@Steve Provost – Part of the history of the uke is its ‘camp’ factor. I think that part of the charm of the instrument is due to its use in vaudeville. It’s an instrument that can bring undeniably happy associations to all age levels as a result. In my mind, that makes it a serious instrument.

I wouldn’t call John King’s playing ‘classical guitar style’. There’s a definite influence from that style of playing but the technique is very specific to the ukulele. The way he played the uke wouldn’t work on guitar. ‘Classical ukulele style’ perhaps.

Part of what made choosing difficult was that the contest is for video – which to me means a bit more execution than sitting in fromt of a camera and playing. Nothing wrong with sitting and playing, but the video media allows a whole lot more, so I gave a bit more weight to the vids that showed a theme to use the media as well as playing a song.

I also agree that for many of the choices, they aren’t representative of the artists’ best. IMO, Sophie Madeline, Ukeleleozo, and Dent May have better stuff out.

I originally dismissed Dent May as being ‘whiney’ upon first listen, but I do now own his album. I also consider Neil Young and FDR (Felix McTeague) as ‘whiney’ singers; just something different that may take getting used to.

I usually dismiss the ‘classical guitar’ style artists like John King despite their sometimes enormous talent. I researched more videos of him as a result of this entry, though, and I’m a definite fan now. Sad to know that he’s gone.