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Jake Shimabukuro
Jake Shimabukuro
02:30

Jake Shimabukuro

Quincy, CA USA

"If I can truly be myself, and figure out who I am, and just do that all the time, then I'm going to be the best in everything that I do."

Career Roadmap

Jake's work combines: Art, Music, and Being Creative

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Day In The Life

Ukulele Musician/Spokesperson

I mix island and outside influences, modern and historical, in my ukelele playing.

Life & Career Milestones

My path in life has been direct

  • 1.

    Fell in love with the ukulele at age four; his mother was a ukulele player and singer.

  • 2.

    First started performing in a local cafe in his hometown of Honolulu, toured with a few local acts.

  • 3.

    Gained fame when his cover of "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" became one of the first ever "viral" videos on YouTube.

  • 4.

    In his free time, works as the spokesman for Hawaii Tourism Japan, which markets Hawaii to the Japanese.

  • 5.

    Also works with Music is Good Medicine, an outreach organization that promotes importance of music in a well-balanced life.

  • 6.

    Says that his ukulele is "the vessel to bring out [his] true spirit."

  • 7.

    Has performed with a wide variety of notable acts, including Bette Midler, Yo-Yo Ma, and Jimmy Buffett.