History of the Song The Gambler “The Gambler” is a song written by Don Schlitz and recorded by several artists, most famously by American country singer Kenny Rogers. Inspiration and early versions “Schlitz wrote the song in August 1976 when he was 23 years old. On the American Top 40 radio program of February 3, 1979, Casey Kasem reported that Schlitz said…
Author: jackikellum
How to Play Amazing Grace on a Ukulele – History of that Song
History of the Song Amazing Grace The song Amazing Grace was written in the 1700s, but it gained new meaning for me and many others when President Barack Obama sang it again at the funeral of the girls were brutally killed in Selma, Alabama. And then again, when Joan Baez sang a tribute to that…
How to Play Blowin’ in the Wind on a Ukulele – Easy with Four Chords + Optional Fingerpicking – History of that Song
4 Chord Progression for Ukuleles – Many Songs Can Be Played with this Chord Progression Barry demonstrates Fingerpicking in this video, but feel free to do a simple strum. “On July 9, 1962, folk singer Bob Dylan walks into a studio and records the song that would make him a star: “Blowin’ In The Wind.”…
Which Ukulele for Me and Why? Comparing Some of My Favorites
Which Ukulele for Me? I started to title this post, “Which Ukulele for You. But I quickly realized that choosing the best ukulele for any individual is a decision based on several factors including; 1. budget 2. size and/or age of the player 3. sound quality 4. aesthetics If I were buying a ukulele for…
How to Play Stand by Me on a Ukulele – Easy with Four Chords – History of that Song
4 Chord Progression for Many Songs Played on Ukulele Although Barry introduces two more complicated strum patterns in this song, you may feel free to simplify the strum pattern to Down Down Down Down, Ukulele Strum Pattern 1 Ukulele Strum Pattern 2 Stand by Me Lyrics and Chord Credited to Barry Clevenger on Youtube as…
How to Play This Land Is Your Land on a Ukulele – Easy with Three Chords – History of that Song
Lyrics for This Land Is Your Land This land is your land, this land is my land From California to the New York island, From the redwood forest to the Gulf Stream waters; This land was made for you and me. As I was walking that ribbon of highway I saw above me that endless…
How to Play Streets of Laredo on a Ukulele – Easy with Three Chords – History of that Song
Lyrics for the Song Streets of Laredo [Verse 1] As I walked out in the streets of Laredo As I walked out in Laredo one day I spied a young cowboy, wrapped all in white linen Wrapped in white linen, as cold as the clay [Verse 2] “I see by your outfit that you are…
Ukulele Daily – Sharing How to Play a Ukulele with Songs & Chords – Just for Fun
Last Week, I began teaching Ukulele Lessons at Jacki Kellum Studios in Water Valley Mississippi. Disclaimer: I am not a great classical guitarist. Nor am I a great, classical ukulele player. I cannot teach a person that level of musicianship, but I can teach a person how to play chords for singing along–just for fun….
Cordoba 20TM-CE Tenor Ukulele – Mahogany with Electronics – How the Electronics Work
Cordoba’s 20TM-CE acoustic-electric tenor ukulele sports a mahogany top, back, and sides for big tone from a small instrument. The 20TM-CE is handbuilt by Cordoba in the traditional Portugese style for a great playing experience, and features a soft cutaway for easy upper-fret access. And the beautiful detailing on the 20TM-CE, from the wooden herringbone…
Tracks – Chapter 1
Part One: Alice Sprung 1 I ARRIVED IN THE ALICE at five a.m. with a dog, six dollars and a small suitcase full of inappropriate clothes. ‘Bring a cardigan for the evenings,’ the brochure said. A freezing wind whipped grit down the platform as I stood shivering, holding warm dog flesh, and wondering what foolishness…