Norbort Tydingco "Mr. Smooth" was lead guitarist for the 1970's band "Chamorri." Pat Gumabon Sablan/Guam Humanities Council
Art, Architecture, Body Adornment, Music and Food

Norbert Tydingco

Norbert Tydingco is best known for playing the smoothest chord progressions in the local jazz arena earning for himself the nickname “Mr. Smooth.”

Read More »

Louie Gombar

Louie Gombar is an accomplished musician on Guam known for his playing of the vibes (vibraharp). Gombar started out as a musician at the young

Read More »
I Fanlalai'an
Art, Architecture, Body Adornment, Music and Food

Jose Gumabon, Sr.

Jose Naputi Gumabon, Sr. (1904 – 1968) was musically and artistically gifted. He formed a stringed orchestra with his sons and close friends to play

Read More »
Joaquin "Ding" playing at a birthday party. Forrest Harris photo from the Guam Humanities Council.
Art, Architecture, Body Adornment, Music and Food

Joaquin “Ding” Palomo

Guitarist Joaquin “Ding” Palomo (1923 – 1997) was a well-known and well-accomplished musician. Although he was known by his peers for playing rhythm guitar, he

Read More »
Ankie Franquez began to play the harmonica in the 1930s for a contest, but then fully developed as a musician.
Art, Architecture, Body Adornment, Music and Food

Francisco G. Franquez

Francisco Garrido Franquez (1921 – 2006), also known as “Frank” or “Ankie,” first picked up the harmonica at the age of 14 years old. In

Read More »
Pete and Nito Bautista. Forrest Harris/Humanities Guåhan collection.
Art, Architecture, Body Adornment, Music and Food

Forrest Harris

Forrest Harris (1932 – ) first found his interest in music at nine years old while strumming a ukulele and playing a country song called

Read More »
At a young age Carlos T. Laguana, son of Carlos C. Laguana, began playing in bands at parties.
Art, Architecture, Body Adornment, Music and Food

Carlos T. Laguana

Carlos T. Laguana grew up at a time when noted jazz musicians throughout Guam were making a name for themselves. The son of the late

Read More »
Carlos C. Laguana surrounded by musicians.
Art, Architecture, Body Adornment, Music and Food

Carlos C. Laguana

Carlos Cruz Laguana was born on 4 November 1925, and died at age 65 on 30 June 1991. He was a banker by profession, but

Read More »
1961 Jazz. Tina Muña Barnes photo from the Guam Humanities Council.
Art, Architecture, Body Adornment, Music and Food

Bill Muna

George William Pereira Muna, more commonly known as Bill Muna, was a noted musician and active member of the community on Guam. He was an

Read More »
Dr. Sablan at Work. Dr. Anne Hattori collection.
Health and Medicine

Dr. Ramon Manalisay Sablan

Ramon Manalisay Sablan (1902-1970) was the first CHamoru medical doctor. He is also remembered as an influential educator, politician, activist, linguist, and musician.

Read More »
Scroll to Top