Teresa Bright Obituary

TERESA BRIGHT Teresa Naniali'i Bright, beloved singer and cherished member of the Hawaiian music community, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2024, at The Queen's Hospital. She was 64 years old. She was born on September 22, 1959, to Caroline (Halualani) Bright and Daniel Bright. Teresa was the youngest of her siblings, raised in He'eia Kea, by the ocean. Her mother, a strong and hard-working Hawaiian woman, prioritized her 'ohana, teaching Teresa the old ways, how to provide for her family from the ocean, and how to live her life with aloha for those around her. Her father, an accomplished musician, introduced her to singing and various instruments, igniting her lifelong passion for music. Lovingly known as "T" or "Aunty T", she began singing at the age of 5. Her talent flourished, leading to her first significant performance at the age of 10 for over 100 patients at the Kaneohe State Hospital where her mother worked. While studying at the University of Hawai'i, T teamed up with Steve Mai'i to form the renowned duo "Steve and Teresa." Their collaboration produced three albums and she won her first Na Hoku Hanohano Award for Song of the Year in 1985. The songs included "Catching a Wave" and "Uwehe Ami and Slide." She also released the album "Kapilina" with her dear cousin, Kumu Frank Kawaikapu Hewett, which contained the song and chants of Hawai'i's legends and folklore. Her groundbreaking solo album, "Self Portrait", showcasing her ethereal, yet powerful voice, solidified her status as a leading artist, and earned her multiple Na Hoku Hanohano Awards, including Best Female Vocalist. Over her decades-long career, she produced and recorded over 21 albums, blending traditional Hawaiian music with pop, jazz, and blues into a unique sound that captivated audiences worldwide. Her musical talent took her across the world to perform in countries like Japan, New Zealand, Fiji, and Russia. In 2020, she was honored with a Na Hoku Hanohano Lifetime Achievement Award. A true artist, T immersed herself in creativity beyond music. She played a variety of instruments, including her cherished guitar, the ukulele, the steel guitar, the piano, even native Hawaiian instruments, such as the ka'eke'eke (bamboo drum). She weaved lauhala, painted landscapes, made jewelry, strung floral lei, designed, and sewed-anything that allowed her to share her creativity. Passionate about teaching music, she dedicated her talents to fostering the next generation of musicians through the Department of Education, Queen Lili'uokalani Trust, Windward Community College, St. Laurent School of Dance, and private lessons, even releasing an instructional video on how to play the ukulele. As a member of the Ko'olau Foundation, Kako'o 'Oiwi, and an honorary member of the Ka'ahumanu Society, T was committed to preserving land and culture, particularly in Kane'ohe, where her family has lived for generations. While studying at the University, she developed a keen interest in genealogical studies, dedicating her efforts to uncovering her family's history and heritage, even tracing her lineage back to Kamehameha the first. Known for her fierce love and hospitality, she opened both her heart and home to those in need. T's passing is mourned by many; her life was a testament to the beauty of music and the spirit of aloha. She is survived by her husband Derrick 'CM' Llanos, their beloved daughter Keaolani Bright; siblings Marlene Drew, Kana'ina Halualani (Sandi), Keahi Kahiapo (John); loving nieces and nephews; extended 'ohana; dear friends and fans who will forever cherish her contributions to the music world. A service honoring her life will be held at St. Ann's Church on October 26, 2024. Viewing at 10 AM, services at 12 PM - 130 PM, followed by a burial at Hawaiian Memorial Park at 2 PM. Her legacy will continue to resonate through her music, and the joy and beauty she brought to our lives will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Arrangements Provided By: Hawaiian Memorial Park Mortuary