William Lionel Kalaniali'iloa Lincoln was born in Kohala, Hawai`i in 1913. One of fifteen children of a cattle rancher, Lincoln grew up speaking Hawaiian, working as a paniolo, and singing in Kohala High School's operettas and plays. After graduating in 1931, he formed his own band (he sang and played ukulele), and by 1938 he had moved to O`ahu and was already working the Waik?k? entertainment circuit. Lincoln sang straight tenor at the beginning of his career, but he was gradually influenced by Lena Machado and George Kainapau, his musical idols, into becoming a falsetto specialist. "Kawaihae Hula" celebrates a place that used to be. But as long as these songs are sung, danced, and transmitted, the places they celebrate will remain alive in us. It is because of "Kawaihae Hula" that the sound of `ili`ili still echoes at Pelekane and the image of Puaka'ilima still shimmers in the memories of Kawaihae Harbor. (Mahalo to: Kihei de Silva for his analysis from "He Aloha Moku o Keawe: A Collection of Songs for Hawai`i, Island of Keawe". We share this rare recording of "Kawaihae Hula" by Bill Ali`iloa Lincoln in response to a request from Trustee At-large Haunani Apoliona of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Mahalo Haunani.
Length:2:50 Released on: 01-01-1945 Artist/Compiled by: Bill Ali'iloa Lincoln
Harry G. Soria - Lurline Interview
Harry G. Soria, the "Dean of Hawaiian Radio" was the 1st of three generations of men named Harry Soria who became involved in Hawaiian radio. This audio is from an acetate air check recorded at KGU during the regular remote broadcast from the gangplank of Matson's SS Lurline at Aloha Tower. The reporter would interview recognizable personalities as they disembarked from the great white ship. Grandfather's wit is evident, but his allegiance to radio is also revealed, as he didn't feel television would come to Hawaii "for some time to come", but in reality, TV arrived 3 short years later in 1952.
Length:1:25 Released on: 01-01-1949 Artist/Compiled by: Harry G. Soria
Kawika - Through The Decades
Let's examine how a chant composed in honor of King David Kalakaua, "Kawika", has been performed through the years, transitioning from a chant to a mele. [(1934) Ku'ulei Kapamana & Nani Makakoa, (1930) Kalama Quartette, (1940) Napua Woodd w/ Johnny Kaonohi Pineapple & his Native Islanders, (1946) Andy Cummings & his Hawaiian Serenaders, (1969) Sunday Manoa.]
Length:7:15 Released on: 11-25-2006 Artist/Compiled by: Various Artists
Maile Swing - Through The Decades
Hear the musical evolution of John Kameaaloha Almeida's composition, "Maile Swing" as we go decade hopping via recordings. [(1946) Genoa Keawe w/ Johnny Almeida's Hawaiians, (1947) Johnny Almeida w/ Pua Almeida's Club Pago Pago Orchestra, (1980) Marlene Sai w/ Olomana, (2005) Raiatea Helm.]
Length:4:18 Released on: 11-25-2006 Artist/Compiled by: Various Artists
Manuela - A Lost Song Found
Alvin Kaleolani Isaacs appeared live in the studios of KCCN 1420 AM Radio, as our special guest on Territorial Airwaves on September 8, 1982. When his son Barney arrived, Uncle Alvin picked up his ukulele and they sang this nearly forgotten drinking song of Hawaii's yesteryears to Harry B. & the Honolulu Skylark.
Length:1:05 Released on: 08-09-1982 Artist/Compiled by: Alvin Kaleolani Isaacs
