Joseph Kekuku

Joseph Kekuku (1874–1932) was the pioneering Hawaiian musician widely credited with inventing the steel guitar technique, a sound that would go on to shape Hawaiian music and influence countless genres across the globe. Born in Hawaii, Kekuku developed his signature method of sliding a metal bar or steel object across guitar strings while holding the instrument horizontally, creating the smooth, singing tone that became the hallmark of Hawaiian music.

As a performer, Kekuku helped popularize this innovative style both in the islands and on the mainland United States, touring and showcasing the steel guitar to audiences unfamiliar with its unique voice. His contributions helped lay the groundwork for the instrument's eventual adoption into country, blues, and other American musical traditions, cementing his legacy as one of the most influential figures in the history of the guitar.