Main content

Jumping Fleas: the rise and rise of the Ukulele

Tom Service explores the world of the Ukulele, from the Hawaiian Royal Court of King Kalakaua to Blackpool Pier, the Royal Albert Hall, and thousands of UK classrooms.

Tom Service explores the world of the Ukulele, from the Hawaiian Royal Court of King Kalakaua to Blackpool Pier with George Formby, the Royal Albert Hall where hundreds of ukulele players performed Beethoven's Ode to Joy at the 2009 大象传媒 Proms, and into thousands of classrooms where it's now the most widely taught instrument in British primary schools.

With Hawaiian born ukulele virtuoso and composer Taimane Gardner.

Producer: Ruth Thomson

Available now

29 minutes

Last on

Fri 19 Jan 2024 16:30

Music Played

  • Marco Rinaldo

    Relaxing Ukulele Music

    Performer: Marco Rinaldo. Performer: Neiznany.
    • Zen Liv Records.
    • N/A.
  • George Formby

    When I'm Cleaning Windows

    Composer: Harry Gifford. Composer: Fred E. Cliffe. Performer: George Formby.
    • Prism Leisure Corporation.
    • PLATCD 176.
  • Leonard Cohen

    Hallelujah

    Performer: Jake Shimabukuro.
    • JS Records.
    • JSV 1113.
  • Joe Brown

    I like Ukuleles

    Composer: Pete Brown. Performer: Joe Brown.
    • Joe Brown Records.
    • UGCD 008.
  • Trad.

    King Kalakaua March

    Music Arranger: John King. Performer: John King.
    • Nalu Music.
    • NALU-002.
  • Candido Drumond De Vasconcelos

    Clara Polka For Machete

    Performer: Rob Mackilop.
  • Harold Arlen

    Over The Rainbow

    Lyricist: Yip Harburg. Performer: Israel Kamakawiwo驶ole.
    • Big Boy Records.
    • 大象传媒D 5912.
  • Al Dubin

    Halfway to Heaven

    Composer: J Russel Robinson. Music Arranger: N/A. Performer: Cliff Edwards.
    • Take Two.
    • TT 205.
  • Johann Sebastian Bach

    Toccata

    Performer: Taimane Gardner.
    • Mountain Apple Comany.
    • MACD 2169.
  • George Formby

    I Told My Baby With The Ukulele

    Performer: George Formby.
    • Prism Leisure Corporation.
    • PLATCD 176.
  • May Singhi Breen

    Ukulele Lesson

    Performer: May Singhi Breen. Performer: Vaughn De Leath.
    • Victor.
    • N/A.
  • Johann Sebastian Bach

    Prelude (From Cello Suite No. 1, BWV 1007)

    Performer: John King.
    • Nalu Music.
    • N/A.
  • Johann Sebastian Bach

    Sinfonia No.1 in C major BWV787

    Performer: Sir Andr谩s Schiff.
    • ECM Records.
    • ECM 2635/36.
  • Johann Sebastian Bach

    Partita No.2 BWV 1004: Ciaccona

    Performer: Daniel Estrem.
    • Magnatune.
    • 888003622364.
  • Georges Bizet

    Carmen

    Music Arranger: N/A. Performer: Taimane Gardner.
    • Mountain Apple Comany.
    • MACD 2169.
  • Al Dubin

    Tip-Toe Thru The Tulips With Me

    Composer: Joe Burke. Performer: Tiny Tim.
    • REPRISE.
    • RSLP-6292.
  • Ludwig van Beethoven

    Ode To Joy

    Music Arranger: George Hinchcliffe. Music Arranger: N/A. Performer: The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain.
  • Israel Kamakawiwo驶ole

    Hawai'i '78 Introduction

    Performer: Israel Kamakawiwo驶ole.
    • Big Boy Records.
    • 大象传媒D 5912.
  • Taimane Gardner

    Water

    Performer: Taimane Gardner.
    • Taimane Gardner.
    • TG213-18.

Broadcasts

  • Sun 14 Jan 2024 17:00
  • Fri 19 Jan 2024 16:30

Why do we call it 'classical' music?

Tom Service poses a very simple question (with a not-so-simple answer).

Six of the world's most extreme voices

From babies to Mongolian throat singers: whose voice is the most extreme of all?

How did the number 12 revolutionise music?

How did the number 12 revolutionise music?

How Schoenberg opened a new cosmos for composers and listeners to explore.

Why are we all addicted to bass?

Why are we all addicted to bass?

Bass is everywhere, but why do we enjoy it? Join Tom Service on a journey of discovery.

Watch the animations

Join Tom Service on a musical journey through beginnings, repetition and bass lines.

When does noise become music?

We like to think we can separate 鈥渘oise鈥 from 鈥渕usic鈥, but is it that simple?

Podcast