Son of musical legend has rich voice of his own

By John Berger

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Sep 23, 2012

~~<p>The title of Gary Aiko's long-awaited album is fitting for several reasons. It describes his family's impact on modern Hawaiian music. It applies to Aiko personally although he is far too modest to describe himself that way. It also applies for a reason that he reveals in the liner notes.</p>
<p>Malihini (newcomers and those unfamiliar with Hawaii) should know that Aiko is the oldest child of Edward Puniwai Keawe-Aiko and his wife, Genoa Leilani Adolpho Keawe-Aiko. When "Aunty Genoa" began singing professionally several years after Gary's birth, Edward initially felt it unbecoming for a Keawe-Aiko to be performing in commercial venues rather than at family parties and church functions. By way of compromise his wife became Genoa Keawe — one of the greatest female Hawaiian vocalists of the 20th century.</p>
<table width="25%" align="right" class="infoboxright_table">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><strong>“Poina ‘Ole ‘Ia (Unforgettable)”</strong><br />
Gary Aiko<br />
<em>(Genoa Keawe)</em></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
~~

The title of Gary Aiko's long-awaited album is fitting for several reasons. It describes his family's impact on modern Hawaiian music. It applies to Aiko personally although he is far too modest to describe himself that way. It also applies for a reason that he reveals in the liner notes.

Malihini (newcomers and those unfamiliar with Hawaii) should know that Aiko is the oldest child of Edward Puniwai Keawe-Aiko and his wife, Genoa Leilani Adolpho Keawe-Aiko. When "Aunty Genoa" began singing professionally several years after Gary's birth, Edward initially felt it unbecoming for a Keawe-Aiko to be performing in commercial venues rather than at family parties and church functions. By way of compromise his wife became Genoa Keawe — one of the greatest female Hawaiian vocalists of the 20th century. “Poina ‘Ole ‘Ia (Unforgettable)” Gary Aiko (Genoa Keawe) Login for more...