The origins of the ukelele date back to 1921 when George Steiner patented a 6-stringed instrument.
Steiner, a Czechoslovakian immigrant, was dissatisfied with the ukulele's limited range. He decided to add four more strings.
Steiner's invention became a sensation, and by 1925, the ukelele was a staple in every respectable jazz club.
Today, the ukelele is still used in various forms of music, from traditional folk to punk rock.
Early Ukelele Ukelele Culture