Eddie Kamae, American musician, Died at 89

  Music

Eddie Kamae was born on August 4, 1927,in Honolulu, Hawaii and died on January 7, 2017.

He was one of the founding members of Sons of Hawaii.

Kamae was a ‘ukulele virtuoso, singer, composer, film producer and primary proponent of the Hawaiian Cultural Renaissance.

His real name was Eddie Leilani Kamae, he was raised both there and in Lahaina, Maui.

Kamae’s grandmother was a dancer for King David Kalākaua’s court.

Kamae learned to play the ‘ukulele with an instrument his bus driver brother found on the public transport.

he was said to have sat by the radio and try to play with any rhythm section he was hearing, usually Latin, classical and jazz tunes.

When he was 14 years old, Kamae’s father would take him to jam sessions where Eddie would get up on stage to play, earning accolades from the audiences who threw money at the performers’ feet.

Started going to Queen’s Surf to listen to the Hawaiian music being played.

During 1948, he and Shoi Ikemi formed the Ukulele Rascals, the first known professional all-ukulele act.

He taught ‘ukulele.

Durin 2006 ‘Ukulele Hall of Fame Inductee Herb Ohta Sr., also known at Ohta-San, was mentored by Eddie.

Eddie Kamae passed away at 89 years old.