King Benny Nawahi

Benjamin Keakahiawa “King” Bennie Nawahi (1899–1985) was an American steel guitarist, ukulelist, and mandolinist born in Honolulu. He learned guitar in Honolulu parks, frequently performing with Sol Hoʻopiʻi. In 1919, Nawahi joined the Hawaiian Novelty Five, performing on the Orpheum vaudeville circuit. Showman Sid Grauman nicknamed him the “King of the Ukulele”. By 1928, Nawahi recorded for labels including Columbia and Victor under aliases such as the Georgia Jumpers and the Red Devils. He collaborated with Leonard Slye and the Sons of the Pioneers. In 1935, Nawahi became permanently blind but maintained his career and set a swimming record from San Pedro to Santa Catalina Island in 1946. His recordings include the song “Turkey in the Straw” and the archival album Hawaiian String Virtuoso. Following a stroke in the 1970s, Nawahi became partially paralyzed. He died in Long Beach, California, on January 29, 1985.

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