Slack-key guitarist John Keawe playing in front of Kona Hotel at Holualoa Village’s 12th annual Music & Light Festival. (Photo by Baron Sekiya/Hawaii247.com)

(Eds. Note: Hawaii247.com’s semi-regular feature ‘Straight from the Source’ gives a list of questions to leaders and notable figures in the community, then lets them talk directly to readers. Who do you want to hear from? What questions are you burning to ask? Let us know and we’ll hunt down the people who have the answers.)

Songwriter and slack-key guitarist, John Keawe who was born in Hawi and grew up with rock and roll music and enjoyed listening to singer/songwriters. After a four-year tour in the Navy, Keawe was drawn to the sound of Hawaiian slack-key. He taught himself to play, began to perform publicly and compose his own songs. Keawe has released nine recordings under the label of Homestead Production; six were nominated for Hoku awards and he has twice won Hawaii Music awards. In 2005, Keawe was honored as a contributing artist on Hawaii’s first Grammy Award for Best Hawaiian Music Album. 

Hawaii247: Who were (or are) your biggest musical influences?

I tend to listen to singer/songwriters so local artists that have influenced me are Keola Beamer & Dennis Kamakahi. Not only are they very talented songwriters but also superb slack- key artists.

Hawaii247: If you were not a musician, what kind of job would you be doing?

I enjoy working outdoors so I assume it would be something along that line.

Hawaii247: We lost a great Hawaii voice in Kindy Sproat recently. Can you share a story or moment?

Kindy was a great man – a keeper of songs and stories that kept a link with the past. Personally he always reinforced me as a songwriter every time we met and I appreciated that. He will be dearly missed.

Hawaii247: What was the last CD you bought?

I bought a CD by Weldon Kekauoa.

Hawaii247: Who is the next great Hawaiian musician we should be listening to?

I think we should listen to everyone we can because no matter what level of accomplishment a musician is at presently, they all have something to share. You never know who will emerge as the next great musician.

Hawaii247: What’s the best part of your job? What’s the part you enjoy the least?

The best part of my job is having someone come to me and say that they were touched by one of my compositions- to me that is the greatest compliment. The part of my job I least enjoy is the often long commutes to get there!!

Hawaii247: You are known by your great head of white hair. Who (or what) turned it white?

How much time have you got?:) Gray hair runs in my family. I started getting gray hair at about 15 years old. Most of my family gets gray prematurely.

Hawaii247: Which annual Big Isle event do you look forward to the most? Ironman, Merrie Monarch, Kona Coffee Cultural Festival, Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival, Big Island Film Festival, or something else?

I like the Big Island Music Festival in Hilo and the Hawaiian Slack Key Festival in Kona. It’s got music I love and artists I respect & admire.

Hawaii247: If your life were a bumper sticker, what would the slogan or motto be?

Give thanks & keep believing!

Hawaii247: Where’s your favorite Big Island spot to relax and enjoy the scenery?

Too many places— although I really enjoy up Volcano area. The beauty there contains a powerful force and mystery about it. I often feel drawn to that place.

Hawaii247: Where were you the morning of Oct. 15, 2006, when our last big earthquake struck?

I was in a church on Oahu that morning and it shook so much people were running out of the church. I thought about it and sat back down. I figured if this was my time and least I’m in a good place. I called home and found out that my family was OK, which was the most important thing to me at that moment.

www.johnkeawe.com