Sonny Lim

Sonny Lim is a renowned slack-key guitarist from Waimea on the Big Island of Hawaii. Born into a musical family, Sonny was deeply influenced by the sounds of slack-key guitar from an early age. His father, a paniolo at Parker Ranch, played a significant role in introducing him to music, and Sonny himself worked at the ranch for 23 years. His introduction to ki ho'alu (slack key guitar) came when he watched Gabby Pahinui perform at a luau in Kohala. However, it was Uncle Fred Punahoa, a well-known slack-key guitarist, who became his biggest influence and mentor at age 12. Punahoa spent several weeks living with the Lim family to teach Sonny the intricacies of slack-key guitar.

Sonny's professional career began as a teenager when he commuted to Oahu to perform with the Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau. His breakthrough came with his critically acclaimed solo debut, "Slack Key Guitar: The Artistry of Sonny Lim," released in 2005, which earned a Grammy nomination for Best Hawaiian Music Album. This success propelled him into the limelight, allowing him to tour extensively and collaborate with other notable musicians. His music is celebrated for its authenticity and emotional depth, connecting generations of music lovers and contributing significantly to the rich tapestry of Hawaiian music.

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