Josh Tatofi on Hawaiian Music, Paniolo Country & Bringing Aloha to Las Vegas

Grammy-nominated Hawaiian and Polynesian singer-songwriter Josh Tatofi joins Island Emory on The Little Grass Shack for a conversation about the music, family, faith, and island roots behind one of contemporary Hawaiian music’s most recognizable voices.Tatofi shares how growing up in Hawaii, singing in church, and watching his father perform with Kapena helped shape a sound that blends traditional Hawaiian music with R&B, soul, reggae, and country influences. He talks about musical inspirations ranging from Motown and Luther Vandross to Teddy Pendergrass, his connection to Hawaiian music wherever he travels, and why family remains at the center of his journey.The conversation also looks ahead to Tatofi’s return to Las Vegas and his performance at the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay, along with his upcoming album Paniolo Country. Recorded in Nashville, the project explores the connection between Hawaiian paniolo culture and country music. Tatofi also discusses recording “Baby Blue,” a song his father recorded 25 years earlier, and performing it at the Grand Ole Opry.Plus, enjoy the Hawaiian music, island sounds, and aloha spirit that have made The Little Grass Shack a longtime home for Hawaii and the Pacific on KUNV 91.5 Jazz & More in Las Vegas.Hosted by Island Emory.