Most influential in what era? I don't hide in some punk-pop uke closet, but I couldn't tell you a single song the first three old-timers did. I'm sure they were influential in the first rise of the uke, but for people playing nowadays? Not so sure. Seems like Ohta-San would be a worthy addition, regardless?
Naturally any list is subjective. My thought about Beloff is that he published books because none were available, and helped develop and market the Fluke, which, at the time, was the only decent instrument under $600 or so. Then built an online community and promoted tirelessly. So much if where we are today has sprung from his work.
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Most influential in what era? I don't hide in some punk-pop uke closet, but I couldn't tell you a single song the first three old-timers did. I'm sure they were influential in the first rise of the uke, but for people playing nowadays? Not so sure. Seems like Ohta-San would be a worthy addition, regardless?
not to mention Lansing's own Brian Hefferan. the only reason he's not more influential is that he's criminally under rated by the"ukulele community."
Naturally any list is subjective. My thought about Beloff is that he published books because none were available, and helped develop and market the Fluke, which, at the time, was the only decent instrument under $600 or so. Then built an online community and promoted tirelessly. So much if where we are today has sprung from his work.
Perhaps it would be interesting to create lists based on different types of influence. Playing style, lutherie, teaching, blogging (ahem)...
I was thinking of Beloff in terms of being influential in popularizing and promoting the uke.
Amen
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