Artist description The World's Foremost Ukulele Soloist. Also known to be one of the last pure blood Hawaiiansof the Royal Hawaiian Family. Son of Prince Koeheo.

Music Style Hawaiian Music

Musical Influences Island Muscians

Artist History The career of Johnny Ukulele has been long and colorful. Born on the "Big Island" of Hawaii, Johnny came to the U.S.mainland at the age of 15. He travelled the states with the "Royal Hawaiian Show Band".During that time his Hawaiian features allowed him to play in an Indian act as "Chief Cold Moon"He also landed the modeling job to be cast as the "Pontiac" hood ornament.During his tenure with the Harry Owens show he aquired the name "Johnny Ukulele".His real name is Johnny Kaaihue. An interesting sideline to his career was that as a swimmer.He had competed against such aquatic notables as Johnny Weissmuellerthe original "Tarzan" and Buster Crabbe, silent film star.In addition to his own success he is directly responsible for a legacy of music as the father of Mary and Norman Kaye of the world reknown Mary Kaye Trio and grandfather of Jay Kaye and John Norman K. The history of the Hawaiian words Uku-lele mean leaping insect. Named by Islanders from long ago because the action of the performers fingers reminded them of jumping bugs. The Ukulele has been strummed more often then really played, which resulted in the instrument to be regarded to frequently as a mere toy. Johnny Ukuleles musical inventiveness and technical agilitywere beyond compare, and through his ability the Ukulele had become know as a full-fledged instrument with it's own charm and distinctive sound.He was know as the worlds foremost ukulele player until the time of his death in 1972 at the age of 78.This site is a tribute to the inspired and authentic touch of my Grandfather, Johnny Ukulele. Who I was named after.I thank you for my musical heritage Grandpa.

Instruments Ukulele

Albums out of print

Location Honolulu, Hawaii - USA

Copyright notice. All material on MP3.com is protected by copyright law and by international treaties. You may download this material and make reasonable number of copies of this material only for your own personal use. You may not otherwise reproduce, distribute, publicly perform, publicly display, or create derivative works of this material, unless authorized by the appropriate copyright owner(s).