Bill Tapia
January 1, 1908 – December 2, 2011
Bill Tapia was arguably the greatest if not longest working ukulele player the world has ever known. Born in Honolulu, HI, Tapia was only 10 when he was entertaining American troops who were stationed in Hawaii during WWI. Before he knew it, Tapia was touring with vaudeville shows and playing on steam ships between Hawaii and the mainland. When the ukulele became all the rage during the ’40s and ’50s, Tapia was the teacher to the stars, tutoring the likes of Shirley Temple, Clark Gable, and Elvis Presley. He also played with such music luminaries as Fats Waller, Bing Crosby, and Billie Holiday. Tapia moved to San Francisco following WWII and was more or less retired – outside of guitar teaching. Then in 2004, he launched his comeback at the age of 96! He released an album of jazz and Hawaiian tunes later that year. In 2001, Tapia celebrated his 100th birthday with a jazz concert which was recorded and later released. He continued to tour until 2010. Bill Tapia was 103 when he passed away on December 2, 2011.
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