MOUNT JULIET, TN, October 11, 2024 – Lanikai Ukuleles is excited to announce powerhouse singer-songwriter Ruthie Craft as the newest addition to its artist roster. Ruthie’s journey, marked by resilience and passion, has propelled her from adversity to the international stage, making her a perfect ambassador for the Lanikai family.
At just eleven years old, Ruthie was diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome, a challenge that ultimately fueled her love for music. “Tourette’s was my reason to sing,” she recalls. “When I sang, my tics went away. And I felt normal, for a moment.” Five years later, she found herself singing onstage alongside an international superstar, and her musical career has only continued to flourish since.
Despite limited resources, she performed at open mics and talent shows, eventually winning the opportunity to sing with country star Keith Urban. Her journey took her through heartbreak, self-discovery, and even Hollywood Week on American Idol in 2019. These experiences shaped her into the artist she is today, blending pop, soul, and hip-hop influences.
Reflecting on her long-standing relationship with Lanikai Ukuleles, Ruthie shared, “I’ve been playing Lanikai since I first started writing songs at age 17. Dozens of recordings and hundreds of shows later, Lanikai still holds up as the most versatile, high quality, and best bang-for-your-buck uke I’ve found on the market. After months of researching and testing out other ukuleles, Lanikai is without a doubt the perfect accomplice to my musical endeavors.”
“Lanikai Ukuleles is honored to be part of Ruthie’s journey and looks forward to supporting her as she continues to inspire audiences with her music” says Jesse Hanks, Lanikai artist relations manager, “Her dedication to emotional expression and versatility as an artist makes her a perfect match for Lanikai.”
For more information on Ruthie, please visit https://portal.lanikaiukuleles.com/ruthie-craft
