Hawaiian Music: Start with Gabby Pahinui, Pops


Algorithms, reflection, and a combination of other variables force me to create a blog post about Hawaiian Music. Really, it's a fool's errand. Studies on Hawaiian music and its prominent artists who have shaped its contemporary and popular image have resulted in books being written and graduate-level courses being taught. Of all the musicians in that Hawaiian cosmos, none shine more brightly or forever than Gabby "Pops" Pahinui.

In my opinion, music enthusiasts who want to know what defines "Hawaiian music" in Hawaiian music should start with Gabby Pahinui. He was already well-known when he passed away in 1980. His heavenly voice, virtuoso skill, and slack key tunings are ageless. His sons dutifully continued his heritage. Thousands of Hawaiian artists have been inspired and enlightened by his studio albums and live recordings.

What is Hawaiian music?

Nothing more authentically Hawaiian is ever heard than anything Pops ever performed live, in the studio, or at any of the innumerable backyard kanikapila sessions he either directed or participated in during his lifetime. Scholars and musicians from Hawaii agree that his work was essential to the 1970s Native Hawaiian cultural rebirth. An important turning point in Hawaiian music history was Gabby's 1973 release of the Rabbit Island Music Festival record, which included his sons and other performers who would go on to become legends in their own right.

Back then, I was just a little haole kid. As someone who grew up listening to Gabby Pahinui's songs on the radio and the albums that played in my family's home as well as the homes of many tutus, aunties, and uncles, I have no authority or credibility to talk about Hawaiian music. Even now, when I listen to Gabby's version of "Hi'ilawe" on my headphones while I write, it makes me feel uneasy. I take pride in the fact that there is an apocryphal story in my family folklore about Pops showing up for my younger sister's first birthday luau. Do I still recall that? No, but I'm glad to hear that.

The heritage of Father

Many years later, I was employed at a sizable City & County of Honolulu park complex next to Gabby's son Bla Pahinui. I can only presume that Bla's extraordinary kindness and generosity came from his father. In the evenings, we would jam out on the guitar while enjoying refreshments and exchanging anecdotes about the hundreds of children we cared for during our busy Summer Fun programmes. It was how to hear Hawaiian music that he taught me, not how to play it.  

It's critical to recognise the distinctions between Hawaiian and Hawaiian-inspired music. Hawaiian-born Bruno Mars is a pop sensation. Does it mean his style of sick dance movements, killer hooks, and unstoppable pounding qualifies as "Hawaiian music"? Bruno is not, strictly speaking, a Hawaiian. Jake Shimabukuro, the undisputed most well-known ukulele player in the world, is not from Hawaii, despite having millions of admirers across the globe. However, he performs Hawaiian music (as well as Mozart, Jimi Hendrix, and others).

I've been performing professionally in Hawaii for about thirty years. I've never done professional performances of what I would consider Hawaiian music. Over those decades, Hawaiian music has changed, incorporating pop, hip-hop, and reggaeton elements and affectations. It is my contention that music performed by Native Hawaiian artists is inherently Hawaiian music.

A stunning blues song video featuring Tavana and John Cruz, two modern icons who are part of a larger community of musicians who are continuing to push the boundaries of what is considered 'Hawaiian music', was captured in a field of sunflowers on Maui for a Hawaiian Airlines in-flight film. Braddaz Iz, Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, enthralled audiences worldwide with his unique, late-night performance of the beloved American musical standards, "Over the Rainbow" and "Wonderful World." Millions of people still cry over it now. (Again, I'm getting chicken skin from my headphones).

Even so, the University of Hawaii's definition of nahenahe is still "soft, sweet, melodious, as music or a gentle voice," and Gabby "Pops" Pahinui's music is still popular. Gabby “Pops” Pahinui is the most important representative of the amazing world of Hawaiian music. There's a lot to discover about Hawaiian music, and Pops is the ideal spot to begin your exploration.



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