I first knew of Don Ho back in the mid 60’s while I was in college.His name popped up in the news, and being from the islands, I became interested in his style of music: easy going, relaxed, laid back-- kind of my own style and personality.It just so happened that I was learning to play the guitar, at that time.So I bought his album -- “The Don Ho Show” – and really enjoyed the energy and excitement of the way Don captured the audience, as well as his smooth, clear voice.It inspired me to vocalize and sing when ever I could on the college grounds with the music of the era: Folk and Beach Boy songs, and Hawaiian.I have been singing his songs ever since …… Uncle Don has touched my heart, as well as thousands all over the world.And in the recent years – before his passing -- when my wife and I travel to Hawaii, we always made it a must to see one of his evening shows at the Beachcomer Hotel at Waikiki.
Don Ho brought the Spirit of Hawaii to people all over the world.His music, performed in such a way that all could relate; in such a style and manner that drew people to him and the Hawaiian Islands.It was an extension of the old pre-war days of the Ocean going passenger ships Lurline and Matsonia, and the “Hapa-Haole” (half Hawaiian, half English) lyrics; songs that emerged out of the 30’s such as Lovely Hula Hands, Blue Hawaii, and Little Grass Shack – 100’s of songs.Don perpetuated that era in his own style that easily generated a yearning to come to the islands; to join this unusual Hawaiian entertainer that always made “you” feel good about yourself.
His audiences were literally part of his show!Don invariably would have people (Kane’s, Wahine’s and especially Keiki’s-- men, ladies and especially children) come up to the stage and “talk story” with him, then sing and dance and just have a memorable time with uncle Don …. Memories that stayed with them forever.He would sing about the islands of Hawaii; of the love of the land; of the love of the people; and speak of the goodness, the history of such paradise in the middle of the pacific.
Don could always sing well; he was a natural; a voice unlike any other.And could have begun a singing career at a younger age, but decided to go to college on the mainland. Got his degree and joined the United States Air Force, choosing to go to flight school as a fighter-pilot, and eventually flew transport and refueling aircrafts as a young Officer; during his youth, flying was always a dream.He served duty and time in the service then came home to Hawaii in the early 60’s and worked in his family’s Bar and Grille …. And occasionally sang with many of his ex-Air Force “bruddah” friends (who eventually was called “The Alii’s”).This combination became so popular that they made it a nightly show …. This was the beginning of The Don Ho Show, at Duke Kahanamoku’s, at Waikiki Beach!
Excerpt from the Album:
The Don Ho Show is a rare combination of all the basic ingredients that spell entertainment.Backed up by a young swinging group known by many throughout the country as the Alii’s.He handles the show in a most relaxed way, with the great skill and timing associated only with seasoned “Pros.”The Alii’s-- an outstanding young group of ex-Air Force boys -- play and sing with the fine spirit and abandon of youth.They, too, are equally at home with jazz, rock and roll, rhythm and blues, as well as the traditional old ballads and folk-songs of the islands.Don is many to all the people who swarm nightly to hear (and watch) him and the group – balladeer, comic, musician, entertainer, emcee, friend of the great, the near-great, and beach-boy alike, home-spun philosopher – an amazing combination of faculties and talents.Off-stage, Don, an ex-fighter pilot and the holder of a Master’s Degree from the University of Hawaii, is quiet, soft- spoken, and extremely dedicated to a career that would take him to stardom.
1969 at The International Market Place: Don Ho Show:
Don asked if anyone in the audience did not have a date ... I was in town on R&R from the War in Vietnam, alone, and I stood up; and so did a woman. He had us come up on stage, introduced us, sang "I'll Remember You" while we danced to the audience ... a very memorable moment. Don was so gracious, had us sit together and invited us to the "after show" party. This was the man (Don Ho) who touched so many lives ...
Years later (2003) my wife (not that same girl) and me took in his dinner show at the Beachcomer and showed him this photo, and he remarked, "ah ... yes, yes, remember you and the lady -- she was a little older than you?" We laughed; he also remarked, "boy you can't find dat kind shirt anymore -- nice!" He signed this photograph and the one from 1969! We sure miss him!
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Here are some great Videos: Every body "suckem up"
