initial support of the King and the Princes and Princesses of Hawaii went a long way toward the beginning of the history.
Ukulele Ike in the 10's and 20's
George Formby in the 30's and 40's
Arthur Godfrey in the 50's and 60's
Tiny Tim in the 70's
George Harrison in the 70's and 80's
Current users include:
Jake Shimabukuro
Jason Mraz
Train
There are a lot of people that have made the ukulele famous. It really depends on the time frame you are talking about. Here's a listing that is sort of in chronological order, from most recent to earlier. There is overlap, but these are just a few of the individuals that had a great deal to do with making the ukulele popular in their era:
Train
Jake Shimabukuro
Brudder Iz
Tiny Tim
Arthur Godfrey
George Formby
Ukulele Ike
Queen Lili'uokalani
It would be difficult to put a name to it, but it was going to be one of the original 3 makers of ukuleles. Manuel Nunes, José do EspÃrito Santo, and Augusto Dias were immigrants from the Madeira Islands of Portugal that made them based on small instruments from their home country.
The ukulele evolved on the Hawaiian Islands. It was created based on Portuguese instruments brought by immigrants.
Les Paul created the mechanism for amplifying sound of stringed instruments. He played guitar and the technique was quickly adapted across the stringed instruments.
A beginner ukulele player can find easy songs to play on a ukulele in ukulele playing guides that can be purchased at the local music store or book store, or by asking a ukulele teacher.
Ukulele Hunt web site below has lots of music for ukulele including this one.
Israel Kamakawiwoole's main ukulele was a Martin Tenor.
He is known for playing the guitar and the piano but he can also play bass and drums.
He plays a variety of ukuleles. He normally plays an ovation ukulele. I have also seen pictures of him with a Fender ukulele.
A beginner ukulele player can find easy songs to play on a ukulele in ukulele playing guides that can be purchased at the local music store or book store, or by asking a ukulele teacher.
He plays a Martin Tenor ukulele.
The link below will provide the tabs for playing Bubbly on the ukulele.
No
If there are a million songs, you can certainly play them. The ukulele will have at least 48 different notes that you can play, giving it a pretty wide range.
Ukulele Hunt web site below has lots of music for ukulele including this one.
Marilyn was playing a Ukulele. It was made by Martin, and was pink!
An ukulele is a musical instrument, see my profile picture!
You can find the tabs and chords at Ukulele Hunt at the link below.
He has a range of ukes but in the 'big' tour he has a soprano ukulele.
Israel Kamakawiwoole's main ukulele was a Martin Tenor.
It is believed that the first ukulele was made in 1879 in Hawaii by Portugese immigrants.