Ukulele: The World's Friendliest Instrument (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781423603696)

These days the ukulele is experiencing a revolution--both as a valid instrument that can sweetly transform pop music and rock and roll, and as the focus of dozens of clubs springing up across the world. Ukulele! brings the uke world to light, exposing its colorful history, quirky characters, and irresistible charm. Dozens of colorful photos and ephemera make Ukulele! as fun to look at as it is to read.

Celebrate the history of the ukulele and the unique culture that surrounds it in Ukulele by Daniel Dixon with Dixie Dixon and Jayne McKay. Ukulele explores the spiritual quality that brings people together by discussing the colorful characters that have been drawn to the instrument over the years. Daniel Dixon traces its origins in Hawaii and illustrates how it traveled to the mainland U.S. and became such a popular instrument.

Ukulele also showcases the best of the early players such as Cliff Edwards as well as the most popular contemporary uke players like Israel Kamakawiwo'ole and Jake Shimabukuro.

• From Portugal to Paradise
• California, Here I come
• Give My Regards to Broadway Makin' Whoopee
• Happy Days Are Here Again
• I Found a Million Dollar Baby

With more than 100 color photographs and ephemera, this charming book takes readers along the journey of the history of this increasingly popular instrument. Discover famous songs performed on the uke accompanied by nostalgic images of the original sheet music covers. See the evolution of the uke and learn about the various makers and manufacturers.

Daniel Dixon wrote for such magazines as Life, Cosmopolitan, Esquire and House & Garden. He authored The Thunderbird Remembered, a memoir of his father, Maynard Dixon.

Dixie Dixon is a musician, singer, and photographer. She lives in Carmel, California.

Jayne McKay is a documentary filmaker with a focus on art and artists. Her first film is Maynard Dixon Art and Spirit. She lives in Los Angeles.