Mysteries of vernacular: Ukulele - Jessica Oreck and Rachael Teel
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When 19th century Portuguese travelers landed in Hawaii with a small four-stringed guitar, a member of the king’s court, nicknamed Jumping Flea, or ukulele in Hawaiian, took to the instrument. Jessica Oreck and Rachael Teel explain how an affinity for the ukulele gave the instrument its name.
How did King Kalākaua’s love of music affect the ukulele’s popularity?
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Meet The Creators
- Educator Jessica Oreck
- Producer Rachael Teel
