Ledward Kaapana is a living legend in the world of Hawaiian slack key guitar, renowned for his masterful string-slackening technique that gives the genre its distinctive resonance and harmony. Born into a musical family from the rural village of Kalapana, he was exposed to the sounds of Hawaiian music from an early age. Siblings and relatives all contributed to his profound abilities. Through the course of his career, Kaapana has developed an extraordinary style that blends tradition with his own improvisational flair, earning him a reputation as one of the greats of slack key guitar.

With a career spanning several decades, Ledward Kaapana's discography is a testament to his enduring dedication to the craft. Albums such as "The Legend" and "Grandmaster Slack Key Guitar" solidify his prominence in the genre, both underscoring his technical prowess and soulful expression. His performances are often characterized by not only the mellow guitar strings of slack key but also by the ukulele, as well as his falsetto vocals that capture the spirit of Hawaii. The energy and passion of his live performances are beautifully captured in recordings like "Led Live". An esteemed figure in the world of Hawaiian music, Kaapana's contributions have earned him multiple awards, including the prestigious National Heritage Fellowship.

Genres

Slack-key Guitar

Latest Release

The Legend

Ledward Kaapana

Album - 13 Tracks - Released September 20, 2010