Leland Kanuumealani “Atta” Isaacs Sr. (1929-1983)

Composer. He was an influential and innovative Hawaiian slack-key composer, known for his C major tuning ("Atta's C," C-G-E-G-C-E), which could be adapted to any other slack-key tuning used on his native Hawaiian islands. His techniques revolutionized this style of Hawaiian music. His career began in the 1940s in a band with his brothers Barney on bass and Norman on steel guitar. His father Alvin was also a composer and musician. Atta's collaboration with Gabby Pahinui is perhaps his best-known work in a career that spanned 40 years. Besides his numerous albums, he was also a backup musician for many many artists.

Bio by: Lynda Puakea