Jazz, Hawaiian Ukulele Virtuoso Bill Tapia Dies At 104

Tappy

Condolences to family and friends of BILL "TAPPY" TAPIA, the HAWAII native whose career playing jazz and Hawaiian standards on the ukulele, guitar, and banjo was still going strong past his 100th birthday.  TAPIA died early TODAY (12/2) at his home in WESTMINSTER, CA just one month short of his 104th birthday, according to the HONOLULU STAR-ADVERTISER's HONOLULU PULSE.

TAPIA's career lasted close to a century, from playing for soldiers in WORLD WAR I to a comeback in his nineties, releasing his first full-length album, "Tropical Swing," at 96 and playing concerts in the ensuing years.  He recorded three more albums, including "Live at the WARNER GRAND," recorded at his 100th birthday concert at the historic theater in SAN PEDRO, CA, and toured until late last year.

« see more Net News