Hear The First Ukulele Solo Ever Released!

Hawaiian steel guitarist Palakiko “Frank” Ferreira (Ferera) was so prolific and ubiquitous with the 1910s and 1920s Hawaiian craze that if one were to look inside an acoustic era phonograph anywhere across the U.S., it’s likely they would find copies of his records. And his 78s were widely distributed around the world, throughout his career. 

Now largely forgotten outside of record collectors and Hawaiian music aficionados, Frank Ferera was a giant of the steel guitar and a hugely popular recording artist in his day. In fact, he recorded more 78 RPM sides than any other Hawaiian musician, and ranks as one of the most prolific artists of all genres in the 78 RPM era. His output (approximately 3000 78 RPM issues) accounts for around 20% of the main discography dedicated to Hawaiian music from 1900 to 1960. A stunning feat! 

Frank Ferera (Left) and long time accompanist Anthony Franchini

He was also the very first recording artist to record and release solo instrumental ukulele features. These solos were first issued by Pathe / Perfect and recorded in August of 1922. "Maui Waltz" (more commonly known as “Maui Girl”) was the first song he played at that recording session. It was followed by "Hawaiian Hula Medley." He recorded the same two songs for the Okeh, Gennett, and Columbia labels in September of the same year. These are the world's first ever commercially issued instrumental ukulele solo recordings!

Frank Ferera - Ukulele Solos
New York, NY
August 1922

Matrix Numbers
69838 - Maui Waltz (Actuelle 10454 issued as "Manuia Waltz")
69839 - Hawaiian Hula Medley