William Akamuhou Dias, Sr. was born on March 16, 1917 in Nawiliwili, Kauai, and we lost him at the age of 68, on March 31, 1985 in Honolulu.
Young Bill was just 8 years old when his Mother died, and only 13 when his Dad passed away.
Bill turned to music for comfort, and excelled with the Lihue Hawaiian Church Choir.
After working as a mechanics helper by day and as a member of the Rapoza Brothers musical group by night, Bill was discovered by Al Kealoha Perry, and recruited to join the famed Hawaii Calls radio show in Waikiki.
Bill’s deep & rich bass voice was featured on numerous recordings with Al Kealoha Perry’s Singing Surfriders. Eventually he formed Bill Akamuhou’s Nautical Hawaiians and enjoyed more performance & recording success during WWII and on into the 1950s.
Today, we’ll share some of our favorite recordings from recorded legacy of Bill Akamuhou !
This week's playlist:
1- Manuela Boy – Bill Akamuhou & his Nautical Hawaiians
2- Lovely Hula Hands - Bill Akamuhou & his Nautical Hawaiians
3- Just A Happy Kama’aina - Bill Akamuhou & Al Kealoha Perry
4- Blue Lei - Bill Akamuhou & Al K Perry & Singing Surfriders
5- Roamin’ In The Gloamin’/ Hawaiian Scotsman – Bill Akamuhou
6- Lola O’Brien, The Irish Hawaiian - Bill Akamuhou
7- Hula Oni Oni E - Bill Akamuhou & his Nautical Hawaiians
8- Sing, Hawaii, Sing - Bill Akamuhou & his Nautical Hawaiians
9- Leila - Bill Akamuhou & his Nautical Hawaiians
10- Oh, Hula Lady! - Bill Akamuhou & his Nautical Hawaiians
11- Twilite In Hawaii - Bill Akamuhou & Al K Perry & Singing Surfriders
Length: 52:48 Released on: 03-28-2014 Artist/Compiled by: William Akamuhou Dias, Sr.
