Jake Shimabukuro took an early interest in the ukulele at the age four, encouraged by his mother. After studying at master Roy Sakuma's Ukulele Studios, the Hawaii native began performing in various Honolulu venues and cafés. A highly skilled player, Shimabukuro took the instrument to another level of technical mastery. His love and knowledge of jazz, blues, classic or rock music made him a sought after collaborator, playing alongside Bette Midler, Béla Fleck or Ziggy Marley, to name but a few. On his 2011 solo effort Peace, Love, Ukulele, Shimabukuro mixed 10 originals with covers of Queen and Leonard Cohen. His live version of The Beatles' While My Guitar Gently Weeps generated millions of hits on YouTube.