ukulele history

The ukulele is a small, four-stringed musical instrument that originated in the 1880s. It is based on several Portuguese guitar-like instruments, including the machete, cavaquinho, and rajão, brought to the Hawaiian Islands by Portuguese immigrants from Madeira, the Azores, and Cape Verde. Key early makers of the ukulele in Hawaii were Manuel Nunes, José do Espírito Santo, and Augusto Dias, who were cabinet makers and luthiers. The instrument quickly gained popularity in Hawaii, especially with the support of King Kalākaua, who incorporated it into royal performances. The name "ukulele" roughly translates to "jumping flea" in Hawaiian, attributed either to the rapid movement of the player's fingers or possibly as a nickname for Edward William Purvis, a small, lively player in King Kalākaua's court. The ukulele used a tuning derived from the rajão's top four strings, G-C-E-A, which became standard for the instrument. By the early 20th century, the ukulele had spread to the mainland United States, gaining popularity throughout the 1920s and 1930s and becoming an iconic Hawaiian symbol globally. The ukulele's design evolved locally, adapting Portuguese forms to Hawaiian musical tastes and playing styles, becoming a distinct instrument known for its cheerful sound and broad appeal. Today it remains a popular instrument worldwide for all ages and skill levels.