Keola Beamer
Keola Beamer (born Keolamaikalani Breckenridge Beamer February 18, 1951)[1] is a Hawaiian slack-key guitar player, best known as the composer of "Honolulu City Lights" and an innovative musician who fused Hawaiian roots and contemporary music. Keola Beamer descends from one of Hawaii's most respected musical families.[2]
Family[edit]
Keola was born in Hawaii on February 18, 1951.[1] His mother, Winona Beamer ("Auntie Nona") was one of the most important figures in the revival of Hawaiian culture. She was a composer, dancer and educator.[3] His ancestors were musicians for the previous five generations.[4] He can trace his roots to the House of Kamehameha and Ahiakumai, 15th century rulers of Hawaii.[5][3] His great-grandmother was Helen Desha Beamer, an influential songwriter and hula dancer.[6] His father is Odell Steppe.[4] Beamer is also a cancer survivor.[7]