Jake Shimabukuro
Ukulele Musician / Spokesperson
“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.”
Videos
By Roadtrip NationJake Shimabukuro
Milestones
My road in life has been direct.
Fell in love with the ukulele at age four; his mother was a ukulele player and singer.
First started performing in a local cafe in his hometown of Honolulu, toured with a few local acts.
Gained fame when his cover of "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" became one of the first ever "viral" videos on YouTube.
In his free time, works as the spokesman for Hawaii Tourism Japan, which markets Hawaii to the Japanese.
Also works with Music is Good Medicine, an outreach organization that promotes importance of music in a well-balanced life.
Says that his ukulele is "the vessel to bring out [his] true spirit."
Has performed with a wide variety of notable acts, including Bette Midler, Yo-Yo Ma, and Jimmy Buffett.
Keep following my journey
Career
Ukulele Musician / Spokesperson
I mix island and outside influences, modern and historical, in my ukelele playing.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Art
Music
Being Creative
Interviewed By
Bolinas - Seattle
In Bolinas, CA, the Roadtrip Nation team gets a bit lost on their way to film editor and Academy Award winner Walter Murch's house. Then it's off to Quincy, Oregon for the High Sierra Music Festival where they interview founder David Margulies and ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro. They then head north to Seattle to interview William Morris, a glassblower and artist.
