I have six ukes, two tenors and four sopranos--I've been playing for a long time--back in the late 70's I was in a band that occasionally played as a Hawaiian combo, and have kept up my interest--uke regarded with amusement or scorn then-but it has made a comeback.


It isn't really so out of place among folkies as it appears at first, though--it used to be the standard beginner instrument for guitar players-and Uke actually plays a real big part in Hawaiian folk/tradtional music--

Also Hawaiian folk music is a living tradition,meaning that Hawaiians still sing and play the old songs, in the old style, as well as singing and playing the old songs in newer styles, writing new songs in the old style, and playing Non-Hawaiian pop songs in the old style etc--

As to blues, over the years, I've heard of more than a few blues guitar players who started on uke, and it is at least arguable that Delta slide guitar was inspired by Hawaiian steel guitar--so it's all good;-)