Ben Kalama
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Biography
Benjamin Kapena Kalama, born June 29, 1916, in Hawai'i, was an American guitarist and singer known for his falsetto voice. He began playing trombone at Kalakaua Intermediate School and later joined Leonard "Red" Hawk and the Waikikians after graduating from McKinley High School. Kalama's ability to read music led to his hiring by successful bands, including Don McDiarmid Sr.'s band at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. He collaborated with notable artists such as Alfred Apaka and toured the mainland with the Royal Hawaiian Serenaders. Kalama released several albums, including Around The Island In 80 Shakes (1963) and Benny Kalama (He Is Hawaiian Music) (1984). He received the Na Hoku Hanohano Lifetime Achievement Award in 1993 from the Hawai'i Academy of Recording Arts. Kalama died on September 21, 1999.
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