Arthur Lyman (February 2, 1932 – February 24, 2002) was an American vibraphonist and marimba player, celebrated as a pioneer of the exotica music genre. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Lyman grew up immersed in the islands’ vibrant sounds, beginning his career at 14 as a drummer at a Waikiki hotel.
His talent soon led him to join Martin Denny’s trio in the 1950s, where he helped shape the exotic, Polynesian-inspired sound that captivated audiences worldwide. Lyman’s vibraphone work on Denny’s hit “Quiet Village” became a defining moment in exotica.
In 1957, Lyman launched his solo career, forming the Arthur Lyman Group and signing with Hi-Fi Records. His debut album, Taboo (1958), reached No. 6 on the Billboard charts, blending jazz, Hawaiian rhythms, and bird calls into a lush, tropical soundscape.
Over his career, he released dozens of albums, including Hawaiian Sunset and Leis of Jazz, earning gold records and a dedicated following. Known for his innovative use of percussion and stereo effects, Lyman performed until the 1990s. He died of throat cancer in 2002 at 70, leaving a legacy as an exotica icon.
