02:30
Jake Shimabukuro Highlight
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.
About Jake
- 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.
