“I just love what I can get out of the guitar, the lilting sound and full-body richness of the tone,” says acclaimed Hawaiian steel guitarist Alan Akaka. “It conjures up Hawaii.” This esteemed ...

In 1904, Joseph Kekuku, inventor of the Hawaiian steel guitar, left Hawaii to perform on the American West Coast. Newspaper critics called him the “world’s greatest guitar soloist.” Redpath Chautauqua ...

KAILUA, Hawaii – Quincy Cortez plucks at a slim black box laid across his legs, his fingers flashing silver. Steel strings twang with each pull from the metal rings – wearable guitar picks – adorning ...

The Hawaiian steel guitar became a cultural force in America at the turn of the century, popularized by troupes of traveling musicians from Hawaii. It evolved beyond its association with a tropical ...

Preface. B.B.'s dreams -- Introduction -- Guitar culture in the Hawaiian Kingdom -- Joseph Kekuku's steel guitar and the era of overthrow -- American debut : the making of the steel guitar craze -- ...

Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Steel guitar music started on the island of Oahu — and teachers there are working with the next generation of students to continue ...