The title of his award-winning 1993 release, Ho'onanea ("To pass the time in peace and pleasure; to relax, absorbed and contented"), pretty well sums up John Keawe's old-style slack key guitar performances.

Songwriter and master of the fingerpicking style developed in the 19th century by Hawai'ian cowboys who loosened, or "slacked" their guitar strings to produce a characteristic lingering sound and resonance, John takes this soft, sweet sound and lends it his own playful personal touch.

Born and raised on the big island of Hawai'i, in the town of North Kohala, John taught himself to play by watching the local masters. Over the course of eight recordings, including his recent Keaweualani, he has developed a distinct style that has won him widespread recognition for his artistry, including the first Grammy for Best Hawaiian Album (shared with the other contributors to Slack Key Guitar Vol. 2), a Hawai'i Music Award for Best Slack-Key Artist, and a special Hoku Award for Kiho'alu, recognizing his vital role in perpetuating the art of slack-key guitar.