Helen Kapuailohia Desha Beamer was born in Honolulu, Hawaii September 8, 1882, the eldest daughter of Isabella Hale'ala and George Langhern Desha. She was in the third graduating high school class of the Kamehameha School for Girls. Her interest in music started at a very young age and she became an accomplished musician, singer and composer. Helen had a most beautiful voice, being gifted with a high, clear soprano of a coloratura range. She taught herself music notation by copying reams of piano and vocal music. She made several recordings for Columbia Records, including the first commercial recording of "Ke Kali Nei Au" with Sam Kapu (The Hawaiian Wedding Song). She was also a teacher of the mele and hula of Hawai'i and shared her love of music which influenced her five children, all of whom became talented musicians, singers, composers and dancers. Helen passed away in 1952. Helen was inducted into the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame in 1995.
Beamer, H.D. Songs of Helen Desha Beamer. M.K. Marmionett, (Ed.) (1991) Honolulu, HI Abigail K.Kawananakoa Foundation.
Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame. Helen Desha Beamer (2007) http://hawaiimusicmuseum.org/honorees/1995/beamer.html (accessed March 3, 2011)