Dennis Kamakahi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dennis Kamakahi
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Rev. Dennis Kamakahi performs at the 2012 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards on 27 May.
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| Born | March 31, 1953 |
| Died | April 28, 2014 (aged 61) Honolulu, Hawaii
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| Known for | Slack key guitarist, recording artist, music composer |
Dennis David Kahekilimamaoikalanikeha Kamakahi (March 31, 1953 – April 28, 2014) was a famous Hawaiian slack key guitarist, recording artist, and music composer. He was also a Christian minister. Dennis Kamakahi won three Grammy Awards. In 2009, he was honored by being added to the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame.
Contents
Musical Journey
Early Days and The Sons of Hawaii
Dennis Kamakahi started his music career in 1972. He joined a Hawaiian music group called Na Leo O Nu'uanu. Their first album, Ia 'Oe E Ka La Volume 1, was about the life of King David Kalakaua.
In 1974, Dennis joined a very important Hawaiian music group called the Sons of Hawaii. He replaced another famous musician, Gabby Pahinui. Dennis stayed with the Sons of Hawaii until 1995. During this time, he wrote about 500 songs in the Hawaiian language. This made him one of Hawaii's most active songwriters.
The Sons of Hawaii recorded several albums with Dennis. One special recording was for the National Geographic Society's Music of the World series in 1974. Dennis also started his own music publishing company called Naukilo Publishing Company in 1978.
Working on Documentaries
From 1988 to 2004, Dennis continued to work with Eddie Kamae, the leader of the Sons of Hawaii. They created music for many Hawaiian documentary films. These films told stories about Hawaiian culture, music, and history. Some of these films included Listen to the Forest and The Hawaiian Way: The Art and Tradition of Slack Key Music.
Solo Career and Family Music
Dennis Kamakahi started his solo career in 1996. His first solo slack key guitar CD was called Pua'ena, which means Glow Brightly. He worked with pianist George Winston on this album.
In 1998, Dennis released another CD called Ohana, meaning Family. On this album, his son David Kamakahi played the ukulele. They also released Hui Aloha (Play Together) with other musicians.
In 2003, Dennis and David released The Gift of Music - From Father to Son. This CD had stories between the songs to explain their meanings. Around this time, Dennis and David also worked with Walt Disney Studios. They provided music for the animated film Lilo & Stitch 2: Stitch Has a Glitch.
In 2004, Dennis produced an album for his son David called Pa'ani (Play). This was David's first solo ukulele album. It won a Na Hoku Hanohano Award for Contemporary Album of the Year in 2005. At the same awards, Dennis received the Na Hoku Hanahano Kiho'alu Award for his slack key music.
Grammy Awards and Legacy
Dennis Kamakahi won his first Grammy Award in 2007. It was for Best Hawaiian Album, for a CD called Legends of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar. This album was recorded live in Maui. He won his second Grammy in 2008 for Treasures of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar.
In 2009, Dennis was nominated for a third Grammy. He finally won his third Grammy Award in 2010 for The Masters of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Volume 2.
In 2009, Dennis Kamakahi received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts. He was also added to the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame. Until he passed away in 2014, Dennis continued to perform concerts and teach Hawaiian slack key guitar. He shared the history of Hawaiian songs and helped others learn songwriting.
Awards and Recognitions
Dennis Kamakahi received many awards for his music:
- 1978 - Nani Award for "Sweet Weuweu".
- 1980 - Na Hoku Hanohano Award for "E Hihiwai" (New Hawaiian Song of the Year).
- 1985 - Frank P. Kernohan Award for his achievements in music.
- 2001 - Honolulu City and County declared August 19, 2001, as "Dennis Kamakahi Kiho'alu 2001, 19th Annual Slack Key Guitar Festival Day".
- 2005 - Na Hoku Hanohano Kiho'alu Award (Slack Key Award).
- 2007 - Grammy Award for Best Hawaiian Album (Legends of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar).
- 2008 - Grammy Award for Best Hawaiian Album (Treasures of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar).
- 2009 - Lifetime Achievement Award from the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts.
- 2009 - Inducted into the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame.
- 2010 - Grammy Award for Best Hawaiian Music Album (The Masters of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Vol. 2).
- 2011 - Featured on the movie soundtrack for George Clooney's film The Descendants.
- 2012 - Won Slack Key Album of the Year for Waimaka Helelei.
- 2013 - Became the first Hawaiian musician to donate his guitar to the Smithsonian American History Museum.
- 2013 - Won two Na Hoku Hanohano Awards for DVD of the Year and Slack Key Compilation of the Year.
Discography
Here are some of the albums Dennis Kamakahi was part of:
- ‘Ia ‘Oe E Ka La Vol. 1 (1973)
- Eddie Kamae presents The Sons of Hawaii (1974)
- The Music of Hawaii - The National Geographic Society (1974)
- Christmas Time with Eddie Kamae and the Sons of Hawaii (1978)
- Pua’ena (1996)
- ‘Ohana (1998)
- Hui Aloha (1999)
- The Gift of Music - From Father To Son (2003)
- Lilo & Stitch 2: Stitch Has A Glitch - Soundtrack (2005)
- Legends of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar (2007)
- Treasures of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar (2008)
- The Masters of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Vol. 2 (2009)
- Rev. Dennis Kamakahi- The Greatest Hits Vol. 1 (2009)
- Waimaka Helelei (2011)
See also
In Spanish: Dennis Kamakahi para niños
