Tennyson A. Lum the son of Kumu Hula “Aunty” Ehulani
Enoka Lum, who was a major influence in his musical talent at a very young
age. While cleaning the house, she would often listen to Hawaiian music in the
early mornings before Tennyson left for school. It was this early exposure to
the music of his culture that sparked the musical passions in her son.
Tennyson impressed his mother with other talents by teaching himself to play
the Tahitian drums so his mother wouldn’t have to go out and look for other
drummers. But Hawaiian music was and is now his only love. He remembers the
times when he was only ten or eleven years old and spending Summers riding his
bike in his Grandparent’s home in Waimanalo. They lived only two block's
from the Pahinui’s. He remembers riding his bike past their house one day
and heard some music coming from the backyard where Gabby and his band
practiced. He skid to a stop and listened, mesmerized by the melodies. It was
at that point Hawaiian music would be forever impressed in his life.
For those who see Tennyson perform for the first time
tend to think, “WOW! What talent! He could sit down with pretty much anyone
and play a set of drums and not miss a beat!" True, and oh yeah, his Ukulele
playing “Ain’t So Bad” either!
Tennyson
formed Ka Ehu Kai Hawaiian Band in 1991. It was with his band he grew into the
exciting, dynamic and yet down to earth entertainer that he is today. When you
see Tennyson, or “Ten” as people would eventually call him, you
immediately know the type of Hawaiian this man is.
He is a truly warm, kind, big hearted, fun loving, Never say die,
keep's on ticking, for the Hawaiian culture and heritage...bruddah...Ten.
