A very interesting podcast from the Smithsonian about Joseph Kekuku, who invented the Hawaiian steel guitar. It traces the importance of the Hawaiians and this instrument in regards to the beginning of country music and blues.
Yes. One would think that Ken Burns could have consulted the Smithsonian for his country music documentary series.
But I did note that in episode 1, the first Jimmie Rodgers clip had a steel player backing him. Then a later still photo showed his band wearing leis, with a seated steel player in the foreground.
Hawaiian Steel Guitar Podcast, Smithsonian
Posted - 04/25/2019 : 08:31:24 AM
