When it comes to a name which help popularize the ukulele to the world due to his diverse ukulele playing and the ability take on a variety of musical genres, Herb Ohta is a music legend.
Known in Japan as “Ohta San”, Ohta learned the ukulele as a young age, learning to play three chords by his mother, he would enter an amateur contest at the age of 9 and would win the first prize of $10 in 1941 (which is equivalent to $176 in 2020).
He would meet the best ukulele player in the world, Eddie Kamae on the beach and would become his student.
Enlisting in the US Marines and serving as a interpreter, he would create his music and even would become a guest on the Ed Sullivan show back in 1955.
In 1964, Ohta would have his first major hit with the single “Sushi” and would sign a five year contract with Decca Records.
His 1973 album “Song for Anna” would sell more than 6 million copies worldwide and needless to say, Ohta’s music would be looked as romantic music and he would be inducted into the Ukulele Hall of Fame in 2006.
And his son Herb Ohta Jr. is now carrying on his father’s tradition.
If there is one thing that makes it difficult for fans is the lack of access to a lot of Herb Ohta’s music digitally (may it be via Ohta-san or Herb Ohta) in North America.
One album you will be able to find is his 1966 album “Soul Time in Hawaii” and features 12 wonderful ukulele tracks by Herb Ohta (Ohta-san).
With each track featuring wonderful melodies, many showcasing the jazz, bossa nova or samba musical style popular in the ’60s, you can’t help but smile to hear “Manha De Carnaval” and hear that Eddie Kamae style of ukulele playing wth Ohta, just jamming and having fun. You’ll hear a ukulele cover of the popular song of Bobby Darin’s “Beyond the Sea” and more!
If anything, each time you pick up a Ohta-san album, you are in for a treat. He takes on a variety of musical genres and every song’s musical style is different with each track.
And what wonderful, sweet island music is featured in Ohta’s 1966 album “Soul Time in Hawaii”! Recommended!
