Kant-warp Banjo Ukulele

The banjolele, also known as the banjo ukulele or banjo uke, is a fascinating hybrid instrument that combines the small size and fretted neck of a ukulele with the distinct body and percussive, twangy sound of a banjo.

History:

The banjolele emerged in the early 20th century, around 1917, largely in response to a need for a louder ukulele. The standard ukulele was popular, but its volume was often insufficient for larger venues, particularly in the booming vaudeville and music hall scenes. By combining the ukulele’s playability and tuning with the banjo’s resonant body, performers could achieve a more cutting sound that could be heard over other instruments in an ensemble.

There’s some debate over who precisely invented the banjolele. Two individuals are often credited:

• Alvin D. Keech: He trademarked the name “banjulele” around 1917 or 1918 and produced a number of instruments under his name. He was based in San Francisco and actively promoted the instrument.
• John A. Bolander: Also from California, Bolander was manufacturing his “Bolander’s Ukulele Banjo” as early as 1916 and filed a patent for a banjo ukulele design in 1917.

Regardless of who was first, the instrument quickly gained popularity in the 1920s and 1930s, becoming a staple in jazz, vaudeville, and music hall performances.

Famous Players:

While many musicians have played the banjolele, one name stands out as synonymous with the instrument:

• George Formby (1904-1961): This British actor, singer-songwriter, and comedian is by far the most famous banjolele player. He developed a unique, fast-paced strumming style (often referred to as the “split stroke”) and incorporated the instrument into his humorous songs and comedic performances. Formby’s popularity in the UK during the 1930s and 1940s cemented the banjolele’s place in British popular culture, and his influence continues to this day, with the existence of the George Formby Society.

Other notable players who helped popularize the banjolele include:

• Wendell Hall: An American vaudeville performer who was prominent in the instrument’s early days.
• Roy Smeck: Known as “The Wizard of the Strings,” Smeck was a virtuoso on many stringed instruments, including the banjolele, and helped popularize it in the US.
• George Harrison: The Beatles’ guitarist was a big fan of the ukulele and banjolele in his later years. He owned one of George Formby’s gold-plated banjoleles and incorporated the instrument into several of his solo recordings, such as “Any Road.”

Today, the banjolele continues to be enjoyed by musicians for its unique sound and historical charm, finding its way into folk, jazz, and vintage music settings, and even inspiring new generations of players.