The ‘ukulele is the most iconic instrument of Hawaii. In the 1950s and 60s, nearly every band featured an ‘ukulele player. Notable musicians like Eddie Kamae, Ohta-san, Lyle Ritz, Don Baduria, Sr., John Lukela, Jesse Kalima, Kahauanu Lake, and Peter Moon played a significant role in popularizing this beloved instrument.
Today, a revival is underway, driven by a new wave of ‘ukulele players inspiring the youth of Hawai‘i, such as Troy Fernandez, Kelly-boy Delima, and Jake Shimabukuro. Among them is Herb Ohta, Jr., a talented ‘ukulele player in his own right.
Herb’s passion for music was clear from an early age. His grandmother taught him his first song, “Happy Birthday,” on the ‘ukulele when he was just three. His father, Ohta-San, provided his early lessons, and Herb later studied music through viola in high school. He also participated in The Honolulu Boys Choir, The Honolulu Children’s Opera Chorus, and The University High School Select Choir.
Herb continued formal lessons with his father until he was 12, when he began to explore other interests. At 17, inspired by the Mākaha Sons of Ni‘ihau and local musicians, he became deeply devoted to Hawaiian music and the ‘ukulele. With Hawaiian music in his blood, Herb enjoys a wide range of genres, including Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Country, Hip-hop, Rap, Latin, Salsa, and Reggae. However, his favorite performances are Hawaiian songs and ballads, which he believes showcase the instrument's purest sound. Herb’s style is reminiscent of his father’s yet distinctly his own, marked by a graceful “Nahenahe” quality influenced by ‘ukulele virtuosos like Eddie Kamae and Ohta-San.
At the age of 11, Herb began teaching at his father’s ‘ukulele school during his father's business trips. In 1992, he launched his own ‘ukulele classes at Sonny D’s ‘Ukulele Shop in Waipahu and Harry’s Music Store in Kaimuki, O‘ahu.
Balancing teaching six days a week, Herb also composes, performs at various events, produces, and records. His debut recording was in 1990 alongside his father, and since then, he has contributed to over 50 recordings. With 15 Nā Hōkū Award nominations, he won the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award for “‘Ukulele Nahenahe” in 2011, “Pure ‘Ukulele” in 2013, and the Instrumental Song of the Year for “Nāpili Bay,” co-written with David Kamakahi in 2013. He also won awards for “‘Ukulele Friends” in 2015, “‘Ukulele Friends: The Sequel” in 2018, “ʻUkulele Hula” in 2019, and "ʻUkulele Life" in 2020. Additionally, he is a four-time Hawai’i Music Award winner. Herb has released three national albums in Japan, one in Taiwan, and co-authored two ‘ukulele instructional books available in both Japan and the U.S. In 2015, he published a songbook of his arrangements in Korea.
As a teacher, composer, recording artist, entertainer, and producer, Herb Ohta, Jr. has firmly established himself among musicians promoting the ‘ukulele on the contemporary music scene. His mission is to share the beauty of Hawai‘i’s music, culture, and the ‘ukulele with audiences worldwide. Herb has performed throughout Hawai‘i and has traveled to Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the mainland USA.
In 2024, Herb celebrates his 34th year in the music industry. He stands as a vanguard of his generation of ‘ukulele players and is on track to continue his father’s remarkable legacy.
