Eddie Kamae

Eddie Kamae (born 1927) is an ukulele virtuoso, singer and composer. Born in Honolulu, he is also known as a primary proponent of the "Hawaiian Cultural Renaissance". After learning to play on a found ukulele in his teens, he gained fame in Hawaii with such groups as Ukulele Rascals and Ray Kinney's Orchestra. With famous slack-key guitarist Gabby Pahinui, he later founded Sons of Hawaii, a now-legendary Hawaiian band. Kamae originated unique plucking techniques and forever changed the method of playing the ukulele. He helped make the ukulele a solo and lead instrument rather than an anonymous member of the rhythm section. In the last two decades, Kamae has produced films featuring Hawaiian music and culture.

Eddie Kamae has been recognized with Lifetime Achievement awards by the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii, the Hawaii State Legislature, the Hawaii Academy of Recording Artists, the Bishop Museum, and the Ukulele Hall of Fame.

A biography/memoir is "Hawaiian Son," by James D. Houston with Eddie Kamae (2004, `Ai Pōhaku Press).

References

External links

* [http://www.hawaiianlegacy.com/ Eddie Kamae's personal site]