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Genoa Leilani "Aunty Genoa" Keawe
Genoa Leilani "Aunty Genoa" Keawe
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Genoa Keawe Obituary
Family members say the icon of traditional music in the islands died in her sleep at home in Papakolea.
Her son, Eric K. Keawe of Keawe Records, says she had suffered health problems over the last decade but always managed to bounce back into the limelight.
Known widely as Aunty Genoa, she recorded more than 20 albums, dating back to vinyl 78 rpm and 33 1/3 rpm albums, and about 150 singles.
Born Genoa Leilani Adolpho, Keawe marriedEdward P. Keawe-Aiko. They had 12 children.
Keawe's life in music started in Laie, center of Mormon culture in Hawaii. She sang with the island Mormon choir and said her sister, Annie, was a great influence on her music as they sang church songs together.
She began her professional career in 1939, singing for bandstand shows in Kailua and at the Officers Club before World War II with George Hookano and his band.
Keawe sang on the radio and on early TV, she became a regular on the "Lucky Luck Show," hosted by Robert Luck. She also sang on the nationally broadcast "Hawaii Calls" and at several clubs and hotels on Oahu.
She received many music awards and took traditional Hawaiian music across Asia, Canada, Switzerland, Brazil and many U.S. cities. She performed on a trip to Russia when she was in her 80s.
Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press
38 Entries
Sonia Tapu
July 31, 2022
❤
Davis (Kawika) Pa'aluhi KAUWE
September 12, 2021
MISS YOU ANTIE...MOM (JENNIE-DAUGHTER OF HELEN KUALEIALOHA CUMMINGS) PASSED 2011) WILL NEVER FORGET THE FAMILY REUNION ON "KAUA'I ISLAND." I KNOW ALL OF YOU & 'OHANA ARE ALL TOGETHER AGAIN PLAYING & SINGING "KANAKA MELES." MISS YOU ALL VERY MUCH!!
Annamarygypsy Wharemate-Sadler
July 30, 2021
You are very loved and we miss you our here in Hau’ula
Loretta Schutten
September 8, 2017
My condolences to your family. I play the Hawaiian music channel on the Dish network and only this week discovered Genoa's beautiful music and voice Wow, she will surely sing front row in heaven
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Miracle
June 21, 2008
I sorry to hear about your lost and I would like to share with the family a comforting scripture at John11:25" Jesus said I am the resurrction and the life he that exercises faith in me, even though he dies will come to life.
K. Kalani Jankowski
April 24, 2008
Auntie, so heartbroken to hear of your passing...my family and I met you only one time (even though Mommy is a local girl from Wahiawa), but that time was Carnegie Hall when you brought the house DOWN! Auntie! You were singing and during the song, in the way only you could, you asked all the hula dancers in the audience to get up and dance hula...my mom was the first to honor your request and it was something we all will remember forever...Mahalo, Auntie, there was no one else quite like you...
Stacey and Mom by the ocean
Margaret Pineda
April 1, 2008
Aunty Genoa was loved by millions of people around the world, the beautiful and spiritual Matriarch of her family and I know she will always be with you..our hearts go out to them. God Bless and watch over You and Yours always. Sincerely and with Affection, Aunty Marge Pineda and Daughter Stacey Cabral
Musical Truth
March 10, 2008
What a privilege it was to spend some time with you just days before you were called back to our Heavenly Father. Your music has inspired many. You million dollar smile is what has carried each of us through tough times. We love you Aunty.
Aunty Genoa, Kalani, & Jordi. What a pleasure it has been to know you and look up to you as a musician, but more importantly as a role model for Hawaiians around the world!
March 5, 2008
This is a "Priceless" photo we will never forget! Jordi giving Aunty Genoa her lei.
March 5, 2008
Back Row, L-R: Amber, Anna, Patsy, Raija Front Row, L-R: Aunty Genoa with Mo'opuna, Jolene, Jordan, & Kalani "The Ladies of Musical Truth" What an Honor it was to be asked to go and sing a few songs for Aunty. WE LOVE YOU!!
March 5, 2008
Aunty Genoa with her prized possession the "Ukulele"
March 5, 2008
Kaleo, Mama, & Mo'opuna
March 5, 2008
Laura Hanamaikai
March 5, 2008
You will be remembered forever Aunty, we loved you always. Our prayers and love to the ohana.
Wendy Medeiros
March 5, 2008
The world lost such a wonderful person. Her voice is now part of the Heaven's choir. As a young girl I listened to Aunty singing. May God be with her ohana as they go through such a sad time.
March 3, 2008
She will be remembered and her songs will live on forever..... We will never forget you aunty Genoa Keawe.
Sonia Kazarova
February 29, 2008
What a beauty in all ways. We will miss her. I am so happy that her music and her family will live on.
Charlene Shelford-Lum
February 29, 2008
Having her in our home and family functions have truly been a blessing. As the chorus of our maori hymn says,"Nei te hari tino hari nui, A te wa e tutataki ai,Hui atu tatou ropu katoa, runga te rangi nei."(joyful will the meeting be when our hearts are pure and free, we will meet with our Saviour in our eternal home.)Thank you Kaleo and whanau for sharing her with us.
Me te wairua Tapu ra matou e tiaki
Arohanui The Shelford Whanau
Victor Kawainui
February 27, 2008
Please accept our sincere condolences from the Kawainui family. Your mother was a close friend of my grandmother, Caroline Garcia. We were very honored when your mother came and sang at our grandmothers' funeral. Please know that she is now standing at the right hand of God, probably singing, at his request.
Barbara Mills
February 27, 2008
Please accept my sincere condolences and my prayers are with your family.
PAUL
February 27, 2008
HAWAIIAN MUSIC WAS FIRST INTRODUCED TO ME BY ""HALE LOKE"" FROM THE 1950'S ARTHUR GODFREY SHOW. I HAVE LOVED IT SINCE.....REST IN PEACE.
Juanah Lok
February 27, 2008
You will be missed, there is no one like you, a very beautiful voice and person.
love and aloha, olani
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
February 27, 2008
My heartfelt sympathy to the Keawe family in the loss of "Aunty Genoa"
Mary
February 26, 2008
Mahalo for the beautiful music - may you sing and play with the angels in Heaven.
George, Joe, Alberta Kamalamalama
February 26, 2008
Our deepest sympathy to her family.
It was our pleasure to have known a
great lady with a great voice, the
greatest of love and aloha and the lady with a winning smile. Rest in
peace Aunty Genoa.
Gail Siegel
February 26, 2008
Rest In Peace, Aunty Genoa. Sing with the Angels.
rick SAVASTANO
February 26, 2008
Aloha and mahalo for all the years of music and aloha
Ikaika Brovelli
February 26, 2008
Forever in my heart!!!
Brent Park
February 26, 2008
Aloha Aunty Genoa...
May the good Lord now welcome you to his choir that you may continue to share your heart, your spirit, your music, and your Aloha forever.
Thank you for bringing a true sense of Hawaii to all those with whom you have touched over the years. Many will remember your music and performances and the joy they have brought to their lives.
We mourn the loss of such an ambassador for good will and the "Aloha Spirit"! God bless and be with you and your ohana always. Mahalo Nui Loa for the wonderful memories you leave behind for us...
Brent Park
Keala Kaluna
February 26, 2008
I am blessed to have known Aunty Genoa.
J.C. Weseman
February 26, 2008
Thank You "Aunty" for all the beautiful music, may you now sing with the angels.
Mary Myers
February 26, 2008
She had a lovely voice.
Christine Distelhorst
February 26, 2008
I did not know her, but I can say that she must had a beautiful voice and I think Hawaii music is so beautiful. My Prayers are with the family.
Theresa D.
February 26, 2008
Heaven has another angel.
I listened to Aunty Genoa on Aloha Joe, she will be sadly missed.
My deepest condolences to family and friends.
GLORIA HERNANDEZ
February 26, 2008
HERNANDEZ
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