Eddie Kamae

Eddie Kamae was a highly influential Hawaiian musician, filmmaker, and cultural preservationist known for his contributions to traditional Hawaiian music and culture. Here are some facts about him:

1. Early Life and Musical Beginnings: Eddie Kamae was born on August 4, 1927, in Honolulu, Hawaii. He grew up surrounded by the rich musical traditions of Hawaii, including hula, chant, and slack-key guitar. Kamae began playing the ukulele at a young age and later learned to play the slack-key guitar, a traditional Hawaiian guitar style characterized by its open tunings and fingerpicking techniques. His deep appreciation for Hawaiian music and culture would shape his artistic career and lifelong dedication to preserving and promoting traditional Hawaiian arts.

2. The Sons of Hawaii: Eddie Kamae gained prominence as a founding member of the influential Hawaiian musical group The Sons of Hawaii. Formed in the 1960s, The Sons of Hawaii played a pivotal role in revitalizing interest in traditional Hawaiian music and establishing a contemporary Hawaiian music scene. Kamae's virtuosic slack-key guitar playing and soulful vocals were central to the group's sound, which blended elements of Hawaiian chant, hula, and folk music. The Sons of Hawaii released numerous albums and toured extensively, earning acclaim for their authentic and heartfelt performances.

3. Filmmaker and Cultural Preservationist: In addition to his music career, Eddie Kamae was a passionate filmmaker and cultural preservationist. He produced and directed a series of acclaimed documentaries that celebrated Hawaiian culture, history, and arts. One of his most notable films is "The Hawaiian Way: The Art and Tradition of Slack-Key Guitar", which explores the history and significance of slack-key guitar in Hawaiian music. Kamae's documentaries provided valuable insights into the lives of Hawaiian musicians and cultural practitioners, helping to raise awareness and appreciation for Hawaiian culture both locally and internationally.

4. Legacy and Recognition: Eddie Kamae's contributions to Hawaiian music and culture have earned him widespread recognition and accolades. He was awarded the National Heritage Fellowship by the National Endowment for the Arts, the United States government's highest honor in the folk and traditional arts, in 2007. Kamae was also honored with numerous awards and distinctions from Hawaiian cultural organizations and institutions for his efforts to preserve and perpetuate traditional Hawaiian arts. His legacy as a master musician, filmmaker, and cultural ambassador continues to inspire future generations of Hawaiian artists and cultural practitioners.

5. Community Engagement and Advocacy: Throughout his life, Eddie Kamae was actively involved in community engagement and advocacy efforts to promote Hawaiian culture and arts. He was a strong advocate for the preservation of traditional Hawaiian music, language, and dance, and worked tirelessly to ensure that future generations would have access to their cultural heritage. Kamae's commitment to cultural preservation and his passion for sharing the beauty and richness of Hawaiian culture left a lasting impac