Texas Ukulele: The Plucky History of a Hawaiian Instrument in the Lone Star State - Paperback

by Jeff Campbell (Author)

Aloha, Texas!

Texas may be famous as the birthplace of both Willie Nelson and western swing, but its thriving ukulele community also boasts a rich heritage. Say howdy to the cowboy who plays ukulele and washtub bass at the same time. Don't leave Austin's famous music scene without visiting one the country's biggest ukulele clubs. Jeff Campbell picks his way across the Lone Star State, where the ukulele jams with reggae among the eastern pines and a former Singing Bellhop of Amarillo attempts to strum for fifty hours straight.

Author Biography

Jeff Campbell is a writer, musician, electrician, historic preservationist, historian and museum professional. Jeff has coauthored Plano Past and Present (The History Press, 2023), Texas Bluegrass History (The History Press, 2021), Hidden History of Plano, Texas (The History Press, 2020), Football and Integration in Plano, Texas: Stay in There, Wildcats! (The History Press, 2014) and Plano's Historic Cemeteries (Arcadia Publishing, 2014). An experienced ukulele player, Jeff has jammed with many of the ukulele groups in Texas and with ukulele groups from Maine to Washington State. In addition, he plays bass for the Fort Worth Library All Ages Band and ukulele with the Chordbusters Ukuele Band. Jeff has also played bass for the Dallas Ukulele Headquarters Community Ukulele Band and played rhythm guitar with the Opihi Gang.