Led Kaapana, slack key master

Led Kaapana’s mastery of stringed instruments, particularly slack key guitar, and his extraordinary baritone and leo ki`eki`e (falsetto) voices, have made him a musical legend. He has been thrilling audiences for more than 40 years. With easy-going style and kolohe (rascal) charm, he has built a loyal corps of Led Heads  from Brussels to his birthplace on the Big Island of Hawaii. Recognition by his peers earned Led 4 Grammy nominations in his own right and 2 wins on slack key compilations. 

ABOUT LED Like so many Hawaiians, Ledward “Led” Kaapana grew up in a musical family. Chief among his teachers were his mother, Mama Tina Kaapana, and his uncle Fred Punahoa. As a teenager, Led started with the trio, Hui Ohana, now legendary among Hawaiian musicians, and later formed the trio Ikona, leading to multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards. Led’s mastery of stringed instruments, particularly slack key guitar, and his extraordinary baritone and leo ki`eki`e (falsetto) voices, have made him a musical legend. He has worked with Dolly Parton, Chet Atkins, and many other Nashville notables. Back at home, he has shared his talents on recordings with most of Hawaii’s top talents, including Aunty Genoa Keawe, Barney Isaacs, The Ho`opi`i Brothers, Melveen Leed, the Pahinui Brothers, Amy Hanaiali`i, and countless others. He has been thrilling audiences for more than 40 years. With his easy-going style and kolohe (rascal) charm, he has built a loyal corps of “Led Heads” from Brussels to his birthplace on the Big Island of Hawai`i. Recognition by his peers earned Led 4 Grammy nominations in his own right, two wins on slack-key compilations, and multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards.