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Hitoshi Ueki was a Japanese actor, comedian, singer, and guitarist born in Mie Prefecture on December 25, 1926. He passed away on March 27, 2007. Ueki became an original member of a music group after winning Teichiku Record's rookie singer contest in 1946. In 1952, he formed his own trio, "Hitoshi Ueki and New Sounds," featuring a pianist and bassist. An interesting anecdote from this time includes a performance where pianist Hampton Hawes, who was stationed in Japan as part of the occupation army, joined them. In 1954, Ueki took classical utterance lessons from a female opera singer. He then joined a group that was looking for a guitarist, where he showcased his talent as a comedic performer rather than as a guitarist. In 1955, Frankie Sakai transitioned into acting and was recruited by Nikkatsu. Ueki later transferred to the Cuban Cats, a band that included members from the City Slickers, on March 1, 1957. He became one of the main members of the Cuban Cats, gaining popularity at jazz clubs. The band later changed their name and became known for their comedic portrayal of the irresponsible characters that mocked the salarymen of Japan's economic development in the 1960s.