Aunty Genoa was born in 1918 in the most humble of settings - a stable in Kaka--ako. Aunty Genoa always was raised with an appreciation of music and at age ten she began her musical training as a member of the Mormon church's choir.
She began her professional music career during World War II, performing for officers' clubs and at bandstand shows. It was a difficult time for musicians and she supplemented her income driving taxi and selling leis.
Aunty Genoa had always taken great pride in her Hawai'ian roots and she felt it her calling to share the spirit of Aloha with the people of the world. She began recording music in 1946 and many say she had the greatest Hawai'ian repertoire of music anywhere. She recorded albums originally with the 49th State Hawaii record company and Hula Records before starting her own record label - Genoa Keawe Records.
Over a career that spanned more than 50 years, Aunty Genoa and her band brought Hawai'ian music to the world. Her sweet signature falsetto set the standard for many Hawai'ian artists of today.
Aunty Genoa left this world at the age of 89. While she had many fans, she considered one of her greatest accomplishments her beautiful family including her eleven children.
Aunty Genoa had a special place in my life as her most famous song - "Alika" - had obvious special meaning to my mother. Blessings to Aunty and her family, mahalo nui loa for eveything you have done and all the ways you have touched the world. May the Spirit of Aloha you have brought to the world live on eternally.
Auntie Genoa Keawe 1918 - 2008
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