Webley Edwards began the “Hawaii Calls” radio show on July 3, 1935.
At its peak, 750 stations were airing the show. Webley Edwards retired in 1972 for health reasons.
Danny Kaleikini tried to keep the show going. But listenership was falling, and the State of Hawaii terminated its long standing subsidy for the show.
One last “Hawaii Calls” album was produced on Lehua Records, to celebrate the show’s 40th anniversary, but for the first time without Webley Edwards.
In addition to some of the show’s veteran stars, a bevy of younger talent performed Benny Kalama’s arrangements.
“Hawaii Calls – 1975” was released at the beginning of 1975, but after 2,083 weekly episodes the “Hawaii Calls” last broadcast was on August 16, 1975.
Webley Edwards died on October 5, 1977, at the age of 74.
Today, over 40 years later, we’ll share this classic music.
This week's playlist:
1- Across The Sea – Pua Almeida
2- Sands Of Waikiki – Danny Kaleikini
3- Kanaka Waiwai – Danny Kaleikini & Penny Silva
4- Ka’a Ahi Kahului – Palani Vaughan
5- Song Of The Islands – Nina Keali’iwahamana
6- Kona Kai Opua – Charles K. L. Davis
7- Here In This Enchanted Place – Francis Kamahele
8- No Keanu Ahi Ahi – Melveen Leed
9- I Wish They Didn’t Mean Goodbye – Joe Recca
10- Wai O Keaniani – Hui Ohana
11- Now Is The Hour – Nina Keali’iwahamana
Length: 51:48 Released on: 02-17-2017 Artist/Compiled by: Various Artists
Songs of Heavenly Hana
Paul Fagan built the Hotel Hana-Maui to attract visitors to Hana after World War II.
Soon, the new hotel and it’s nearby airfield were largest employer in Hana, as the sugar industry had left the area.
Clara K. Tolentino was born on November 28, 1921.
Upon the departure of John Pi’ilani Watkins, Clara became the director of the Hotel Hana-Maui Serenaders, and became the hula choreographer, plus she led the Hana School Chorus, the Kipahulu School Chorus, and the Wananalua Church Choir.
Today, 55 years later, we’ll share this classic music.
This week's playlist:
1- Kuakea – Clara Tolentino & Hana-Maui Serenaders
2- Hula Lolo – Hotel Hana-Maui Serenaders
3- Hana Chant – Clara Tolentino
4- U’ilani – Clara Tolentino
5- No Noe Ua Kea O Hana – Clara Tolentino
6- Honaunau Paka – Clara Tolentino
7- Green Lantern Hula – Hotel Hana-Maui Serenaders
8- Pupu A’o Ewa – Randy Lee
9- Mauna Loa – Ellen Pu
10- There Goes Kealoha – Ellen Pu
11- Uheuhene – Hana School Chorus
12- Aloha Oe – Amy Moiheha & combined Choruses
Length: 52:54 Released on: 02-10-2017 Artist/Compiled by: Various Artists
Waiehu Sons
Brothers Sheldon & Kevin Brown formed their band, the Waiehu Sons, in 1971, soon after high school.
The brothers were working 48-hour shifts as paramedics in Lahaina, Maui.
Encouraged by their co-workers, they turned professional.
Slack Key Guitar master Kevin Brown and Ukulele virtuoso Sheldon Brown were joined by falsetto vocalist and bass player, Atta Betts.
They cut their debut recording, “Ho’olu”, in 1979.
Today, almost 40 years later, we’ll share this classic music.
This week's playlist:
1- Ka Uluwehi O Ke Kai – Waiehu Sons
2- Akala’I Au I Kuhiau – Waiehu Sons
3- Keawaiki – Waiehu Sons
4- Kou Aloha Mau A Mau – Waiehu Sons
5- Hula O Makee – Waiehu Sons
6- Koke’e – Waiehu Sons
7- Ikona – Waiehu Sons
8- Pua Olena – Waiehu Sons
9- Maui Waltz – Waiehu Sons
Length: 54:06 Released on: 02-03-2017 Artist/Compiled by: Waiehu Sons
Brother Noland - 1980
Noland Kaleolikolani Conjugacion was a 1975 graduate of Kamehameha Schools – Kapalama.
As the Hawaiian Renaissance of the 1970s came to a close, the icon Gabby Pahinui passed away on October 13, 1980.
Young Noland Conjugacion met with Gabby while he was recording his debut LP on Solbrea Records.
It signaled a new direction in young Hawaiian musical expression that was as revolutionary as the Richard Kauhi Quartet had been 30 years before.
Today, almost 40 years later, we’ll share this classic music.
This week's playlist:
1- Good Morning Haleiwa – Brother Noland
2- Kawaihae – Brother Noland
3- Manowaiopuna/ Koula – Brother Noland
4- Look What They’ve Done – Brother Noland
5- Pua Lane – Brother Noland
6- Nu’uanu Walk – Brother Noland
7- Haleakala – Brother Noland
8- The Pueo, Tara, & Me – Brother Noland
9- Lalanapunani – Brother Noland
Length: 53:26 Released on: 01-27-2017 Artist/Compiled by: Noland Conjugacion
Torchlighters - Coco Palms
The Torchlighters were a trio of Hawaiian musicians who performed at the Coco Palms Hotel in Wailua, Kauai, after they worked at the hotel during the day in other positions.
John Kaleiohi played guitar and sang falsetto vocals, John Kauo played the bass and sang tenor, and William Kaweo Carrillo, Jr. played the ukulele and sang baritone.
Their 1960 album was the very 1st release by Coco Palms Records.
Today, almost 60 years later, we’ll share this classic music.
This week's playlist:
1- Kaimana Hila - Torchlighters
2- Aloha Ia O Waianae - Torchlighters
3- Blue Hawaii - Torchlighters
4- Wai Ulu - Torchlighters
5- Kahealani - Torchlighters
6- Magic Isles - Torchlighters
7- Kila Kila O Haleakala - Torchlighters
8- Pupu Hinu Hinu - Torchlighters
9- Waipio - Torchlighters
10- Beyond The Reef - Torchlighters
11- Now Is The Hour - Torchlighters
Length: 53:48 Released on: 01-20-2017 Artist/Compiled by: The Torchlighters
