Jay W. Junker

Jay W. Junker is a Professor in the Department of Music at the University of Hawaii at Mānoa, specializing in ethnomusicology. He teaches courses such as Music in Modern America and A History of Rock & Roll, focusing on cultural preservation, artistic innovation, and the impact of technology on music. His work bridges traditional and commercial music, emphasizing their roles as cultural expressions and commercial enterprises.

Outside academia, Junker is a prolific producer and consultant, co-creating the television series Na Mele, organizing concerts at the Honolulu Academy of Arts, and producing traditional Hawaiian music albums. He has also contributed liner notes for the slack key masters series with George Winston and authored documentaries like Ku‘u Home: Hawaiian Songs of Home. His radio programs include Na Mele O Hawai‘i and Hawaiian Boogie, exploring global musical connections.

Recipient of the 2024 Korean Presidential Award and honored for his lifelong impact on American music in 2025, Junker’s research and outreach highlight his commitment to cultural exchange. He actively consults for institutions like the Smithsonian Institution and National Public Radio, advocating for music’s role in societal dialogue.