Bobby Ingano born in Lanai City, on December 17, 1952 is an
inspiration to many young entertainers in Hawai'i. The only means of
music, aside from backyard jams, was one radio in his home. While growing
up, his ears were glued to the radio, craving music. Through radio, he was
introduced to rock and roll and steel guitar at the same time. Two songs
that he remembers distinctly as his favorites are "Blueberry Hill" and
"Sleepwalk".
In 1959, his family relocated to Honolulu. After being diagnosed with Polio, Bobby spent the next 7 years in and out of Shriners Hospital. It was here,out of boredom, that Bobby learned how to play the ukulele.
When Bobby was in the 10th grade (in 1968), he was totally immersed in playing the "Blues" and had become part of a band. It wasn't until 11 years later that Bobby was fully introduced to the steel guitar by his good friend Mike Victorino. Later he recorded on his first CD with Mike.
The Ingano Family is an extremely musical family. Everyone from his parents to his siblings and most of his nieces and nephews play either the ukulele, guitar, bass or steel guitar.
By the time Bobby was age 18, having spent most of his teen years 'buck ing heads' with his father feeling that his way of thinking was too strict, Bobby moved out on his own. It was in this time of his life that he met a man who was one of the most notably influential people in his life. This man, who ironically reminded Bobby of his father, was David "Feet" Rogers. Feet and Bobby would sit for hours and talk. Feet instilled in Bobby the importance of playing with discipline and love. He would say to Bobby, "When you play music, always have fun and the main thing is, making people happy..... PERIOD! No worry about competition. It's not a sport. Just be happy and smile...and never, ever, put yourself above anybody else. Bobby, always, ALWAYS play from your heart!" Bobby felt that Feet didn't teach him how to play the steel guitar....more importantly, he taught him about life. It is with this revelation and wisdom that Bobby shares with young steel guitar players and any other musician. He has adopted this to be his philosophy and you can certainly see that it's a way of life with him just by watching him play. When Bobby plays, be it the electric or steel guitar, he plays with such humbleness and enjoyment, that you can't help but be sit back, relax and smile.
Others that have inspired and influenced Bobby include: Elmer 'Sonny' Lim, Greg Sardinah, David Keli'i, Jerry Byrd, to Gabby Pahinui, Pua Almeida, Jules Ah See and Jacob Keli'ikoa. Most recently having recorded with Steven Hall and BB Shawn (and becoming a member of BB's band), his opinion is that these are two of the best musicians that Hawai'i has to offer, musically and personality wise, on and off the stage.
Bobby has played on a "who's who" list of prominent entertainer's albums, from Amy Gilliom, Cazimero Brothers, Bill Kaiwa, Theresa Bright, Martin Pahinui to Ka'au Crater Boys, Palolo, Kapena, Valley Boys, several groups in Japan, to most recently BB Shawn.
Bobby has, for the last 27 years, been a loyal employee of Tamashiro's Market and will continue to work there. He uses his time off and weekends doing what he enjoys most....making music, and making people smile! When you watch him play, you can't help but smile as you're caught up in his sweet steel playing and catch one of his contagious smiles as he plays. This is a man who truly enjoys making music.
Bobby would like to send special thanks to Jack Dupio for taking the time and having the patience to teach all him the tunings he knows.
The time had finally come for Bobby Ingano to release his debut CD, Steel Reflections and chose to do so under his friend BB Shawn's Flying Solo Music record label.
For booking information, performances, and to email Bobby Ingano, contact Nancy Ishimoto. Please visit some of our friends and supporters at our links page.
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