Today, I was saddened to hear of the passing of one of our local ukulele greats, Travis Harrelson.
Travis was one of the people who really got me excited watching and learning how to play the uke.
When I was fortunate enough to finally meet him after watching him on Jim Beloffs Joy of Uke Video, i was awestruck by his ability to seem like he was playing with a few extra fingers.
HIs virtuoso techniques and style lent itself well to the Tin Pan Alley and Hapa Haole songs he enjoyed playing and teaching us all.
I also bought my first vintage instrument, a Kamaka Soprano Gold Label from him 6 years ago, and became friends with him shortly thereafter, and was able to interview him.
A delightful, entertaining man who was always a joy to see, and always willing to share tips and tricks with fellow enthusiasts.
Elderly music:
"Travis Harrelson had been around uke and guitar players since his early youth. His mother was involved with Hawaiian/Polynesian musicians and jazz players, and Travis would occasionally sit in on jams and try to emulate the good players. Then came years of school, college, the Navy, raising a family, Travis writes, explaining that he was "never really serious about it" and that he played "only on rare occasions." In 1984, after reading about a ukulele group playing at a senior citizen center in Corona del Mar, California, he decided to "free the lonesome little box from its years of imprisonment."
Aloha Nui Loa, Travis. Thanks for the fond memories.
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