Happy Anniversary, Ho`olohe Hou!

August 19th marked the seventh anniversary of the birth of Ho`olohe Hou. But Ho`olohe Hou has had so many starts and stops that I should be very clear what this is the anniversary of.

Ho`olohe Hou had an inauspicious beginning as a podcast on January 1, 2006. But it was short lived. After only six episodes – critically acclaimed by Hawai`i’s musicians and distributed widely across the Hawaiian music blogs, chat rooms, and threaded discussion boards – I was advised to “shut it down” to protect myself. At the time, there was no legal means of using copyrighted music in podcasts – an issue eventually escalated all the way to the Supreme Court of the United States. But despite that I did not generate any revenue from my podcasting revenue, I could have been fined heftily – or even imprisoned – for spinning Hawaiian music recordings – despite that the recordings I played were largely out of print for 40 or more years, despite that most of the artists and composers had long ago departed this life. Fearing reprisal or legal action, I gave up.

Enter a Hawaiian music lover with an entrepreneurial spirit, Don Narup. Don spent his life in high finance, but his passion was Hawaiian music. Upon his retirement, Don decided to use some of his investment acumen to fund one of the early internet Hawaiian music radio stations from his home in Las Vegas. And thus 50th State Radio was born. Don heard about my podcast and its too soon demise. He reached out to me, and we struck a partnership. Despite that he could not pay me to produce my show as the station was in its infancy, he could pay to produce it legally and ethically. Unlike podcasts at the time, the royalty rates for radio stations were long ago firmly established. Don took on Ho`olohe Hou, giving me a 9:30am Sunday time slot – immediately following a Christian chat program hosted by Reverend Gary Haleamau and his wife, Sheldeen. And what was once a humble podcast became a weekly two-hour radio program which – through 50th State Radio – reached listeners around the world via the internet. And because the world included Hawai`i, Narup eventually agreed to move the show to a 6pm Sunday evening timeslot to accommodate the many fans across the Pacific.

But this, too, was short lived. One week in April 2008, I uploaded my program via FTP to 50th State Radio’s servers, and I waited eagerly at 6pm to hear my own voice hit the airwaves – fancying myself a Hawaiian-style Ryan Seacrest, opening each program with, “It’s time for more music and memories of Hawai`i. THIS is Ho`olohe Hou. Are you listening?” But the show never aired. The station appeared to be on autopilot – songs streaming, but no voice-overs, no time checks… I started calling the station. No answer. I started calling Don’s cell phone over and over again frantically. No answer. No response came until two days later when I received a call from Don’s wife with whom I had never spoken previously. I was shocked to learn that Don was dead – throat cancer, about which he clearly knew but chose not to treat, and about which he told nobody, and certainly not the staff at the station. 50th State Radio was Don’s dying wish, but sadly, the wish died with him. There was no further funding source beyond his passing. And, so, with Don’s passing, so, too, passed Ho`olohe Hou into oblivion yet again.

Over the years – with the help of friends who also happen to be ardent Hawaiian music lovers – I have tried to breathe new life into Ho`olohe Hou the radio program. But to no avail. There is too little market for Hawaiian music, and that market is already flooded with awesome broadcasters, and what the hell could a haole guy from New Jersey know about Hawaiian music anyway? But the truth is that my show is different from Territorial Airwaves and others. Arguably, my collection of more than 25,000 Hawaiian music recordings is one of the largest in the world, and I have access to recordings that even Harry B. Soria does not – unofficial and unreleased recordings given to me by the artists themselves or their children and grandchildren. They were given to me because they knew I would know what to do with them – preserve them and share them, ensure that these Hawaiian music legacies endured. But I have not been given the opportunity again since 50th State Radio. Moreover, my approach to sharing this music may be different from other broadcasters. My life has been what ethnographic researchers might refer to as a “practitioner inquiry” – or learning by doing. I am not merely a Hawaiian music fan. I am also a musician practicing as much of the Hawaiian music craft – from slack key guitar to steel guitar to falsetto singing – as I can without stretching myself so thin that I break. I was raised on Territorial Airwaves, and Harry B. Soria is a friend without whose encouragement I would have stopped participating in – and would never have won – the Aloha Festivals Falsetto Contest which he hosted. But there are myriad ways in which Ho`olohe Hou is not a carbon copy of Territorial Airwaves. It is largely my approach to analyzing (or overanalyzing) Hawaiian music that ensures that Ho`olohe Hou is not Territorial Airwaves. I approached Ho`olohe Hou as if I had sold it to NPR. I was Sam the Eagle to Harry’s Fozzie Bear. Ho`olohe Hou may have even been a first in Hawaiian music broadcasting – “edutainment.” I wanted to have fun, but I felt it was my kuleana (or responsibility) to educate.

On January 1, 2013, I returned to blogging in the name of Ho`olohe Hou – offering up rarities from my collection a few at a time along with the stories of the artists and composers and the details of how the music is actually made – nuggets of information which might otherwise be lost on non-musicians. Facebook – which did not exist when I began attempting to broadcast – made it easier to reach Hawaiian music lovers. But here is the rub. In the 20 months since its re-re-launch, with dozens and dozens of posts and episodes to its credit, Ho`olohe Hou has more than 400 Facebook followers and an amazing more than 10,000 downloads. Despite that the month is not yet over, there have already been more downloads in August 2014 – more than 1,000 – than in any other month in the program’s history. And yet I don’t know you. When Ho`olohe Hou was a radio show, I received more fan mail than I could respond to. But despite the instant communication that Facebook affords us, I have not heard from you. I realized this when a recent post about Kui Lee received more than 400 downloads but only a half dozen “likes” and only two comments.

So in the tradition of my radio show, I have to ask… This is Ho`olohe Hou. Are you listening?

If so, let me know. Write me at hwnmusiclives@gmail.com or comment on a post that moved you. Or recommend an artist, a composer, or a musical style to be profiled, and I would be happy to oblige.

Meanwhile, I give you a Ho`olohe Hou anniversary gift – the entire two hour broadcast of the first episode of Ho`olohe Hou originally aired on August 19, 2007.* Check out the original playlist (at this link). What do you see? The show was chock full of rarities you would likely hear nowhere else. At the time, almost all of the recordings I was spinning were out of print (as indicated by the asterisk in the “LP/Source” column at the link above). I offered long forgotten rarities not available on CD or MP3 by Sonny Chillingworth, Alfred Apaka, Sterling Mossman, George Kainapau, Chick Floyd, Poncie Ponce, Karen Keawehawai`i, Kekua Fernandez, Marlene Sai, George Paoa, Ihilani Miller, Alice Namakelua, and Don Ho. Seven years later, all of those recordings remain out of print. More than this, who else would inform you that one of Sonny’s ethereally voiced back-up singers was none other than Nina Keali`iwahamana, that the ridiculously jazzy steel guitarist backing Poncie Ponce was California-based Vince Akina, or that the falsetto singing in George Paoa’s trio was Buddy Fo and The Invitations’ highest voice, Johnny Costello? Only a musician would know these things because there were no credits on the album covers. These are discoveries that can only be made with the ears.

It is my fondest desire to put Ho`olohe Hou the radio program back on the airwaves. If you think you know someone who can help fulfill my dream once and for all, please reach out to me. Until then, Ho`olohe Hou will remain a blog which – in case you do not realize the intricacies of copyright law – is as illegal now as it was when I started on January 1, 2006. Despite that I make no money from this labor of love, despite the historically and culturally important service of preserving this music, artists and composers still demand to be paid. Fortunately, since its inception seven years ago (or nine years ago, depending on when you start counting), no artist has asked for compensation. Either they “get it” or Ho`olohe Hou remains unnoticed. I do not fancy myself either a pirate or a Robin Hood. With your help, maybe I will someday soon find the way to fulfill this mission legally and ethically

Until then, as I said at the close of every episode of Ho`olohe Hou, “Keep aloha in your hearts, and take Hawaiian music wherever you go. A hui hou…”

Me ka ha`aha`a – 

Bill Wynne

 

 

*Note that in order to listen continuously to this program, you will need to open a separate browser window. Closing that browser window will stop the streaming of the program. Note also that it may take up to 10 minutes to buffer the entire two-hour program.

 

Direct download: Ho60olohe20Hou20-2008-19-07.mp3
Category:Radio -- posted at: 1:32am EDT

The Steel Guitar In The 1950s (Part 1)

This week, two hours of Hawaiian steel guitar from the 1950s featuring more than two dozen steel guitarists.

But this is only half the story.  There were so many great steel guitarists to choose from in this era that we have another two hours of 1950s steel guitar in store for you next week.  So be sure to tune in again.

The track listing below doesn't mention the steel guitarists by name.  So who should you expect to hear?  How about Eddie Bush, Sonny Kamaka, Ernie Tavares, Splash Lyons, Prince Kawohi, Lovey Lui Conn, Benny Rogers, David Keli`i, Joe Custino, Danny Stewart, Jules Ah See, Bernie Ka`ai, and Freddie Tavares?!  Now that is an all-star team.

Enjoy!

SONG TITLE

ARTIST

LP/SOURCE

LABEL

Ku`u Lei Lehua

Joe Kahaulelio and the Hooheno Serenaders

Mele Hula - Volume 2

Noelani

Nani Waimea

The Surfers

Tahiti

HiFi

Haunani Mine

The Richard Kauhi Quartette

78rpm Single*

Bell

That’s The Hawaiian In Me

Julia Nui’s Kamaainas

Souvenir Songs Of Hawaii - Volume 3

49th State

Ke Kaupu

Ernest Tavares

Songs Of Old Hawaii

Waikiki

Evening In The Islands

Splash Lyons and His Hawaiians

Aloha Serenades

Decca

Luau Chant

Prince Kawohi and the Luau Boys

At The Luau

RCA Victor

Selamoku

Pauline Kakahuna and Her Hauoli Girls

45rpm Single

Waikiki

Manu O`o

Pauline Kakahuna and Her Hauoli Girls

45rpm Single

Waikiki

Ala Moana Annie

Pauline Kakahuna and Her Hauoli Girls

Keep Your Eyes On The Hands

Waikiki

Steel Guitar Boogie

Benny Rogers

45rpm Single

49th State

Ku`u Lei `Awapuhi / Maui Moon

Benny Rogers with The Harmony Isles Group

Romantic Hawaii

49th State

Maui Chimes

Benny Rogers with The Harmony Isles Group

Souvenir Songs Of Hawaii - Volume 20

49th State

Moana Chimes

David Keli`i with Hawaii Calls Orchestra

Aircheck (Live Broadcast)

--------

Hula Oni Oni E

Al Perry and The Singing Surfriders

Favorite Hawaiian Chants and Hulas

Decca

My Little Grass Shack

Akoni Lani and His Islanders

Hawaiian Favorites

Tops

Anytime, Anywhere

Chick Floyd’ Orchestra

Have Fun With Lucky

Mahalo

Hilo Hula

Honey Kalima and His Royal Hawaiian Serenaders

Starlight In Hawaii

Decca

Holoholo Ka`a

The Maile Serenaders

Let’s Hula*

Hula

Hanohano Hanalei

Danny Stewart

Songs Of Old Hawaii

Waikiki

Ke Aloha

George Kainapau with Danny Stewart’s Hawaiians

Souvenirs Of Hawaii

Decca

Hapa Haole Hula Girl

Danny Stewart and His Islanders

Song Of The Islands

Coral

Two Shadows On The Sand

Alfred Apaka with Danny Stewart’s Hawaiians

The Hawaiian Wedding Song

Decca

Pagan Love Song

Alfred Apaka with The Hawaiian Village Serenaders

Sing Me A Song Of The Islands

Decca

Na Ali`i

Benny Kalama and The Hawaiian Village Serenaders

Echoes Of Hawaii

Decca

Na Kuahiwi `Elima

Mahi Beamer

45rpm Single

Decca

Rhumba Medley

The Hawaiian Village Serenaders

Aircheck (Live Broadcast)

--------

Maile Lau Li`ili`

The Hawaiian Village Serenaders

Aircheck (Live Broadcast)

--------

Noho Paipai

Danny Kua`ana

Holiday In Hawaii

Capitol

Princess Pupule

The Polynesians

Hawaii Calling

Crown

Hame Pila

Ray Andrade and His Orchestra

My Own Hawaii

RGA

Go Around The Island

The Polynesians

Hawaiian Paradise

Crown

Stars Shining O`er Hawaii

The Polynesians

Lovely Hula Hawaii

Crown

Malihini Mele

William Kealoha & His Orchestra

Hawaiian Luau

Roulette

Little Grass Shack

William Kealoha & His Orchestra

Hawaiian Luau

Roulette

All selections out-of-print unless indicated. (Click on the link to a title to locate a possible distribution source.)

*Remastered and rereleased on CD.

Category:Radio -- posted at: 8:15pm EDT

Happy 1st Anniversary, Ho`olohe Hou!

Can you believe it’s been a year already? This program began as a modest podcast on January 6, 2007. But with the help of 50th State Radio, the number of listeners has grown from single digits to thousands around the globe!

We begin the new year by remembering the humble beginnings of the program and the “charter? - the reason why we’re even doing this at all. Then we’ll spend the remainder of the program exploring Hawaiian music in the 1950s - including a look at falsetto singing in that decade, the great male vocalists of that era, and some comic hulas from the great ladies of song of this period.

We celebrate the birthday - what would have been the 100th birthday - of a Hawaiian boy who made his mark as a steel guitarist in the Big Apple - Hal Aloma. In our “Why In The World Is This Out Of Print?? segment, we revisit 78rpm classics from Andy Cummings featuring Hawai`i’s Songbird, Lena Machado. (Listen for some of the earliest slack key guitar on record by none other than Gabby Pahinui!) And in “Then and Again,? we take a look at two versions of the seldom heard Lani McIntire composition “Kalihi“ - one by the composer from the 1940s and another by The Brothers Cazimero from the 1980s.

Thanks for making it a memorable year! Here’s looking forward to many, many more. This is Ho`olohe Hou! Keep listening…

Bill Wynne 

SONG TITLE

ARTIST

LP/SOURCE

LABEL

Hula La

Chick Floyd

Hula La

Liberty

Hi`ilawe

Haunani Kahalewai

The Voice of Hawaii

Decca

Kumu In A Muumuu

Sterling Mossman

Happy In Hawaii

Decca

Nanakuli

Marlene Sai

Authentic Hawaiian Songs*

Sounds of Hawaii

Hula O Makee

Charles “Kaipo? Miller

Sophisticated Hulas*

Mahalo

Waikaloa

John Pi`ilani Watkins

Songs To Remember Hana Maui*

49th State

Kealoha

George Kainapau with Danny Stewart’s Hawaians

Souvenirs Of Hawaii

Decca

Kaloaloa

George Keoki and His Moana Serenaders

Music For A Hawaiian Luau

Decca

He U`i

Danny Kua`ana

Holiday In Hawaii

Capitol

Hawaiian War Chant

Johnny Spencer’s Kona Coasters

Authentic Music Of Kauai, Maui, and Hawaii

Waikiki

Selamoku

Pauline Kekahuna

45rpm Single

Waikiki

(Look Out For) The Girl In The Hula Skirt

Prince Kawohi and the Luau Boys

At The Luau

RCA Victor

Ama Ama/Tomi Tomi

Hawaii Calls Orchestra and Chorus

Waikiki!

Capitol

To Make You Love Me, Ku`uipo

Splash Lyons and His Hawaiians

Aloha Serenades

Decca

Sweet Someone

Alfred Apaka

Sing Me A Song Of The Islands

Decca

Fish And Poi

Pua Almeida

South Sea Island Magic

MGM

Aloha No Hawaiian Style

The Kalima Brothers

45rpm Single

Terk

Wikiwiki Mai

Hal Aloma

At The Luau 400

Dot

Hawaiian Love Chant

Hal Aloma

Lure Of The Islands

Dot

Ku`u Lei Makamae

Hal Aloma

At The Luau 400

Dot

Holo Wa`apa

Lena Machado with Andy Cummings and His Hawaiian Serenaders

Songbird Of Hawaii

Harmony/Columbia

E Ku`u Lei, My Darling

Lena Machado with Andy Cummings and His Hawaiian Serenaders

Songbird Of Hawaii

Harmony/Columbia

Ku`u Wa Li`ili`i

Lena Machado with Andy Cummings and His Hawaiian Serenaders

Songbird Of Hawaii

Harmony/Columbia

Ei Nei

Lena Machado with Andy Cummings and His Hawaiian Serenaders

Songbird Of Hawaii

Harmony/Columbia

My De De

Lena Machado with Andy Cummings and His Hawaiian Serenaders

Songbird Of Hawaii

Harmony/Columbia

Red Opu

Emily De Los Santos

Keep Your Eyes On The Hands

Waikiki

Out On The Beach At Waikiki

Puanani Alama

45rpm Single

49th State

Lulu Get Your Muumuu

Genoa Keawe

45rpm Single

49th State

Holoholo Ka`a

Julia Nui’s Kamaainas with Johnny Almeida

45rpm Single*

49th State

Pidgin English Hula

Hilo Hattie

Souvenir Songs Of Hawaii - Volume 16

49th State

No Huhu

Naughtie Abbie

Souvenir Songs Of Hawaii - Volume 5*

49th State

Ala Moana Annie

Pauline Kekahuna

Keep Your Eyes On The Hands

Waikiki

I’ll Weave A Lei Of Stars

Honey Kalima

Waikiki Sings

Waikiki

All selections out-of-print unless indicated. (Click on the link to a title to locate a possible distribution source.)

*Remastered and rereleased on CD.

Category:Radio -- posted at: 12:13pm EDT

Happy Holidays from Ho`olohe Hou

This week, two hours of uninterrupted holiday music done Hawaiian style. These songs and the artists that performed them are just a few of my many favorites. I hope I picked a few your favorites, too! I hope these songs bring you wonderful memories that warm the heart and make this season just that much more special. Thanks for making this program a small part of your holidays.

Wishing you and your loved ones the happiest of holidays and peace, love, and joy in this season and thoughout the new year.

Thanks for listening!

Bill Wynne

SONG TITLE

ARTIST

LP/SOURCE

LABEL

Nu `Oli

Keali`i Reichel

Maluhia

Punahele

Sing Noel / C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S

Local Divas

Local Divas’ Christmas

Local Divas

Christmas Day In Hawai`i Nei

The Makaha Sons

Christmas Day In Hawai`i Nei

Poki

I Love Christmas (Aloha Kalikimaka)

The Brothers Cazimero

Christmas In Hawaii with Jim Nabors

Bluewater

Hosana (Ua Mau)

Na Leo Pilimehana

Christmas Gift

NLP

Merry Christmas

Weldon Kekauoha and Tapa Groove

Our Ohana’s 1st Christmas

Ohana

Mele Kalikimaka

Haunani Kahalewai

A Merry Hawaiian Christmas

Capitol

Silver Bells

Don Ho

The Don Ho Christmas Album

Reprise

Caroling, Caroling

The Honolulu Boy Choir

Christmas With The Honolulu Boy Choir

Lehua

We Three Kings

The Brothers Cazimero

Christmas Collection

Mountain Apple

Some Children See Him

Local Divas

Local Divas’ Christmas

Local Divas

E Hahai Ia Iesu Kristo Ka Haku

Palani Vaughan

Kaulana Na Pua - Volume Two

Nakahili

Ka Hikina Mai (It Came Upon A Midnight Clear)

Boyce Kaihiihikapuaokalani

A Merry Hawaiian Christmas

Capitol

What Child Is This

Willie K

Willie Kalikimaka

Mountain Apple

Nani Keli`i Ki`eki`e (Glory To God In The Highest)

Eddie Kamae and The Sons Of Hawai`i

Christmas Time With Eddie Kamae and The Sons Of Hawai`i

Hawaii Sons

Mele Kalikimaka Ia Kakou/Mele Kalikimaka Ia `Oe

`Ike Pono

Our Ohana’s 1st Christmas

Ohana

`Ekolu Mea Nui

Sam Keli`iho`omalu

Ola Ka `Oiwi

Hula

The Song Of Christmas

Don Ho

The Don Ho Christmas Album

Reprise

White Christmas

Haunani Kahalewai

A Merry Hawaiian Christmas

Capitol

Winter Wonderland

Melveen Leed

Christmas With Melveen

Lehua

Sleigh Ride

Arthur Lyman

Mele Kalikimaka

HiFi

Hawaiian Santa

The Surfers

Christmas From Hawaii

HiFi

I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus

Willie K

Willie Kalikimaka

Mountain Apple

Santa Baby

Local Divas

Local Divas’ Christmas

Local Divas

Sing Ting-A-Ling-A-Jingle

Karen Keawehawaii

Have A Merry Karen Christmas

Kaleolani

Christmas Don’t Be Late

Opihi Pickers

Our Ohana’s 1st Christmas

Ohana

Grownup Christmas List

Local Divas

Local Divas’ Christmas

 

The 12 Days Of Christmas

Sonny Kamahele

A Merry Hawaiian Christmas

Capitol

We Need A Little Christmas

The Honolulu Boy Choir

Christmas With The Honolulu Boy Choir

Lehua

The Christmas Song

Don Ho

The Don Ho Christmas Album

Reprise

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

Henry Kapono

Merry Christmas To You

Browntown

Merry Christmas, Darling

Keali`i Reichel

Maluhia

Punahele

I’ll Be Home For Christmas

Local Divas

Local Divas’ Christmas

Local Divas

O Holy Night

Willie K

Willie Kalikimaka

Mountain Apple

Ave Maria

Na Leo Pilimehana

Christmas Gift

NLP

We Wish You A Merry Christmas

The Surfers

Christmas From Hawaii

HiFi

 

Category:Radio -- posted at: 8:21am EDT

Ho`olohe Hou Ho Ho

This week, we begin to celebrate the season with holiday classics - both old and new - from Hawai`i. Along the way we’ll take away the instruments and look at a capella gems from Nina Keali`iwahamana and Danny Kaleikini. I’ll share some sacred songs done in the traditional Hawaiian falsetto by Sam Keli`iho`omalu, Ata Damasco, and Na Palapalai. And it wouldn’t be Ho`olohe Hou if we didn’t blow the dust off of some rarities, so I will share some special holiday memories from Lucky Luck, Alfred Apaka, and a favorite of listeners of this program, Aunty Genoa Keawe.

Plus more songs of snow, sleigh bells, children, family, presents, Santa Claus, and the real reason for the season - the birth of a Savior.

I hope you enjoy these songs I’ve picked to share with you this week. Season’s Greetings from Ho`olohe Hou! Thanks for making us a part of your Sunday.

Enjoy!

Bill Wynne

SONG TITLE

ARTIST

LP/SOURCE

LABEL

We Three Kings

The Brothers Cazimero

Christmas Collection

Mountain Apple

Mele Kalikimaka

Haunani Kahalewai

A Merry Hawaiian Christmas

Capitol

Winter Wonderland

Melveen Leed

Christmas With Melveen

Lehua

Merry Christmas, Darling

Keali`i Reichel

Maluhia

Punahele

I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus

Willie K

Willie Kalikimaka

Mountain Apple

The Christmas Song

Don Ho

The Don Ho Christmas Album

Reprise

Some Children See Him

Loyal Garner

Local Divas’ Christmas

Local Divas

Christmas Don’t Be Late

Opihi Pickers

Our Ohana’s 1st Christmas

Ohana

The 12 Days Of Christmas

Sonny Kamahele

A Merry Hawaiian Christmas

Capitol

Hawaiian Santa

The Surfers

Christmas From Hawaii

HiFi

Sleigh Ride

Arthur Lyman

Mele Kalikimaka

HiFi

`Twas The Night Before A Kanaka Christmas

Lucky Luck

45rpm single

Mahalo

Joy To The World (Hau`oli Ka Honua)

Alfred Apaka and The Hawaiian Village Serenaders

45rpm single

Hawaiian Village Records

Silent Night (Po La`I E)

Genoa Keawe

45rpm single

49th State

I Love Christmas (Aloha Kalikimaka)

Eddie Kamae and The Sons Of Hawai`i

Christmas Time With Eddie Kamae and The Sons Of Hawai`i

Hawaii Sons

Caroling, Caroling/We Need A Little Christmas

The Honolulu Boy Choir

Christmas With The Honolulu Boy Choir

Lehua

Mele Kalikimaka Ia Kakou/Mele Kalikimaka Ia `Oe

Waimanalo Keikis

Mele Kalikimaka

Tradewinds

Baby’s First Christmas

Karen Keawehawaii

Have A Merry Karen Christmas

Kaleolani

Ulu Mahiehie

Del Beazley and Israel Kamakawiwo`ole

One For Akua

Mamo

Nani No Ka Sabati

Roddy Lopez

`Ekahi Lehua

KeleoPono

`Ekolu Mea Nui

Sam Keli`iho`omalu

Ola Ka `Oiwi

Hula

He Nani No

Ata Damasco

From The Valley To The Throne

Ululoa

I Call Him Lord

Na Palapalai

Ke `Ala Beauty

Koops2

What Child Is This (Ke Keiki Ali`i)

Nina Kealiiwahamana

A Merry Hawaiian Christmas

Capitol

Nani Keli`i Ki`eki`e

Danny Kaleikini

I Am What I Am

DK

Doxology

Mana`o Company

Praising Him Island Style - Volume 2

Quiet Storm

E Hahai Ia Iesu Kristo Ka Haku

Palani Vaughan

Kaulana Na Pua - Volume Two

Nakahili

No Kristo

Na Kahu

Aloha Ke Akua

Aloha Ke Akua

The First Noel

Nohelani Cypriano

Local Divas’ Christmas

Local Divas

Iehova

Keawe Lopes

He Aloha No…

Mana Pa`i

Aloha Mai E Ka Haku

Bulla Ka`iliwai

Na Hulukupuna

Ululoa

The Little Drummer Boy

The Makaha Sons

Christmas Day In Hawai`i Nei

Poki

Ave Maria

Na Leo Pilimehana

Christmas Gift

NLP

 

 

Category:Radio -- posted at: 6:13am EDT

La Hula Rhumba

We cover a lot of ground this week, listeners! We spend the first hour examining the influence of the rhythms of Spain, Brazil, and the Latin Americas on Hawaiian music from the 1960s - when the Bossa Nova craze was sweeping the country - to the present. We then look at just a few of the songs that make us homesick for Hawai`i. We’ll celebrate the birthday of entertainer Nani Lee Meadows with some rare live performances by Nani with her late husband, legendary composer and entertainer Kui Lee, and their pals Don Ho, Sonny Chillingworth, and Zulu - just as it happened one evening at Don’s parents’ place, Honey’s Tavern, in Kane`ohe in the early 1960s. We will also celebrate the birthday of a falsetto legend - arguably the best of all time - Mahi`ai Beamer, with some of his earliest and most rare recordings. And, finally, we return to our “Then and Again? segment with a look at a classic composition from then pen of friends Mary Kawena Pukui and Maddy Lam in two recordings made 40 years apart by two different artists using the exact same Benny Saks arrangement.

SONG TITLE

ARTIST

LP/SOURCE

LABEL

North Shore Road

Kapono Beamer

North Shore Road

Volcano

Kela Mea Whiffa

Cyril Pahinui

Ka Ho`oilina Mau

Poki

Lawakua

Napua Greig

Pihana

Pihana

Hale A Laka

Aaron Sala

Ka `Upu Aloha

Hula

Ke Aloha No Waipio

Weldon Kekauoha & Tapa Groove

Kanaka Maoli

`Ohelo

Popo`alaea

Teresa Bright and Kawaikapu Hewett

Ka Pilina

Generation Music

Lepe `Ula`ula

Jesse Kalima

Holiday In Hawaii

Sounds Of Hawaii

Nanea Kou Maka I Ka Le`ale`a

Sonny Chillingworth

Ka `Aina `O Hawaii

Makaha

Malia My Tita

Buddy Fo and The Invitations

Kiss Me Love

Makaha

E Ku`u Baby Hot Cha Cha

Lena Machado

Hawaii’s Songbird

South Seas

In Spite Of All

Marlene Sai

The Best Of Marlene Sai

Makaha

Piukeone

Myrtle K. Hilo

Will You Love Me (When My Carburetor Is Busted)

Makaha

Roselani Blossoms

Iwalani Kahalewai

An Hawaiian Happening

Sounds Of Hawaii

Silversword

Billy Gonsalves and The Paradise Serenaders

Billy Gonsalves and The Paradise Serenaders

Sounds Of Hawaii

Latitu

Nathan Aweau

E Apo Mai

B.P. Music Arts

Ma Mua Paha

Amy Hanaiali`i and Willie K.

Hanaiali`i

Mountain Apple

Ka`ililauoekekoa

Sean Na`auao

Neutralize It

Poi Pounder

Prelude/Home In The Islands

The Brothers Cazimero

Hawaii, In The Middle Of The Sea

Mountain Apple

Here In This Enchanted Place

Joe Recca

A Child Of This Land

Mele

A Song Of Old Hawai`i

Owana Salazar

Hula Jazz

Moonbow

Island Style

John Cruz

Acoustic Soul

Lilikoi

I Miss You, My Hawai`i

Na Leo Pilimehana

I Miss You, My Hawai`I

NLP

Taro Patch

Kui and Nani Lee

Waikiki Swings

Hula

Where Is My Love Tonight

Nani Lee

Waikiki Swings

Hula

He Ono

Kui and Nani Lee

Waikiki Swings

Hula

Na Kuahiwi Elima

Mahi Beamer

45 rpm single

Decca

Kawohikukapulani

Mahi Beamer

45 rpm single

Decca

E Ku`u Tutu

Leinaala Haili

No Ka Oi

Makaha

E Ku`u Tutu

Raiatea Helm

Hawaiian Blossom

RHR

Paniau

Mahi Beamer

Hawaii’s Mahi Beamer

Hula

Honolulu City Lights

Keola and Kapono Beamer

Honolulu City Lights

Paradise

 

Category:Radio -- posted at: 5:37am EDT

The Silent DJ's Epic Mix Tape #1

As you might already have guessed by my lengthy conspicuous absence from the airwaves, I have been more than a little under the weather for a few weeks now - a pretty nasty bout with bronchitis. And I have coughed myself right out of a voice! My silence has been a blessing to family, friends, and co-workers, but it doesn’t do much for the avocation of a budding radio show host.

But, as they say, the show must go on! So I bring you a most unorthodox show this week… My first foray into the world of radio was as a child making mix tapes in my parents’ den. I made epic mix tapes from my then still growing collection of Hawaiian music, and these tapes became a staple for long road trips with the family. (In a manner of speaking, I still make my mix tapes. But now I share them with you every week and call them Ho`olohe Hou. ) This week’s program is one of those mix tapes I made circa. 1989 (or nearly 20 years ago). So there is no new music here - mostly classics from some of the legends of Hawaiian music plus a few from seldom-heard artists. I remastered this right from the original cassette tape. I hope it satisfies all of our cravings for some much needed Hawaiian music to make our day of rest even more restful and see us through the week ahead.

I hope to be back with you in person - or as much as we can be “in person? via the Internet - next week. Until then…

Enjoy!

Bill Wynne

SONG TITLE

ARTIST

LP/SOURCE

LABEL

Ha`aheo E Ka Manu Pikake

The Peter Moon Band

Cane Fire

Panini

No Ke Ano Ahiahi

Melveen Leed

My Hawaiian Country

Lehua

Lovely Hula Hands

Honey Kalima

Lovely Hula Hands

Waikiki

Nani Waimea

Alan Akaka & The Islanders

How D`Ya Do

ALA

Lulu Lima

Tina Kaapana with Hui Ohana

Portrait Of The Kaapanas

Poki

Kumu In The Muumuu

Sterling Mossman

Happy In Hawaii

Decca

Blue Coral

Don Ho & The Aliis

The Don Ho Show!

Reprise

Chloe

Ry Cooder with Gabby Pahinui

Chicken Skin Music

Warner Brothers

Wahine Hololio

Ozzoe Kotani

Classical Slack

 

Palisa

Haunani Kahalewai

Trade Wind Islands

Capitol

Hula Breeze

The Maile Serenaders

Evening In The Islands

Hula

Pua Melekule

Na Keonimana

Hoihoi

Poki

Nani

Led Kaapana & I Kona

Jus’ Press

Leahi

Hanalei

Kaleo O Kalani

The Kaleo O Kalani Trio

Sounds Of Hawaii

Nani Waialeale

The Hilo Hawaiians

Honeymoon In Hawaii

Hawaii Hosts

Ka Mamakakaua

Palani Vaughan

Ia `Oe E Ka La

Nakahili

Laimana

The Lim Family

Ku Kaulana

Pumehana

Dahil Sayo

Marlene Sai

I Am Hawaii (Various Artists)

Makaha

Hali`ilua

Vicki Ii and Family

Na Mele `Ohana

Hula

Ka Lama `Ae One

The Sunday Manoa

3

Panini

Hanauma

Sam Bernard

Mahie Palua

Kahanu

Po Mahina

Gabby Pahinui

Gabby Band Volume 2

Panini

`Ai Kakou

Myrtle K. Hilo

Mahalo Plenty

Lehua

Naka Pueo

Johnny Pineapple

Hawaiian Holiday

Pickwick

Ka Pili Oha

Hui Ohana

Hui Ohana

Paradise

Ka Loke Polena

Jesse Kalima & Sons

Jesse Kalima & Sons

Flair

Ka Na`i Aupuni

The Brothers Cazimero

The Sound Of The Sea Surrounds Me

Mountain Apple

Kai Hawanawana

Pua Almeida

Dancing Under The Stars

Waikiki

`Uheuhene

The Tahitian-Aires

The Tahitian-Aires

Decca

Hi`ilawe

Hawaii Calls Orchestra and Chorus

Hawaii Calls Greatest Hits

Capitol

Puhio

Rodney Arias and the New Paradise Serenaders

Island By The Sea

SEAK

Hanalei Moon

Na Hanai

Na Hanai

Poki

Panini Puakea

Gabby Pahinui and The Sons of Hawaii

Gabby Pahinui and The Sons of Hawaii

Hula

Pretty Red Hibiscus

The Invitations

R.S.V.P.

Liberty

`Awapuhi

The Peter Moon Band

Full Moon

Kanikapila

Ring Around The Moon

Lani Kai

Island Love Songs

Decca

A Maile Lei For Your Hair

The Aliis

Hawaii Right Now!

Reprise

Portuguese Washermwoman

Sonny Chillingworth

Sonny Chillingworth

Makaha

E Naughty Naughty Mai Nei

Mel Peterson

Have Fun With Lucky Luck

Mahalo

Hame Pila

Honey Kalima

Lovely Hula Hands

Waikiki

Na Wai Kaulana

Tony Lindsey and Friends

Blue Darling

Hula

Wai O Ke Aniani

Hui Ohana

Ke Kolu

Lehua

 

Category:Radio -- posted at: 6:13pm EDT

Happy Birthday, Aunty!

What do you say about a living legend on the occasion of her 89th birthday? You don’t. With a career spanning more than 60 years and hundreds of recordings covering 50 of those years, you simply let her music speak for itself.

It’s Aunty Genoa Keawe’s birthday! Mahalo for helping me celebrate in style. It is my sincere hope that you enjoy this program as much as I enjoyed putting it together for you.

Me ke aloha a me ka ha`aha`a,

Bill Wynne

SONG TITLE

ARTIST

LP/SOURCE

LABEL

`Alika

Genoa Keawe

Party Hulas*

Hula

Pua Laniuma

Genoa Keawe

Hulas Of Hawaii*

GK

Sweet Lei Mokihana

Genoa Keawe

By Request*

GK

Maile Swing

Genoa Keawe

45rpm Single***

49th State

Mahalo E Hilo Hanakahi

Genoa Keawe

45rpm Single

49th State

Ei Nei

Genoa Keawe

45rpm Single

49th State

Stevedore Hula (Kipikoa)

Genoa Keawe

45rpm Single

49th State

Hanauma

Genoa Keawe

45rpm Single

49th State

Marcelle Vahine

Genoa Keawe

45rpm Single

49th State

Nawiliwili

Genoa Keawe

45rpm Single

49th State

Firemen’s Hula

Genoa Keawe

45rpm Single

49th State

Do The Hula

Genoa Keawe

45rpm Single

49th State

Ku`uipo Onaona

Genoa Keawe

45rpm Single

49th State

Kaloaloa

Genoa Keawe

45rpm Single

49th State

Anahola

Genoa Keawe

45rpm Single

49th State

Nani Waialeale

Genoa Keawe

45rpm Single

49th State

Hula O Makee

John Pi`ilani Watkins

45rpm Single

49th State

Ho`oluana

John Almeida

45rpm Single

49th State

Kalamaula

Genoa Keawe, Naughty Abbie, & Agnes Malabey

45rpm Single

49th State

Ku`u Ipo

George Naope

45rpm Single

49th State

Aloha Wau Ia `Oe

John Pi`ilani Watkins

45rpm Single

49th State

Hola `Epae

Genoa Keawe

Luau Hulas*

Hula

Ku`u Lei Hoku

Genoa Keawe

Party Hulas*

Hula

I Ali`I No `Oe

Genoa Keawe

Luau Hulas*

Hula

Mana`o No`u `Ia `Oe

Genoa Keawe

Hulas Of Hawaii*

GK

E Ku`ulei, E Ku`uipo

Genoa Keawe

Hulas Of Hawaii*

GK

Moku O Keawe

Genoa Keawe

By Request*

GK

Laelae

Genoa Keawe

By Request*

GK

E Maliu Mai

Genoa Keawe and Gary Aiko

Aloha To Aloha Grill*

GK

Pauoa Liko Ka Lehua / Mauna Loa

Genoa Keawe w/ The Sunday Manoa

The Waimea Music Festival*

Panini

Panini Puakea

Genoa Keawe

All-Time Hula Favorites

Poki

Paliakamoa

Genoa Keawe

All-Time Hula Favorites

Poki

Ke Ala O Ka Rose

Genoa Keawe

Sing Along With Auntie Genoa Keawe - Volume 3

GK

Wahiikaauula

Genoa Keawe

Sing Along With Auntie Genoa Keawe - Volume 1

GK

Aloha Ka Manini

Genoa Keawe

Sing Along With Auntie Genoa Keawe - Volume 2

GK

Pauoa Hula

Genoa Keawe

Hula - Volume One*

GK

Kapiolani Paka

Genoa Keawe

Hula Hou**

U`ilani

My Yellow Ginger Lei

Genoa Keawe

Hula Hou**

U`ilani

He U`i

Genoa Keawe

In The Hula Style**

U`ilani

Pua `Iliahi

Genoa Keawe

In The Hula Style**

U`ilani

KHBC

Genoa Keawe

In The Hula Style**

U`ilani

Pauoa Liko Ka Lehua

Pali w/ Genoa Keawe

In Harmony**

PK

Do The Hula

Hula Joe & the Hutjumpers w/ Genoa Keawe

Hula Joe & the Hutjumpers**

Black & Tan

Hu`i E

Raiatea Helm w/ Genoa Keawe

Sweet & Lovely**

RK

All selections out-of-print unless indicated. (Click on the link to a title to locate a possible distribution source.)

*Remastered and rereleased on CD

**Recent release available on CD

***Remastered and re-released on a compilation CD

Direct download: Genoa_Keawe_Mini.jpg
Category:Radio -- posted at: 3:58pm EDT

Ho`olohe Hou - COMING ATTRACTIONS

This week on Ho`olohe Hou we feature 50 years of recordings by the godmother of all Hawaiian music, Aunty Genoa Keawe, as we celebrate this Halloween baby's 89th birthday.

Tune in this Sunday at 50th State Radio for two hours of reminiscing with the music of everybody's favorite aunty - from her very first recording in 1946 to her most recent in 1996 and including even more recent guest appearances with the young lions of Hawaiian music like Zanuck Lindsey, Raiatea Helm, and Pali.

1-3pm HST

3-5pm PST

6-8pm EST

Category:Radio -- posted at: 8:52am EDT

Hawai`i's Songbird

This week’s program begins by continuing our look at traditional Hawaiian music today that I began last week after my return from Hawai`i. Having spent seventeen days on O`ahu in September, I am eager to share with you the beautiful Hawaiian music I heard - and I heard plenty! I open this week’s program by sharing my typical Wednesday and Thursday evening in Honolulu with you. Wednesdays begin at the Outrigger Waikiki Hotel with Chris Kamaka and Baba Alimoot (known together as Hema Pa`a), then down Ala Moana Boulevard to Aloha Tower Marketplace where The Brothers Cazimero perform in the relaxed but elegant atmosphere of Chai’s Island Bistro, then back to Waikiki for a late evening with Weldon Kekauoha at Tiki’s Grill and Bar at the ResortQuest Waikiki Hotel.

The remainder of the program focuses on someone who was arguably the islands’ greatest female composer of all time: Hawai`i's Songbird, Lena Machado. I don’t know what else to say about Auntie Lena except the she had a “way with words? - unlike any other. This program takes a look at the two facets of her career as vocalist and composer. This set opens with several numbers from out-of-print Columbia 78 rpms with Andy Cummings featuring Auntie Lena‘s beautiful voice, and then we spend an hour with the greats of Hawaiian music interpreting Auntie Lena’s many compositions.

As part of our Lena Machado birthday celebration, I challenge you with another “Three-Of-A-Kind? contest. I have tried to adjust for the difficulty level of this week’s contest in two ways: I have added a fourth song to this set to give you an additional clue, and I have created a set that has not one, but two correct answers. If you think you know what these four Lena Machado recordings have in common, send me an e-mail at bill@50thstateradio.com.

I encourage you to learn more about the life and music of Lena Machado. I have filled this program with lots of Auntie Lena’s music and, in so doing, I left little time to talk about the songs or the amazing woman who gave them life. But Auntie Lena’s hanai daughter, Pi`olani Motta, with the help of Kihei Silva, has written the definitive book about Lena Machado’s life and compositions. Check out Songbird of Hawai`i.

We look forward to hearing your thoughts, comments, suggestions, and requests. Send me an e-mail at the e-mail address above. Enjoy the show!  

SONG TITLE

ARTIST

LP/SOURCE

LABEL

Catching A Wave

Hema Pa`a

Two Voices, One Heart**

Hula

`Ala Anuhea

The Brothers Cazimero

Some Call It Aloha…Don’t Tell**

Mountain Apple

Honolulu At The Crossroads

The Brothers Cazimero

Some Call It Aloha…Don’t Tell**

Mountain Apple

Mele O Lana`i

Weldon Kekauoha

Ka Lehua `Ula**

`Ohelo

Makee `Ailana

Genoa Keawe

In The Hula Style**

U`ilani

My Lovely Hawaiian Maid

Genoa Keawe

Hula Hou**

U`ilani

Mahina O Hoku

Gary Aiko w/Genoa Keawe

In The Hula Style**

U`ilani

Hoe Hoe Na Wa`a

Genoa Keawe

Hula Hou**

U`ilani

Na Ka Pueo

Lena Machado with Andy Cummings Orchestra

78rpm

Columbia

My De De

Lena Machado with Andy Cummings Orchestra

78rpm

Columbia

E Ku`u Lei, My Darling

Lena Machado with Andy Cummings Orchestra

78rpm

Columbia

Mai Lohilohi Mai `Oe

Lena Machado

Hawaii’s Songbird*

South Seas

Ma`anei Mai `Oe

Myrtle K. Hilo

The Singing Cab Driver*

Makaha

Ipo Hula

Billy Gonsalves

Billy Gonsalves and The Paradise Serenaders*

Sounds Of Hawaii

Holo Wa`apa

Leinaala Haili

Hiki No

Makaha

Ku`u Wa Li`ili`i

Bill Lincoln

Bill Aliiloa Lincoln

Tradewinds

Ho`onanea

Iwalani Kahalewai

An Hawaiian Happening

Sounds Of Hawaii

Mom

Marlene Sai

Not Pau

Makaha

E Ku`u Baby Hot Cha Cha

The Invitations

Kiss Me Love*

Makaha

Aloha No

Tony Lindsey

Indebted To You

Hula

U`i Lani

Hui Ohana

Young Hawaii Plays Old Hawaii*

Lehua

Kauoha Mai

Joe Keawe

Hawaii’s Falsetto Returns*

GK

None Hula

Nalani Olds Reinhardt

Nalani `Elua

Kahanu

Ei Nei

Kawai Cockett

Hula Hou

O Ka La

Pua Mamane

Sam Bernard

Mahie

Kahanu

Kaulana O Hilo Hanakahi

Owana Salazar

Hula Jazz**

Moonbow

Kamalani O Keaukaha

The Brothers Cazimero

Follow Me**

Mountain Apple

Holau

Moana Chang

He Leo `O Moana

Mountain Apple

Moanieke`alaonapuamakahikina

Tony Conjugacion

Hawaiian Hope

Kahanu

Pohai Kealoha

Amy Hanaiali`i Gilliom

Hawaiian Tradition**

Mountain Apple

Nuku O Nu`uanu

Keao Costa

Whee-Ha!**

Mountain Apple

Ho`ohaehae

Napua Greig

Pihana**

Pihana

All selections out-of-print unless indicated. (Click on the link to a title to locate a possible distribution source.)

*Remastered and rereleased on CD

**Recent release available on CD

Direct download: Lena_Machado_mini_2.jpg
Category:Radio -- posted at: 2:18pm EDT

Ray Kinney
Category:Radio -- posted at: 11:47pm EDT

Johnny Noble
Category:Radio -- posted at: 11:46pm EDT

Helen Desha Beamer

 

Category:Radio -- posted at: 11:45pm EDT

Hawai`i's Ambassador Of Good Cheer

This week on Ho`olohe Hou, we celebrate the birthday of one of the most important figures in the history of Hawaiian music: Alvin Kaleolani Isaacs. “Papa? Isaacs’ contributions to Hawaiian music are incalculable - including the formation of one of the seminal Hawaiian music ensembles (the Royal Hawaiian Serenaders featuring the falsetto voices of Benny Kalama and George Kainapau and the unique steel guitar stylings of Tommy Castro), composing more than 300 songs in both English and Hawaiian (think “Nalani,? “Analani E,? and the comic “No Huhu?), and bringing into the world three more musical Isaacs (steel guitar great Barney Isaacs, slack key legend Atta Isaacs, and singer, bassist, and funnyman Norman Isaacs).

My goal was to cram as much of “Papa? Isaacs music into a two-hour program as possible. In so doing, I made the mistake of saying very little about the man. So, some things you should know:

Alvin Kaleolani Isaacs taught himself to play most string and wind instruments by the age of ten. He formed an orchestra by the age of 13 - doubling on piano and mandolin - and composed the first of his more than 300 songs a year later. (The first - “Kau`ionalani? - has been recorded countless times - most recently by Amy Hanaiali`i Gilliom, a selection featured on this week’s program.) During this period, this husky lad also excelled in sports. As a freshman at McKinley High he became the first freshman in Hawai`i’s history to make the All-Star Scholastics football squad, and he did equally well in track, baseball, and swimming.

Alvin married his high school sweetheart, Julita Chung, in 1924. To support the large family they planned (they eventually raised ten children), Alvin joined the Honolulu Police Department as a motorcycle patrolman. But after a debilitating motorcycle accident on the HPD job which left him hospitalized for a year, he turned his full attention to music for income - and the Hawaiian music world hasn’t been the same since.

After the tragic accident, Alvin organized a group, the K.M.M. Syncopators, in 1929. He formed several other groups after, including the original Royal Hawaiians (which often featured the great Ray Kinney) and The Islanders which enjoyed a long run at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. In 1935, he joined a band led by Harry Owens’ (who took over at the Royal), and Alvin was this group’s featured singer and comic hula dancer until 1940.

Alvin reorganized The Islanders in 1940 and they played at the Young Hotel Roof Garden until the attack on Pearl Harbor. At the same time as his run at the Young Hotel, Alvin led another band - Alvin Kaleolani and The Royal Polynesians - who were the house band for the nationwide NBC program “The Voice Of Hawai`i.? After the attack of December 7th, Alvin joined the U.S. Engineers and served as lieutenant of the guard at Punahou and took his troup of entertainers on the U.S.O. circuit.

In 1947, he assembled the aforementioned Royal Hawaiian Serenaders - an aggregation featuring Honolulu’s finest musicians of that era. Benny Kalama had a beautiful voice, a way with an `ukulele, and a knack for arranging. George Kainapau was Hawai`i’s premier falsetto singer. And Tommy Castro was a well-regarded and oft-copied steel guitarist. Along with Isaacs’ compositions, the Royal Hawaiian Serenaders were an unbeatable combination who made musical history at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel from 1947 until 1951. They made numerous recordings for the then fledgling Bell Records label (under their own name and as accompanists for other singers) and they embarked on four mainland tours which broke attendance records at the leading west coast hotels. It was this mainland exposure which helped introduce Alvin to Bing Crosby (who featured Alvin on his radio programs) and which led to work on Hollywood soundstages with Harry Owens.

A guiding principle that helped shape Alvin’s philosophy on life was his faith. He was a lifelong member of the Mormon Church, and it was not uncommon for the Isaacs clan to spend evenings in family prayer. Alvin was very active in his church, and it was while producing a talent show at his church that he conceived of the comedy classic “No Huhu.? They were rehearsing a one-act skit featuring a Chinese-dialect comedian, and Alvin dreamed up the idea for the song and had it finished it only two hours. “No Huhu? remains a staple of the Hawaiian comedy repertoire. You may hear steel guiatarist Alan Akaka perform this with aplomb on Thursday evenings when performing with Genoa Keawe and Her Hawaiians, or you may catch Ocean Kaowili regaling audiences at Honey’s at Ko`olau with this number on Sunday afternoons. (In an earlier time, two steel guitarists were known for their way with this song - Jules Ah See and Alvin’s son, Barney Isaacs. You will hear Barney’s version on this program, and you will hear Jules Ah See’s version when this program celebrates his birthday next June.)

The world lost Alvin Kaleolani Isaacs in 1984, but his memory lives on through his many compositions. This program will take a look at the new generation of Hawaiian music artists’ take on Isaacs’ classic compositions.

This week’s program opens with music from a 1984 recording by Alvin Isaacs’ longtime friend and partner, Benny Kalama - a recording on which Benny recreated the classic sound of the Royal Hawaiian Serenaders (and an album which, in my personal opinion, was robbed of a well-deserved Na Hoku Hanohano award). We then spend some time listening to the 1940s recordings of the Royal Hawaiian Serenaders on Bell Records on which Benny and Alvin performed together. Listen and discover the timeless sound Alvin and friends created that is still recognized as epitomical “Hawaiian music? - a sound you can still hear today at sunset each evening at the Halekulani Hotel in Waikiki.

The remainder of the program focuses on Isaacs’ numerous compositions performed by some of Hawai`i’s most well-loved artists - including some long forgotten names and voices. I expect that these selections will bring back great memories for some of you and for others the realization that some of your favorite Hawaiian standards are, in fact, Alvin K. Isaacs compositions. During this set, you will hear some selections from an extremely rare LP entitled “A Lei Of Songs From Sam? by Sam Kahalewai. I included as many songs from this recording as I could fit since it was extremely rare to get the Isaacs `ohana into the recording studio together, but “A Lei Of Songs From Sam? features Barney Isaacs on steel guitar, Norman Isaacs on bass, Alvin Isaacs on `ukulele, and - a surprise! - Gabby Pahinui on guitar, and more than half of this beautiful record features the compositions of Alvin Isaacs.  (If only slack key guitarist Atta Isaacs had been present at these sessions...)

And speaking of Barney, this week in our “Why In The World Is This Out Of Print?? segment, we revisit an out-of-print treasure from just a few years ago - “E Mau - Take One? - with a band led by Barney Isaacs and which - like Benny Kalama’s “He Is Hawaiian Music? just a few years before - recreated the classic Royal Hawaiian Serenaders sound. Barney enlisted the help of Benny Kalama for this recording, as well as Aaron Mahi on bass and singer, guitarist, and vintage Hawaiian music acolyte Scott Furushima.

This week’s “Three-Of-A-Kind? contest is very special. After listening to so much Alvin Isaacs music, listen closely to these three selections and the answer should be apparent to you! If not, listen closely anyway because they are three beautiful recordings which represent rare moments in Hawaiian music history. (That is a hint!)

And we close the program with proof of the timelessness of Alvin Isaacs’ compositions as we feature a handful of recording by today’s Hawaiian music artists performing Isaacs’ classic songs.

To listen to the show, click on the link to 50th State Radio or on the radio logo in the navigation pane.

We look forward to hearing your thoughts, comments, suggestions, and requests. Send an e-mail to bill@50thstateradio.com .

SONG TITLE

ARTIST

LP/SOURCE

LABEL

Ahea No Ho`i La

Benny Kalama

He Is Hawaiian Music*

Lehua

My Island Love Song

Benny Kalama

He Is Hawaiian Music*

Lehua

Hula Mai `Oe

Benny Kalama

He Is Hawaiian Music*

Lehua

Ke Aloha

The Royal Hawaiian Serenaders

Legends Of Falsetto****

Hana Ola/Cord

You’re At A Luau Now

The Royal Hawaiian Serenaders

Night Club Hula - Hawaiian Style****

Hana Ola/Cord

Mi Nei

The Royal Hawaiian Serenaders

Night Club Hula - Hawaiian Style****

Hana Ola/Cord

Manowaiopuna

The Royal Hawaiian Serenaders

Show Biz Hula - Hawaiian Style****

Hana Ola/Cord

He Nani Helena

The Royal Hawaiian Serenaders

Show Biz Hula - Hawaiian Style****

Hana Ola/Cord

Aloha Ku`u Pua

The Royal Hawaiian Serenaders

Night Club Hula - Hawaiian Style****

Hana Ola/Cord

Nalani

Randy Oness’ Select Hawaiian Serenaders

Show Biz Hula - Hawaiian Style****

Hana Ola/Cord International

Uina Uina

Prince Kawohi and The Luau Boys

At The Luau

RCA Victor

Ho`omalimali

Fely Gabriel

Hawaiian Slack Key - Vol. 1

Waikiki

Moon Of The Southern Seas

Haunani Kahalewai

Moon Of The Southern Seas

Capitol

Sing Your Cares Away

Sam Kahalewai

A Lei Of Songs From Sam

Four Winds

Nani

Ray Kinney

Remember Waikiki

Liberty

Ta-Ha-Ua-La

Hawaii Calls Orchestra

Hula Island Favorites

Capitol

Ku`ulani

Norman Isaacs

Duke Kahanamoku’s Favorites

Waikiki

No Huhu

Sterling Mossman

Live

Decca

Hula La

Chick Floyd

Hula La

Liberty

Aloha Nui Ku`uipo

Sonny Kamahele

Say A Sweet Aloha

Sounds Of Hawaii

He Nani Helena

Genoa Keawe

By Request*

GK

Analani E

The Hilo Hawaiians

Bunny Brown’s Hilo Hawaiians****

Lehua

Poi Song

Sam Kahalewai

A Lei Of Songs From Sam

Four Winds

Ala Wai Hula

Sam Kahalewai

A Lei Of Songs From Sam

Four Winds

Piipau Chant

Sam Kahalewai

A Lei Of Songs From Sam

Four Winds

I Want To Be Hawaiian

Three-Of-A-Kind Contest

Take A Guess!

 

Kauiokalani

Three-Of-A-Kind Contest

Take A Guess!

 

Ho`owali La

Three-Of-A-Kind Contest

Take A Guess!

 

Medley: Ku`ualoha E Maliu Mai/Kaleponi Hula

Barney Isaacs and The Kahala Surf Serenaders

E Mau

Aloha

Hana Hou, My Boy, Hana Hou

Barney Isaacs and The Kahala Surf Serenaders

E Mau

Aloha

The Wahine In The Lauhala Hat

Barney Isaacs and The Kahala Surf Serenaders

E Mau

Aloha

`Auhea `Oe/Ka Ua Loku

Makaha Sons

Kuikawa***

Poki

E Mau

Teresa Bright

Self Portrait***

Pumehana

Leimomi

Weldon Kekauoha

Hawaiian Man***

Guava Ding Thing

Aloha Ku`u Pua

Israel Kamakawiwo`ole

In Dis Life***

Big Boy

Kau`ionalani

Amy Hanaiali`i

Generation Hawai`i***

Mountain Apple

Blue Lei

The Royal Hawaiian Serenaders

Night Club Hula - Hawaiian Style****

Hana Ola/Cord

All selections out-of-print unless indicated. (Click on the link to a title to locate a possible distribution source.)

*Remastered and rereleased on CD.

**Selections from the same recording session by the same artist remastered and rereleased on CD but which does not include the out-of-print selection featured on this program.

***Recent release available on CD.

****This selection remastered and rereleased on a compilation CD.

Category:Radio -- posted at: 10:30am EDT

Legends - Past and Present

This week’s program opens with music from the 1970s before taking a further leap backward to the 1950s and 60s with some long out-of-print treasures. (My goal each week is to play at least one recording you have likely not heard before - even if you are an aficianado and collector of Hawaiian recordings.  But I am guessing there will be more than one you have never heard before in this first half hour set!) We then proceed to celebrate the birthdays of three Hawaiian music giants: the Sons of Hawaii bassist and arranger Joe Marshall; singer, guitarist, composer, and arranger Sonny Kamahele; and slack key master Ledward Kaapana. We mourn the passing of the multitalented Walter Mo`okini. And in this week’s “Why In The World Is This Out Of Print?? we take another listen to a party favorite of long, long ago from Tony Lindsey and Friends.

Oh, and of course, there is another “Three-Of-A-Kind? contest this time around! But I’m not sure why since none of our listeners have even attempted the last two! If my hunch is correct that I have simply been making these much too difficult, I made this week‘s contest considerably easier. Give it a try…

To listen to the show, click on the link to 50th State Radio or on the radio logo in the navigation pane.

Enjoy the show! We look forward to hearing your thoughts, comments, suggestions, and requests. Send an e-mail to bill@50thstateradio.com. 

SONG TITLE

ARTIST

LP/SOURCE

LABEL

Eleu Mikimiki

The Sunday Manoa

3*

Panini

Ku`u Hoa

Peter Ahia

Talena

Poki

Moku O Keawe

Bill Ali`iloa Lincoln

Hula In Falsetto

Tradewinds

Holo Wa`apa

Tina Kaapana

Alania

Poki

A`ole Kukui Hele Po

Kawai Cockett

I Am Hawaii

Lehua

Hanauma

Vicki Ii

Mele-Hula

Noelani

Duke Kahanamoku

Andy Cummings

Duke Kahanamoku’s Favorites

Waikiki

Kaulana O Hilo Hanakahi

Linda Dela Cruz

Hawaii’s Canary*

Hana Ola/Cord

He Aloha No O Honolulu

Richard Kauhi’s Trio

On The Beach At Waikiki

Waikiki

E Komo Mai Ehea Ke Kanaka

Eddie Kamae and the Sons of Hawaii

The Music Of Hawaii

National Geographic

Hali`ilua

Marcella Kalua with the Sons of Hawaii

Girl From Papakolea

Makaha

Kuwiliwili Iho Au

Bill Kaiwa with the Sons of Hawaii

Bill Kaiwa Sings At Maunalahilahi

Hula

Na `Ai Ono

Eddie Kamae and the Sons of Hawaii

This Is Eddie Kamae

Hula

Ku`u One Hanau

Sonny Kamahele

Sounds Of Hawaii

Sounds Of Hawaii

Ka Ua Loku

Sonny Kamahele

Say A Sweet Aloha

Sounds Of Hawaii

Tahaua La

Alan Akaka and The Islandsers

How D`Ya Do!

ALA

Cockeyed Mayor Of Kaunakakai

Gary Aiko And The Legends

A Romantic Night In Hawaii

Coconut Grove

Halekulani

Sonny Kamahele

Beautiful Hawai`i***

Aloha

Punahoa Special

Hui Ohana

Ono**

Poki

Slack Key #3

Hui Ohana

Hawaii-Tahiti**

Poki

San Antonio Rose

Hui Ohana

Aloha Pumehana**

Poki

Lulu Lima

The Kaapanas

Portrait Of The Kaapanas

Poki

I Kona

Na Leo Kani O Punahele

Na Leo Kani O Punahele

Pumehana

Freight Train

I Kona

Ka Lua O Ka Manawa

Pumehana

Ho`ese Pue Ana `Oe

Led Kaapana & Ikona

Still Pressin’

Kahale

Pipeline

Led Kaapana & Ikona

Hawai`i I Ka Pu`uwai

Leo Nui

Kapa`ahu

Ledward Kaapana and the New Ikona

Nahenahe

Kahale

Na Pua Ka Ilima

Melveen Leed

Melveen With The Best Of Slack Key*

Lehua

Tewe Tewe

Olomana

E Mau Ana Ka Ha`aheo***

Better Days

Meleana E

The Ho`opi`i Brothers

Ho`omau***

Mountain Apple

Pua Mamane

Walter Mookini with Alan Akaka and The Islanders

How D`Ya Do

ALA

Kau`ikeaolani

Tony Lindsey & Friends

Blue Darling

Hula

Ku`u Lei Anuenue

Tony Lindsey & Friends

Blue Darling

Hula

Na Wai Kaulana

Tony Lindsey & Friends

Blue Darling

Hula

Sleep Little Baby

Sonny Kamahele

Beautiful Hawai`i***

Aloha

All selections out-of-print unless indicated. (Click on the link to a title to locate a possible distribution source.)

*Remastered and rereleased on CD.

**Selections from the same recording session by the same artist remastered and rereleased on CD but which does not include the out-of-print selection featured on this program.

***Recent release available on CD.

Category:Radio -- posted at: 10:21am EDT

We're JUST Getting Started!

This week’s program opens with music perfect for a Sunday morning - vintage recordings from the 1950s and 60s. Last week we took a look at Hawaiian music across three decades - the 50s, 60s, and 70s. This week we take another look forward - at what we have in store in the weeks, months, and years to come on Ho`olohe Hou - by taking a look back - at classic out-of-print Hawaiian music of the 80s and 90s. In “Why In The World Is This Out Of Print?? we take a quick look at three Na Hoku Hanohano Award-winning albums from not so long ago by Kapono Beamer, Frank Kawaikapuokalani Hewett, and The Peter Moon Band. In a new segment - "Unlikely Heroes In Hawaiian Music" - we examine the life and work of steel guitar master Jerry Byrd. And then a look at another master as we revisit the unique slack key guitar stylings of Atta Isaacs. We challenge you with another “Three-Of-A-Kind? contest - this time one especially for slack key guitarists and other fans of slack key. And we celebrate the birthday of chanter, composer, author, lecturer, and consultant on all things Hawaiian, Kaupena Wong.

To listen to the show, click on the link to 50th State Radio or on the radio logo in the navigation pane.

Enjoy the show! We look forward to hearing your thoughts, comments, suggestions, and requests. Send an e-mail to bill@50thstateradio.com. 

SONG TITLE

ARTIST

LP/SOURCE

LABEL

Nani Waimea

The Invitations

R.S.V.P.*

Liberty/EMI Toshiba

E Naughty Naughty Mai Nei

Mel Peterson

Have Fun With Lucky

Mahalo

Haunani Mine

Lani Kai

Island Love Songs

Decca

Na Molokama

Sonny Kamahele

Say A Sweet Aloha

Sounds Of Hawaii

He Aloha No O Honolulu

Kalakaua Aylett

Pua Almeida Sings with Billy Hew Len and the Moana Surfriders

Tiki

Catching A Wave

Steve & Teresa

Catching A Wave

Steve Maii

Pua Hone

Gary Haleamau

Ke Aloha O Ka Makualani

Liko

Ua Nani Kaua`i

Kawai Cockett

Hula Hou

O Ka La

Kahukiaialo

Irmgard Aluli w/ Puamana

Have A Smile**

Puamana

Maile Swing

Cyrus Green

Evergreen Hawaiian

Lehua

North Shore Road

Kapono Beamer

Escape To Paradise

Volcano

Ka Wai Lehua A`ala Ka Honua

Frank Kawai Hewett

Makalapua `Oe

Prism

`Apa`apa Keste Aloha

The Peter Moon Band

Chinatown**

Kanikapila

Manu `Ula`ula

Brother Noland & Tony Conjugacion

Ku

Tiki Talk

Pua Ohai

Bill Kaiwa

Pure Hawaiian

Pua

Huapala Maka Onaona

Kaipo Hale

My Thoughts, My Music, My Time

Kaiponohea

Kapa`ahu

Ledward Kaapana and the New Ikona

Nahenahe

Kahale

Moku Kia Kahi

Ke`alohi

Ke`alohi

Ho`olokahi

Anytime, Any Day

Jerry Byrd

Master Of Touch And Tone*

Mid-land

Kewalo Chimes

Jerry Byrd

Byrd In Hawaii

Maple

Kaua`i Beauty

Jerry Byrd

Ukulele Stylings #1

Pa`ani

Hilo March

Jerry Byrd

Steel Guitar Hawaiian Style*

Lehua

Na Tiipaani O Na Tamalii

Alvin Kaleolani Isaacs and Sons

Alvin Kaleolani Isaacs and Sons

Lilonoe

Pa Ko Li

Eddie Kamae

This Is Eddie Kamae And The Sons of Hawaii

Hula

Keali`i’s Mele

Gabby Pahinui and Atta Isaacs

Two Slack Key Guitars*

Tradewinds

Pauoa Liko Ka Lehua

Melveen Leed

Melveen With The Best Of Slack Key*

Lehua

Mele Li`i

Atta Isaacs

Atta

Tradewinds

Tewetewe

Haunani Apoliona

Ki Ho`alu - Seattle Style

Northwest Folklife

Moloka`i Nui A Hina

Cyril Pahinui

6 and 12 String Guitar***

Dancing Cat

Ku`u Lei Pikake

Keao Costa

Whee-Ha!***

Mountain Apple

Alika Spoehr Hula

Marlene Sai with The Invitations

Sweet Someone

Makaha

I Whisper Gently To You

Noelani Mahoe

Eia Au `O Noelani***

Tradewinds

Chloe

Ry Cooder

Chicken Skin Music*

Warner Brothers

Hali`i Ka Moena

The Maile Serenaders

Slack Key & Steel Guitar - Volume II*

Hula

All selections out-of-print unless indicated. (Click on the link to a title to locate a possible distribution source.)

*Remastered and rereleased on CD.

**Selections from the same recording session by the same artist remastered and rereleased on CD but which does not include the out-of-print selection featured on this program.

***Recent release available on CD.

Category:Radio -- posted at: 9:23am EDT

The Return of HO`OLOHE HOU

Welcome back to Ho`olohe Hou! We’re pleased and honored that you joined us for this program’s new beginning at 50th State Radio. Because 50th State Radio has revived this program, now we can continue to revive the Hawaiian music of a bygone era. Mahalo nui loa to my new `ohana at 50th State Radio. Here’s looking forward to many happy years together…

This week’s program opens with music from four living legends. And then for those who have never heard the program before, we get a feel for what Ho`olohe Hou is all about - and the many treasures in store in the coming weeks, months, and years from this program - by reliving the halcyon days of Hawaiian music with some out-of-print classics from the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. (Slack key guitarists will revel in the earliest recording of one of their heroes, Sonny Chillingworth.) We challenge you with the first of many “Three-Of-A-Kind? contests. We reintroduce a segment - “Why In The World Is This Out Of Print?? - by revisiting an out-of-print treasure from not so long ago from the Brothers Cazimero. We celebrate the birthdays of singer/pianist George Paoa, singer/composer Ihilani Miller, composer and slack key guitarist Alice Namakelua. And we remember a different side of the late, great Don Ho.

To listen to the show, click on the link to 50th State Radio above or on the radio logo in the navigation pane.

Enjoy the show! We look forward to hearing your thoughts, comments, suggestions, and requests. Send an e-mail to bill@50thstateradio.com. 

SONG TITLE

ARTIST

LP/SOURCE

LABEL

`Alika

Genoa Keawe

Party Hulas*

Hula

Inoino Mai nei

Bill Kaiwa

More From Bill Kaiwa

Sounds of Hawaii

A`oia

Nina Keali`iwahamana

Nina**

Music of Polynesia

He`eia

Mahi Beamer

Hawai`i’s Mahi Beamer*

Hula

Makee `Ailana

Sonny Chillingworth

Mele-Hula, Volume 1

Noelani

Keep Your Eyes On The Hands

Alfred Apaka

Sing Me A Song Of The Islands

Decca

Give Me The Islands Everytime

Sterling Mossman

Happy In Hawaii

Decca

Ho`okipa Paka

George Kainapau

Dreams Of Hawaii

Urania

Nani Waimea

Chick Floyd

Hula La

Liberty

Anytime, Any Day

Chick Floyd

Have Fun With Lucky

Mahalo

Poi Maker’s Tune

Myrtle K. Hilo

Will You Love Me (When My Carburetor Is Busted)

Makaha

Little Brown Gal

Poncie Ponce

Poncie Ponce Sings

Warner Brothers

Ahulili

Jesse Kalima

Holiday In Hawaii

Sounds Of Hawaii

Holo Wa`apa

Leinaala Haili

Hiki No

Makaha

E Ku`u Baby Hot Cha Cha

Karen Keawehawaii

Karen

First Break

Ka `Iwa

Kekua Fernandez

Straight From Hawaii To You

South Seas

He Ono

Charles K.L. Davis

Hawaii’s Yesterday

Hana Hou

Oceans Away

The Lopaka Trio

Oceans Away

Lehua

Kainoa

Marlene Sai

Song For Honolulu

Music of Polynesia

George Paoa

There Goes Kealoha

To Make You Love Me Kuuipo

Sounds Of Hawaii

George Paoa

Hula Heaven

George Paoa Trio Live!

Hula

Ihilani Miller

Nohelani

Voice Of The South Pacific

Tiki

Ihilani Miller

The Breeze and I

Voice Of The South Pacific

Tiki

Alice Namakelua

Waipi`o Paka`alana

Auntie Alice Namakelua

Hula

Brothers Cazimero

Hanohano No `O Hawai`i

Proud Family

Mountain Apple

Brothers Cazimero

Aloha Ko`olau

Proud Family

Mountain Apple

Don Ho

I Left My Heart In San Francisco

Waikiki Swings

Hula

Don Ho

I Will

You’re Gonna Hear From Me

Reprise

Don Ho

Tomorrow

Instant Happy

Reprise

Don Ho

Sleepy Summer Days

Singer Presents…Volume 2

Reprise

Don Ho

Remembering

Suck ‘Em Up

Reprise

Don Ho

All That’s Left Is The Lemon Tree

East Coast | West Coast

Reprise

Don Ho

Do I Love You?

Live At The Polynesian Palace

Reprise

Don Ho

My Way

The Don Ho TV Show

Reprise

All selections out-of-print unless indicated. (Click on the link to a title to locate a possible distribution source.)

*Remastered and rereleased on CD.

**Selections from the same recording session by the same artist remastered and rereleased on CD but which does not include the out-of-print selection featured on this program.

Category:Radio -- posted at: 8:41am EDT