Initially a hybrid of Madeiran instruments, the ukulele was championed by King Kalakaua and Queen Lili’uokalani, to play a key role ... in the USA and George Formby in Great Britain.

Born in Wigan as George Hoy Booth, Formby was the son of music hall comedian James Booth who performed with the stage name George Formby. Formby Jr. took up his father's act after his early death, and ...