Here's a Hawaiian cowboy tune for the paniolo of Waimea on the Big Island of Hawaii. Bill Ali'iloa Lincoln recorded his own composition, "Waimea Cowboy" in 1946, but through the decades, as it was recorded and rearranged by other artists, the song gradually became known as "Hawaiian Roughrider" (no doubt as a tribute to the paniolo of all of Hawaii's islands). [(1946) Bill Ali'iloa Lincoln & his Hawaiians, (1961) Sonny Chillingworth, (1975) Hui Ohana, (1976) Ho'opi'i Brothers]
Length:4:50 Released on: 01-29-2007 Artist/Compiled by: Various Artists
Kalakaua - Through The Decades
Here is another chant in honor of Hawaii's King David Kalakaua that was subsequently set to music. Let's track this mele inoa (name song), "Kalakaua", through the decades, marveling at how similar these 3 arrangements are, even though they are recorded over an 80 year span. Each artist employs falsetto or head voice ornaments: [(1927) Sol Ho'opi'i & his Novelty Trio, (1961) Leina'ala Haili, (2006) Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom.]
Length:2:58 Released on: 01-14-2007 Artist/Compiled by: Various Artists
Lei Ohu - Through The Decades
"Lei Ohu", composed by George E. Akiu, is a song that tells the story of the decorative flower lei of the 4 largest of the Hawaiian islands: the Lehua for Hawaii, the Roselani for Maui, the 'Ilima for O'ahu, and the Mokihana for Kaua'i. You'll hear that the tempo noticeably accelerates through the decades as we trace its evolution over 80 years from the definitive falsetto group of 1927, Sol Ho'opi'i, to the definitive falsetto group of 2007, Na Palapalai (Kuana, Kehau & Keao)! [(1927) Sol Ho'opi'i & his Novelty Trio, (1947) Andy Cummings & his Hawaiian Serenaders, (1972) Gabby Pahinui, (2006) Na Palapalai.]
Length:4:30 Released on: 01-07-2007 Artist/Compiled by: Various Artists
My Yellow Ginger Lei - Through the Decades
The classic hapa haole song, "My Yellow Ginger Lei" was written by John Keawehawaii and copyrighted by him on January 29, 1948. John Kameaaloha Almeida oversaw the 1st recording of the song on the 49th State Record label in 1948, and apparently contributed the Hawaiian language introduction verse. Almeida voiced that intro himself on the recording, while Keawehawaii sang the now familiar melody line in English and falsetto. It subsequently became a favorite for falsetto and hula. (Karen Keawehawaii is John Keawehawaii's daughter.) Follow along through the decades as the song evolves: [(1948) John Keawehawaii & John Almeida, (1949) Joe Keawe, (1962) Charles Kaipo Miller, and (1998) Dennis Pavao.]
Length:3:54 Released on: 01-29-1948 Artist/Compiled by: Various Artists
Leila - (Bill Akamuhou Dias & Al Kihefner)
"Leila" (Layla), was composed by Bill Akamuhou Dias & Al Kilhefner, as a tribute to one of the most popular hula dancers at Waikiki in the postwar 1940s. She is pictured here in 1948 dancing for the Kodak Hula Show. Lila (Lyela) Guerrero was also a member of the "Waikiki Girls" that sang with Al Kealoha Perry & his Singing Surfriders on the world famous "Hawaii Calls" radio show each Saturday. The Waikiki Girls were sisters Marion Kanekapolei Guerrero Diamond and Lila Kaualoku Guerrero Replinger, and their cousin, Eloise Gasper Holt. Lila's son, Rap Replinger, would later gain fame as Hawaii's comic genius. We share "Leila" in response to a request from Van Diamond, son of Marion Diamond. Mahalo Van.
Length:2:49 Released on: 01-01-1948 Artist/Compiled by: Bill Akamuhou & his Nautical Hawaiians
