Pua Almeida
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Pua Almeida (1922–1974) was a Hawaiian steel guitarist, considered a leading performer on that instrument.
Almeida (sometimes given as "Alameida") was born in 1922 in Honolulu.[1] His musical start began in the band of his father, John Kameaaloha Almeida.[1] He formed his own big band, "The Sunset Serenaders" and performed at several top venues around Hawaii.[1] He relocated to Southern California in 1947, performing in clubs.[1] As the Hawaiian steel guitar achieved international status in the 1940s, Almeida was recognized as a master of the instrument.[2] In 1958 he began a 16-year association with the Surfrider Hotel.[1]
He recorded for American Decca Records in 1966[3] and for MGM Records.[4] For seventeen years he was commonly featured on the Hawaii Calls radio program.[1][5]
Pua suffered from poor heart health, and died in 1974.[5]
