Andy Iona, born Andrew Aiona Long on January 1, 1902, in Waimea, Kauai, Hawaii, was a prominent American musician known for his significant contributions to Hawaiian music. He was a versatile artist, excelling as a composer, songwriter, conductor, saxophonist, and steel guitarist. Educated at the Kamehameha School for Boys and Henri Berger's Private School of Music in Honolulu, Andy Iona's musical journey was marked by his ability to blend traditional Hawaiian melodies with American swing.

Despite losing his thumb in a school accident, Iona became the first saxophone player for John Noble and the Moana Orchestra in the early 1920s and was also a member of the Royal Hawaiian Band. In 1921, he began performing Hawaiian music on the mainland, entertaining audiences in New York, California, and Japan during the 1920s and 1930s. He collaborated with Lena Machado in New York and appeared in films such as "Bird of Paradise," "Waikiki Wedding," and "Song of the Islands."

Iona formed his band, Andy Iona and His Islanders, which recorded hundreds of songs and performed widely in films, hotels, and theaters. Some of his notable compositions include "Maui Moon," "South Sea Island Magic," and "Naughty Hula Eyes." He joined the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) in 1940 and recorded music for Soundies in 1941. Iona also toured with figure skater Sonja Henie for twelve years.

Married to Leimomi Woodds, Andy Iona had three children. He passed away on November 9, 1966, in Santa Anita, California. His legacy continues to influence Hawaiian music, celebrated for his innovative fusion of styles and his enduring compositions.