James "Bla" Pahinui

James "Bla" Pahinui was a renowned Hawaiian musician, best known for his mastery of the slack key guitar. Born in 1942 to Charles Philip "Gabby" Pahinui, a legendary figure in Hawaiian music, Bla grew up surrounded by music. He learned to play the ukulele as a child but took up the guitar later, during his time at the Koolau Boys Home. Interestingly, he learned to play on a right-handed guitar, which became a distinctive part of his style. Bla's musical journey spanned genres, from rock 'n' roll to traditional Hawaiian music. He was part of the Sunday Manoa and collaborated with his family members on several albums. His unique approach to slack key guitar and soulful singing style earned him recognition, including the Hawai‘i Academy of Recording Arts Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017.

Bla Pahinui's career was marked by his versatility and innovation. He released several solo albums and collaborated with his brothers on notable projects. His later work included a return to his rock 'n' roll roots with the album by Big Knife. Despite his musical accomplishments, Bla also worked in construction and park maintenance, and he was known for his work with at-risk youth. He passed away in 2019 at the age of 76, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest left-handed slack key guitarists of his generation.