Helen Desha Beamer

Helen Kapuailohia Desha Beamer (September 8, 1882 – September 25, 1952) Her grandmother was a notable hakumele, Hawaiian for composer of music. Helen was a graduate of Kamehameha School for Girls, where the school's music director noted her talent as a pianist and as a song composer.

She was also the organist at Haili Church in Hilo.

Professional career She had a coloratura soprano range and was a recording artist for Columbia Records. In 1928, she and artist Sam Kapu Sr. made the first commercial recording of the "Hawaiian Wedding Song," which had been written by composer Charles E. King as "Ke Kali Nei Au".

Personal life and legacy Helen Desha married Peter Carl Beamer of Hilo. The couple had five children. She was the matriarch of a musical dynasty that includes her grandson, falsetto singer Mahi Beamer, who was inducted into the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame in 2006; granddaughter Winona (Nona) Beamer; and Nona Beamer's two sons, Keola and Kapono. She died in 1952 and is buried at Homelani Memorial Park in Hilo.

In 1995, she was inducted into the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame.

Compositions (partial list) Source: allmusic

"Halehuki" "He Makana" "Kaahumanu" "Kawohikukapulani"

"Ke Alii Hulu Mamo" "Keawaiki" "Ke Haa la Puna" "Kimo Hula"

"Kinue" "Lei O Haena" "Mahaiula" "Moanikeala"

"Pua Malihini" "Pupu Hinuhinu" "Puuanahulu" "Puuwaawaa (Pihanakalani)"

Family tree