Andrew Aiona was born on January 1, 1902, and he died at the age of 64 on November 9, 1966.
Young Andy spent 2 years at Kamehameha Schools, but quit due to difficulties he experienced because of the loss of his right thumb in an accident.
Sent to the Reformatory For Boys, his skill on the saxophone earned him a soloist position in the Royal Hawaiian Band under the direction of Mekia Kealakai.
He also attended Henri Berger’s Private School of Music, where Andy learned the Arthur Lange Method of Arranging.
In 1921, at the age of 19, he traveled to Los Angeles, California and found success playing saxophone.
In the late 1920s, he switched to the steel guitar, igniting both recordings and performance tours.
Today, we’ll celebrate the early recorded legacy of Andy Iona & his Islanders from the Territorial Airwaves archives.
This week's playlist:
1- You’ll Want To Ami Ami Oni Oni Too – Andy Iona & his Islanders
2- He Iniki - Andy Iona & his Islanders
3- Keko - Andy Iona & his Islanders
4- Hawaiian Hospitality - Andy Iona & his Islanders
5- Na Pua - Andy Iona & his Islanders
6- My Rose of Waikiki - Andy Iona & his Islanders
7- Kaneohe - Andy Iona & his Islanders
8- Nohea I Muolau Lani - Andy Iona & his Islanders
9- Heart Sick - Andy Iona & his Islanders
10- E Kala Mai I’a ‘Oe - Andy Iona
& his Islanders
11- Tropic Memories - Andy Iona & his Islanders
Length: 52:31 Released on: 02-13-2015 Artist/Compiled by: Andrew Aiona
