EDDIE ALKIRE

Elbern H. Alkire was born in Easton, Pennsylvania and spent much of his professional career on the mainland. Known as a virtuoso steel guitarist, he invented the E-Harp (a 10-string steel guitar). But he collaborated with Chas E. King and Lani McIntire who were both impressed with his invention.

Alkire was a major network radio performer throughout the 1930s, and became renowned as a teacher. He composed over 150 songs and instrumentals for steel guitar.



Biographical material from Tony Todaro, The Golden Years of Hawaiian Entertainment (Tony Todaro Pub., 1974).