Musician 'Uncle Joe' Keaulana Jr.
By Karen Blakeman
Advertiser Staff Writer
Joseph Kuewa "Uncle Joe" Keaulana Jr., bass player and singer for Kimo Alama Keaulana's group, Lei Hulu, died Saturday.
He was 65 years old and considered among the top stand-up bass players in Hawaiian music.
Keaulana
"He was the best damn bass player around," said Alama Keaulana, Keaulana's companion. "He could sing parts like nobody's business."
Keaulana grew up in humble circumstances and left high school to support his family, Alama Keaulana said.
"He appreciated all the things that people did for him because he understood what hard work was all about," he said.
Keaulana played the bass with Leonard Kwan and with Leilani Sharpe Mendez. He went on to play with other performers and bands including Kekua Fernandes, Peter Ahia, John Lino, Genoa Keawe, Hokulani Meatoga, Violet Pahu Lilikoi, Agnes AhSee, Clyde Lono, Noe Kimi Buchanan, Mabel Kekino, Walter Mookini, Lem Aweau, Kaipo Asing, Kealoha Kalama and Ainsley Halemanu.
As a member of Lei Hulu, Keaulana appeared on two recordings, "Lei Hulu Sings for the Hula" and "Hula Lives!"
Marnie Pu'uwaialoha Weeks, president of Mele Nani Music Inc., said Keaulana's musical influence was widespread and will be greatly missed.
"In the hula world and in Hawaiian music," she said, "he has been quite a man."
In addition to Alama Keaulana, Keaulana is survived by his mother, Virginia Johnson; his son, Dale Kahinu Keaulana; daughters, Virginia Mahealani "Nani" Kuloloia and Nanea Alice Miulan Keaulana; sisters, Edith Van Gieson, Virginia Holt; Irma Nahalea, Joyce Gradle, Wilma Leilani Calio; brother, John Douglas Keaulana; the mother of his children, Winona E. Soares; as well as five grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews.
Reach Karen Blakeman at 535-2430 or kblakeman@honoluluadvertiser.com.
