Hawaiian music often tell a story. You almost never hear of great Hawaiian music without it being joined by the traditional dance of Hawaiia, the Hula dance. The Hula dance was originally a religious dance created to tell a history of the islands. Each motion in hula dancing is unique, and like sign language, has a meaning. The movement and positioning of the hands can express different things, like water, plants, animals, or things like war and love. One of the most important instruments prevelant in Hawaiian bands is the ukele. The ukele is a string instrument similar to a guitar, but it is much smaller in size. There have been many musicians that have been monumental in the genre of Hawaiian music. Ernest Kaai, Bradda IZ Kamakawiwo'ole, and, more recently, Jake Shimabukuro, are just a few of the greatest ukele players to make their names in Hawaiian music. All began playing the ukele at a young age and have made their mark on the genre for centuries to come. Beside the ukele, other string instruments help create the distinct Hawaiian sound. There are many different kinds of guitars that can be combined to make the perfect musical vibe, like the steel guitar and the slack key guitar. Hawaiian music is so profound that its influence has expanded to even mainland American, good 'ol Rock and Roll. Elvis Presley, in fact, loved the Hawaiian style of music and incorporated it into many of his songs. In 1961, the rock legend released an album entitled Blue Hawaii, which shone a brilliant light on the romantic Hawaiian culture with songs like "Aloha-Oe," "Ku-u-i-po," and "Island of Love." |
Main
