Grand Junction Colorado Musician Picks Up His 3rd Grammy Win

A former Grand Junction resident and Colorado Mesa University graduate just scored his third win at the 64th annual Grammy Awards.

Kalani Pe’a’s album Kau Ka Pe'a marks his third time taking home the Recording Academy's award for Best Regional Roots Music Album. On Sunday, April 3, 2022, he took home his third trophy. Check out his acceptance speech in the video above.

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Grammy-Winning Artist Studied in Grand Junction, Colorado

Pe'a, a native of Hawaii, attended Mesa State College from 2001 to 2007, receiving his Bachelor's Degree in Mass Communications. You probably saw him in a number of productions with the college's music and music theatre departments.

You may have seen Pe'a performing in productions at CMU's Robinson Theatre such as Tony Award-winning musicals like George M, Return to the Forbidden Planet, Amahl & the Night Visitors, and To Kill a Mockingbird. You may have seen him perform with the Mesa State College Chamber and Concert choirs.

In 2019 Pe'a was honored by Colorado Mesa University with the prestigious distinguished alumni award.

Third Win at the Grammy Awards

There's no stopping this artist. This marks his third win in the same category. Nominees in the Best Regional Roots Music Album category included:

Live In New Orleans!
Sean Ardoin And Kreole Rock And Soul
Bloodstains & Teardrops
Big Chief Monk Boudreaux
My People
Cha Wa
Corey Ledet Zydeco
Corey Ledet Zydeco
Kau Ka Pe'a - WINNER
Kalani Pe'a

“I’m a modern Hawaiian. That is, a Hawaiian that speaks Hawaiian fluently, and who will rock a purple bowtie and Versace prescribed glasses and will sing "Always and Forever" in Hawaiian and English. That’s who I am." - Kalani Pe'a interview in Mauitime

Previous Grammy Wins

According to his official webpage, Pe’a’s debut album was released in 2016. "E Walea" quickly hit the top of the iTunes and Billboard charts. On February 12 2017 Kalani Pe'a's debut album "E Walea" won the Grammy® Award for "Best Regional Roots Music Album" and made history by being the first Hawaiian Recording Artist to ever win in the category.

On February 11th, 2018 Kalani Pe'a received his second Grammy® Award for "No 'Ane'i." Pe'a won in the "Best Regional Roots Music Album" category.

CDs can be purchased worldwide online at www.islandheritagemusic.com.

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