Johnny Noble, born John Avery Noble on September 17, 1892, in Honolulu, Hawaii, was a pivotal figure in the development of Hawaiian music, particularly known for his role in popularizing the hapa haole style. This genre blended traditional Hawaiian music with American jazz and ragtime, creating a unique sound that resonated both locally and on the mainland United States. Noble's early exposure to music came from attending band concerts and church singing, and he honed his musical talents at Saint Louis School, learning to play the drums, piano, and guitar.

Noble began his professional music career in 1917 under the mentorship of Sonny Cunha, a significant influence who helped him refine his composition skills. By 1920, Noble was leading the Moana Hotel Orchestra, where he introduced his innovative musical style. His compositions, such as "My Little Grass Shack," "Hula Blues," and "King Kamehameha," became widely popular, and he was instrumental in bringing Hawaiian music to a broader audience through recordings, radio broadcasts, and tours.

In 1935, Noble became the first Hawaiian composer inducted into the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), and in 1938, Honolulu declared April 23 as "Johnny Noble Day" to celebrate his contributions to music. Noble's legacy continued to be honored posthumously, as he was inducted into the Hawaiian Entertainment Hall of Fame in 1974. He passed away on January 13, 1944, in Honolulu, leaving behind a rich legacy that bridged Hawaiian and American musical traditions.