Namakelua, Alice K. (1892–1987)

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Namakelua, Alice K. (1892–1987)

Hawaiian composer, guitarist, singer, and teacher. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, on August 12, 1892; died in April 1987 in Hauula, Honolulu.

Named the person who contributed the most to Hawaiian music by the Hawaiian Music Foundation in 1972, Alice Namakelua was raised in a musical family and began singing at age five. By age eight, she was playing the slack key guitar. The composer of over 180 songs, Namakelua taught these to children in order to ensure that Hawaiian culture would endure in the next generation.

John Haag , Athens, Georgia

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