One of Hawaii's most beloved traditional artists for over four decades, Led Kaapana is a true master of slack key guitar (so named for the alternate tuning, or slacking, of the strings). Led is also accomplished on ukulele, autoharp, bass, and steel guitar, as well as being an extraordinary baritone and falsetto singer. Perhaps most importantly, the man known affectionately as lima wela ("hot hand") blends his effortless virtuosity with an infectious joy in performing, a generous spirit, and a rascally sense of humor.

Born in 1948, Led grew up in a musical family on the Big Island of Hawaii. Encouraged by his uncle, legendary slack key player Fred Punahoa, he developed a seemingly inexhaustible ability to improvise. He also absorbed the influences of country, jazz, latin, and rock that he would incorporate into his music. Led is now one of Hawaii's foremost musical ambassadors with his solo work, outings with his legendary trio, Hui 'Ohana, and collaborations with artists such as Ricky Skaggs and Alison Krauss. One of the featured artists on the 2006 Grammy Award-winning Masters Of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar, Vol. 1, Led was also nominated for a 2007 Grammy for his recent CD, Grandmaster Slack Key Guitar (Rhythm & Roots).

Visit Ledward's website

Listen to a track from Ledward Kaapana:

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