Andy iona biography

Andy Iona (born Andrew Aiona Long, January 1, 1902 – November 9, 1966) was an American musician and one of Hawaii's most influential musicians.
Andy Iona was born Andy Aiona Long in 1902 in the town of Waimea, Kauai.
Andy Iona was one of Hawaii's most famous musicians in the 1930s.

•

Andy Iona & his Islanders

Andrew Aiona was born on January 1, 1902, and he died at the age of 64 on November 9, 1966.
Young Andy spent 2 years at Kamehameha Schools, but quit due to difficulties he experienced because of the loss of his right thumb in an accident.
Sent to the Reformatory For Boys, his skill on the saxophone earned him a soloist position in the Royal Hawaiian Band under the direction of Mekia Kealakai.
He also attended Henri Berger’s Private School of Music, where Andy learned the Arthur Lange Method of Arranging.
In 1921, at the age of 19, he traveled to Los Angeles, California and found success playing saxophone.
In the late 1920s, he switched to the steel guitar, igniting both recordings and performance tours.
Today, we’ll celebrate the early recorded legacy of Andy Iona & his Islanders from the Territorial Airwaves archives.

This week's playlist:

1- You’ll Want To Ami Ami Oni Oni Too – Andy Iona & his Islanders
2- He Iniki - Andy Iona & his Islanders
3- Keko - Andy Iona & his Islanders
4- Hawaiian Hospitality - Andy Iona & his Isla

•

Andy Iona - 1934-36

Andrew Aiona was born in Honolulu on January 1, 1902.
After losing his right thumb in an accident, he was sent from Kamehameha Schools to the Reformatory For Boys.
Under the tutelage of Mekia Kealakai and Henri Berger, he became an accomplished saxophonist.
Eventually, he journeyed to the mainland US, where he excelled first with his saxophone, and later became an acclaimed steel guitarist.
He performed and recorded extensively.
In this program, almost 85 years later, we’ll share this memorable music.

This week's playlist:

1- Nani Wale Ka Mahina – Andy Iona & his Islanders
2- Hola E Pae - Andy Iona & his Islanders
3- Hawaii, Sing To Me - Andy Iona & his Islanders
4- Ku’uipo - Andy Iona & his Islanders
5- My Sweet Hawaiian Maid - Andy Iona & his Islanders
6- Hawaiian One To Ten - Andy Iona & his Islanders
7- Ho’oheno Keia No Beauty - Andy Iona & his Islanders
8- Naughty Hula Eyes - Andy Iona & his Islanders
9- South Sea Island Magic - Andy Iona & his Islanders
10- I Want To Learn To Speak Hawaiian - Andy Iona & his Islander

•

Born in 1902 in Honolulu, Andy Aiona Long was a musician’s musician who wanted nothing more in life – from the very earliest age – than to compose and perform music. Believing this life a very real possibility for him since he was born into a family of musical virtuosos, Andy quit Kamehameha School and tried his hand at a career as a full-time musician.

Things seem to have worked out for the talented young man since Iona went on to become one of Hawai`i’s most well known, well respected, and influential musicians – breaking new ground along the way. Educated at Henri Berger's Private School of Music in Honolulu and specializing in woodwinds, clarinetist and saxophonist Iona was accepted as a solo saxophonist in the Royal Hawaiian Band (under the direction of Mekia Kealakai) and later led Johnny Noble's orchestra as first saxophone at the Moana Hotel. Although known now for his virtuosity on the steel guitar, Andy did not take up the instrument until he was in his mid-twenties. The multi-stringed instrument should have proven challenging given h