Favorite Selections By Johnny Ukulele

 

Jungle Song

Favorite Selections By Johnny Ukulele
Featuring the instrument for which his is named and famed
Produced by Bill Miller
Capitol Records High Fidelity Recordings T 1425
1960

From the back cover: Uku is an Hawaiian word meaning "insect" – lele means "to leap." The Islanders long ago gave the four string instrument its name because the action of the performer's fingers reminded them of a jumping bug. And yet, through the years, the ukulele has been strummed more often than really played, with the result that it has come to be regarded all too frequently as a mere toy.

Johnny Ukulele does not "strum." He plays. His technical ability and musical inventiveness are beyond compare, and under his fleet fingers the ukulele becomes a full-fledged instrument with a charming, distinctive sound.

Featured in this album as soloist with a fine rhythm group, Johnny presents a varied selection of melodies ranging from the traditional to the contemporary. Such tunes as Maui Chimes, Hawaiian Wedding Song and Wailing capture the romantic charm of Johnny's Hawaiian ancestry. His versions of Tea For Two Cha Cha and The Third Man Theme bring to mind more modern but equally romantic pictures.

The career of Johnny Ukulele has been long and colorful. Born on the "Big Island" of Hawaii, Johnny came to the U.S. mainland at the age of fifteen. His desire to become a musician was so strong that within a few years he was singing and playing guitar in the country's biggest theaters. In those days he was billed as "Chief Cold Moon," part of an Indian act. After he left the act he continued to play the top houses as a single. Johnny has remained ever since a feature attracting in all phases of the entertainment world. He has become especially well known in recent year through numerous radio, television, and night club appearances. During his long tenure with the Harry Owens Show he acquired the name "Johnny Ukulele." His real name is Johnny Kaaihue.

Interesting sidelights to Johnny's career include the fact that he is an avid and excellent swimmer. He has competed against such aquatic notables as Johnny Weissmuller and Buster Crabbe. In addition to his own successful career as an entertainer, Johnny is directly responsible for another top entertainment attraction: the Mary Kaye Trio. He is the father of Mary and Norman Kaye.

From Billboard - September 5, 1960: Johnny Ukulele, whose real name is Johnny Kaaihue, and who also happens to be the father of Mary and Norman Kaye, is one of the top exponents of ukulele in the world. On this set he shows off his remarkable technique with attractive performances of some Hawaiian tunes as well as "Tea For Two," "Third Man Theme," and other pop-type efforts. He is backed by an instrumental group on most of the selections.

Ua Like No A Like
Maui Chimes
Hawaiian Wedding Song
Jungle Song
Blue Hawaii
Tea For Two Cha Cha
Hawaiian War Chant
Wailana (Drowsy Waters)
The Third Man Theme
Kohala March
Hawaiian Music Box
Black and White Rag